Observers Challenge
2023 Program
The program this year will follow the pattern of previous years with two list groups, one for the beginner and one for the intermediate and advanced observers with telescope or binos. Lists for 2023 are in Word format and can be downloaded through these links:
2023 Binocular and Telescope List
2022 Program
Ron Mosher and Mark Simonson have created a new batch of lists for 2022 that should cover all levels of involvement - from the avid observer, the binocular user to the novice astronomer. Each list is provided as a Microsoft Word file (can be opened in other programs) or PDF. Details of the list and requirements for earning your Observers Pin for 2022 are in each list. Ron and Mark will be holding a presentation in the Speaker Tent to go over the program and answer any questions, so check the Speakers schedule when you arrive if you want to join in.
The new program will also run concurrently with the old observing program and lists from previous years, so if you're still working on a list from previous years you can still earn you pin by submitting your observation logs at Eden Valley.
2022 Observers Challenge Lists:
Novice Astronomer List - MSWord
Novice Astronomer List - PDF
Telescope - Binocular Observer List - MSWord
Telescope - Binocular Observer List - PDF
2019 Observers Challenge Lists:
Novice Astronomer List - MSWord
Binocular Observer List - MSWord
Telescope Observer List - MSWord
2018 Observers Challenge Lists:
Novice Astronomer List - MSWord
Novice Astronomer List - PDF
Binocular Observer List - MSWord
Bicoular Observer List - PDF
Telescope Observer List - MSWord
Telescope Observer List - PDF
History and Lists for the Previous Generations of the Observers Challenge Program
The Observers Challenge program was a popular addition to TMSP that began in 2007. With the guidance of Jim Bielaga, three years of lists were assembled for attendees to take on observing during the star party. Completion of each list earned the observer a special Observers Challenge pin. The lists remained largely unchanged in 2010, other than updates done by John Goar to have them current with what was visible at the time of the event and coordinates for planets and asteroids.
In 2010, the Directors were approached by Kreig "John Deere 'scope" McBride and Tom Masterson with an idea for revamping our Observers Challenge. After some discussions with the Directors on the logisitics of the program, Kreig and Tom were given the green light to proceed - and they have delivered! Here's what Tom and Kreig wrote up to describe the program:
"The TMSPA Observers Challenge list is an annual program designed for those interested in new challenges, goals and participation in an observing program. Included in the observers list is a wide variety of interesting objects, transient events which require planning, naked eye observing and both small and large aperture optical instruments. There will be some volunteers with large aperture scopes assigned with the task of assisting those observers with objects beyond their reach. The large aperture volunteers will have a sign designating their location, objects to be observed and times for public viewing.
At the end of each TMSP, transient events on the lists will be dropped and the 25 list requirement will continue with no list modifications."
The special Observers Challenge pin will be awarded to all observers who view 25 of the objects on the list. To be eligible to receive the award pin, the following criteria must be met:
- All observations must be made at the Table Mountain Star Party;
- You must log the date, time, telescope and magnification used;
- Write a brief description of the object or submit a sketch of the object.
Please check your Registration Packet Newsletter or at the Information Booth for times when you may submit your lists for review to receive your pin(s).
Tom and Kreig have also supplied an Observation Note Sheet that you can download and print out copies to bring with you. There will be a very limited supply of these sheets on the mountain (check at the Info Tent) so make sure you bring enough for your needs if you plan on participating in the Challenge.
Kreig and Tom will continue to update the observing list each year and you will have the option of completing any or all of the lists available that year to receive the corresponding lapel pin award. If you did not complete a list from the previous year(s), you can pick up where you left off and still obtain a pin for that list (while the supply of pins lasts).
Observing Lists By Year
(click the list name to download)
** 2017 Observers Challenge List **
19MB PDF download that contains the list and Finder Charts for the "hard" objects.
** 2016 Observers Challenge List **
We have some options for files to download this year beyond the main object list:
2016 Observers Challenge Introduction
2016 Observers Challenge Package (includes intro, list and finder charts) (4.6MB)
2016 Finder Charts, high-resolution PDF (12MB)
2016 Finder Charts, low-resolution PDF (4MB)
** 2015 Observers Challenge List **
2015 List Intro, charts and notes can be downloaded here. (2.7MB .zip file)
The .zip file also contains the Deep Sky Planner
list file.
Check at the Info Booth at the event for available copies of finder charts.
2013 Observers Challenge List and Maps
If you have Deep Sky Planner, Knightware (the makers of Deep Sky Planner) have provided us the Challenge List for 2013 which you can download here.
The 2012 Observers Challenge Intro and Object List
2012 Observers Challenge Finder Charts
(a 60-page, 10MB PDF file - could be helpful if you do not have a good sky atlas)
The 2011 Observers Challenge List
Lists from the original Observers Challenge Program. These lists were current as of 2010 for RA/Dec
