The Royal Astronomical Association of Canada offers a variety of Observing Certificates:
The Binocular Challenge
Developed by Marc Ricard of our Montreal Centre, you only need a pair of binoculars to observe the list of deep-sky objects and double stars in this challenge. An ideal project for beginners!
Click here to browse the Binocular Challenge on-line.
Explore the Universe
To earn this certificate, participants are required to observe a variety of celestial objects such as the planets, double and multiple stars, variable stars, the moon, and some deep-sky objects. This certificate is ideal for those beginning to observe the night sky.
The Messier Challenge
As the name suggests, participants are required to observe a list of Messier objects. To master this challenge, you will need a medium-sized telescope. As a point of interest, it was Montreal Centre member Isabel K. Williamson who “invented” this challenge, which has now been taken up by astronomy clubs all over the world.
The NGC Finest Challenge
This observing certificate is a challenge for experienced observers. You’ll need a big telescope and a lot of perserverance to spot all NGC objects on this list!
The Isabel K. Williamson Lunar Observing Challenge
In honour of one of the Montreal Centre’s most famous members, this Lunar observing challenge is named after Isabel K. Williamson. Requiring only a small to mid-sized telescope, this comprehensive observing challenge is still quite demanding. Montreal Centre members may join the IKW Lunar Observing Group.
The RASC Montreal Centre Family Programme
Get the kids involved! Our Family Programme offers family activities that bring together parent and child, such as Stargazing Workshops (suggested for ages 6 and up) and the Sky Wizard observing certificate programme (suggested for ages 8 and up).
Click here to read the introduction to our kid’s programme Become a Sky Wizard and Master the Universe by RASC Montreal Centre president Andrew Fazekas.
For general information about our Family Programme, click here to download the Sky Wizard brochure (pdf format, 2.2Mb)
