Are you a beginning observer who is unsure of where to aim your telescope? Have you located a few of the brighter deep sky objects, but are not sure where to go from there? Tired of spending good clear nights wandering aimlessly among the stars? If this describes you, then the EVAC observing programs may be just what you're looking for! Whatever your level of observing expertise, EVAC has a program to suit you. Everyone benefits from participation in an organized observing program!

By successfully completing any of these programs, club members will earn a certificate from EVAC. Some programs may also meet the requirements for Astronomical League certification. The EVAC Observing Programs offer a great way to sharpen your observing skills while learning more about the night sky. The process also provides structure and challenge in your observing sessions.

Observing Program Details

Getting started on any of the EVAC Observing Programs is as easy as 1 ... 2 ... 3 ...

  1. Select the program in which you would like to participate, click on the link and print out the information.
  2. Observe all objects on the list and record your visual impressions in a journal. Include as much detail as possible. Click here to download the generic EVAC Observation Log form (PDF). Specific log forms are available within each observing program below.
  3. When you have finished the list, submit the completed observing log (or a copy thereof) to the EVAC Observing Programs Coordinator, Peter Argenziano. After verification, you will receive a certificate and a small plaque suitable for mounting on your telescope.

The East Valley Astronomy Club invites all interested amateurs to participate in these observing programs, however formal recognition is only available to club members.

Good luck!

Programs Offered

The Messier Program is a great program for those who are new to deep sky observing. The Messier catalog contains 110 of the brightest and the best objects in the sky.

The EVAC 200 Program is the follow-up to the Messier program and is more challenging both in terms of the number of objects and the difficulty of the objects.

The Binocular Messier Program is a wonderful way to observe the Messier objects in their proper context in the night sky.

The Lunar Program is well suited for both the beginner and the accomplished observer.

The NGC Finest Program is a challenging list of 110 objects not included in the Messier catalog.

The Herschel 400 Program is an advanced program for the more experienced visual observer.

The Herschel II Program is another advanced program for the more experienced visual observer.

The Double Star Program aims to introduce observers to 100 of the finest double and multiple stars in the sky.

The Globular Cluster Program focuses on the large groupings of old stars.

The Planetary Nebulae Program concentrates on 30 of these objects; the expanding gas shells of dying stars.

The Open Cluster Program contains a list of 98 of these loose aggregations of young stars.

The Galaxies Program logs 113 galaxies.

The Palomar Globular Cluster Program is a challenging program for owners of large telescopes.

The Barnard Dark Nebulae Program is a subset of the entire Barnard catalog, containing 132 entries.

The Hickson 100 Program contains a list of 100 galaxy groups from the Hickson catalog, with each entry containing a minimum of four members.

The Berkeley Open Cluster Program is a challenging list of 88 open clusters.

The Andromeda Globular Cluster Program is an advanced program for the more experienced visual observer, concentrating on 25 globular clusters within the Andromeda Galaxy.

The Arp Galaxy Program contains a list of 72 galaxies from the Arp Catalog of Peculiar Galaxies.

The Edge-On Galaxy Program contains a list of 47 galaxies viewed from the side.

The Lunar 100 is a challenging program prepared by Charles Wood.

EVAC Observing Program Page of Fame