TriState members become part of the Astronomical League as members of an affiliated club. One would have to pay $35.00 per year to join as a member-at-large.

What will joining Astronomical League do for me? For starters, the quarterly "Reflector" magazine is available on line to members only. This magazine is written for amateur astronomers by amateur astronomers and has articles, cartoons, poetry, book reviews, League business, and information about League services. You can also take advantage of a 10% discount through the League's Book Service.

Want to see your name in a national magazine? By completing any of the Observing Programs you will receive a pin and Certificate of Achievement as well as have your name listed in the "Reflector". With over 50 Observing Programs to choose from, there is one for every taste such as: the Messier, Binocular Messier, Deep Sky Binocular, Herschel 400, Sunspotter, Meteor, Arp Peculiar Galaxy, Double Star and Lunar. Some of these programs are described briefly below along woth an image of the award pin. Just click on the text or image to go to the Astronomical League page for that program.

Finally, there is the annual National Convention "ALCON" held in different regions of the country, as well as regional conventions. In both instances, you can have access to the best and brightest names in amateur astronomy.

Questions, please contact the TriState Astronomical League Coordinator, Matt Orsie at: wvbirder@comcast.net

Thanks to French comet hunter Charles Messier, this is one of the most popular lists of objects known. If you've only just begun to learn the sky, this list will jump start your knowledge and keep you happily occupied for many nights. It's the perfect way to get familiar with some of the skies most beautiful targets. There are 110 required for the award.

This is another all time favorite list. Binoculars are portable and fun and using them to cruise the night sky while collecting Messiers will sharpen your skills as an observer. Viewing any 50 of the 110 Messiers qualifies for an award.

This program is a must do and will acquaint you with our nearest neighbor, the moon. You'll learn to appreciate the moon more and never look at it the same after completing this intriguing list of 100 lunar features.

Most stars are double and this list of 100 increases your knowledge and appreciation of some of the best double stars in the sky. This program is a bit intense, but fun, and you'll learn to love stars in a whole new way after completing this one. Sketches are required for this one, so sharpen your pencils!

The following criteria is needed for the Urban Observing Program: Naked eye liminig magnitude of: 5.6 to 6.0, SQM equivilant: 19.50 to 20.49

Only hints of zodiacal light are seen on the best nights in autumn and spring
Light pollution is visible in most, if not all, directions
Clouds are noticeably brighter than the sky
The Milky Way is very weak or invisible near the horizon, and looks washed out overhead
When it is half moon (first/last quarter) in a dark location the sky appears like this, but with the difference that the sky appears dark blue