Satelloid Programs

Satelloid - A small moonlet which orbits an asteroid or a young celestial explorer who belongs to and orbits with a much larger body of young explorers.
   
Satelloid Observing Programs and Ranks
Rank Program Description Time to Complete
Novice Sketch The first project is designed to teach the Satelloid the difference between observing and seeing. 30 Mins.
Lunar Phases Satelloid will observe and sketch the Moon's orbit around the Earth and the effect it has on the phases. 2 Weeks
Ensign Stargazer Constellations I Satelloid will learn to find and recognize some of the brightest constellations in the night sky.  Project forms are based on current season. 1 Night
Planet Report Research and write a 1 paragraph report on any planet you choose.  Report must be presented to your local Satelloid Club (if applicable). 2 Hours
Satellites I Satelloid will learn to predict and observe artificial satellites as they pass overhead. 2 Weeks
Identify Planets With charts provided with the project, Satelloid will learn to locate and identify planets. 2 Nights
Stargazer Constellations II Satelloids will learn to find and recognize next level of constellations. 2 Nights
Moon Report Research and write a 1 paragraph report on any moon in the solar system you choose.  Report must be presented to your local Satelloid Club (if applicable). 2 Hours
Binoculars Satelloid will learn how binoculars work and which type is good for astronomy. 1 Day
Planet Tracking Satelloid will receive an information and planetary chart.  The goal is to track the motion of a planet against the stars to observe its' orbit around the Sun. 1 Month
Asterisms I Using skills learned in Constellations I & II Satelloid will find some common Asterisms in the sky. 2 Nights
Master Stargazer Astronomer Report I Research and write a 1/2 page report on either Copernicus or Galileo.  Report must be presented to your local Satelloid Club (if applicable).  4 Hours
Unusual Stars Satelloid will search and observe unusual stars. 2 Nights
Binocular Objects Satelloid will use binoculars to find and observe bright binocular objects. 3 Nights
Planet Tracking II Satelloid will receive an information and planetary chart.  The goal is to track the motion of a second planet against the stars and compare its' motion to the first planet. 1 Month
Telescopes Satelloid will learn telescope basics. 2 Hours
Ensign Observer Asterisms II Using skills learned in Asterisms I, Satelloid will find even dimmer Asterisms. 3 Nights
Meteor Shower Satelloid will watch and record a meteor shower. 1 Night
Astronomer Report II Research and write a 1/2 page report on Charles Messier and the Messier Objects.  Report must be presented to your local Satelloid Club (if applicable). 4 Hours
Binocular Objects II Satelloid will use binoculars to locate and sketch brightest Messier Objects. 3 Nights
Telescope I Satelloids will begin to become familiar with telescope use.  Use a telescope to observe and sketch an area of the moon and two planets. 2 Nights
Double Stars Satelloid will use a telescope to observe and sketch double stars. 2 Nights
Observer Star Maps Satelloid will learn how to read and use detailed star maps. 2 Hours
Uranus Satelloid will use binoculars to locate and observe the planet Uranus. 2 Weeks
Asteroid Report Research and write a 1/2 page report on the discovery of the first asteroids.  Report must be presented to your local Satelloid Club (if applicable). 4 Hours
Telescope II Satelloids will use a telescope to observe and sketch  the brightest Messier Objects. 1 Month
Neptune Use a telescope to locate and observe the planet Neptune. 2 Weeks
Asteroid I Locate and track a bright Asteroid. 2 Weeks
Master Observer Lunar Occultation Satelloid will observe and time at least two lunar occultations.   1 Night
Constellations III Satelloid will learn several obscure constellations to help them further learn the night sky. 2 Nights
Jupiter's Moons Satelloid will record the changing positions of Jupiter's moons, a shadow transit, and the Great Red Spot. 1 Month
Meteor Shower II Satelloid will observe and record meteor shower.  They will also research and write a 1 / 2 page report on the history of the shower they observed.  Report must be presented to your local Satelloid Club (if applicable). 1 Night + 4 Hours
Telescope III Satelloid will use a telescope to locate and sketch NGC objects 1 Month
Asteroid II Satelloid will track the position of at least three asteroids. 1 Month
Eclipse Satelloid will observe a solar / lunar eclipse. 1 Night / Day
Astronomer Lunar Graze / Asteroid Occultation Satelloid will participate in a Lunar Graze or Asteroid Occultation Expedition. 1 Night
Variable Star Satelloid will track and record the brightness changes in a long-term variable star. 1 Month
Comet Satelloid will locate and sketch a non-naked eye comet of their choosing. 2 Weeks
Free Project Satelloid will observe any event or object of their choice of suitable challenge.  Satelloid will present the project to your local Satelloid Club (if applicable). ????
Master Astronomer Mentor Satelloid will continue to observe and  improve their observation skills while mentoring fellow Satelloids. Lifetime!
 

Merit Awards

Since not every astronomical happening can be posted as part of one of our ranking projects, Satelloids at any level that observe, record, and submit events that show a passion for the night sky can at the Chief Astronomer's discretion be awarded a Merit Award.  Satelloid members that receive a Merit Award will also receive a plus behind their current ranking as a sign of their achievement.  For example a Stargazer who earns a Merit Award will be increased to a Stargazer +.