The Vermont Astronomical Society is located in the Burlington, Vermont area, with monthly meetings in Essex Junction and an observatory in Hinesburg. We are a group of amateur astronomers with varying backgrounds and levels of expertise, but all with a passion for astronomy and related fields. Beginning amateur astronomers or those with only a casual interest are welcome to attend our monthly meetings and public observing events. If you spend your clear nights looking up at the stars and wondering which constellations you are seeing, wish you knew the names of the most brilliant stars, or where to find the planets currently visible, we can help.
The VAS can help you get started with most any aspect of amateur astronomy, be it visual observations, astro-imaging, or public outreach and education. We have members with experience in all these areas who can help you get started or improve your skills in your area of interest.
Most amateur astronomers agree that everyone seems to benefit from participation with other experienced amateurs or clubs, or following an organized observing program. Learning how to use your binoculars or telescope efficiently and learning the night sky is easier, quicker, and more enjoyable when working with others who enjoy helping you get started in the hobby they love.
Mentoring Program
The VAS has a Mentoring Program that matches beginners in amateur astronomy with VAS members willing to help them become familiar with the night sky, observing equipment, telescope making, or other specific fields of interest, such as advanced astro-imaging.
Visual Observing
Visual observing is the easiest way to get started because the equipment is usually less expensive than other methods and is how most amateur astronomers begin. Visual observation can be divided into 2 types: binocular and telescope. The VAS observing certificate series is a great way to learn more about the night sky and can help guide you and grow your observing skills.
Binoculars
Although handheld binoculars can be used to locate some deep-sky objects, large or giant binoculars show much more. The most common giant binoculars are the 11×70 and the 20×80. (The first set of numbers is the binocular magnification, and the second set of numbers is the size of the front lens, or objective, in millimeters.) Giant binoculars provide some of the best views of large deep-sky objects, such as open star clusters, star clouds, large dark nebulae, and bright comets. Giant binoculars can’t be handheld steady enough, so they need a sturdy tripod or some other homemade mount. Some of the best giant binocular deep-sky objects, such as star clusters, can be found in popular lists like the Messier and Caldwell Catalogs; the best large dark nebulae can be found in the Barnard Catalog. VAS has binocular observing certificates for each of these catalogs. For more information, please see the certificate series link on the VAS website.
Telescopes
Telescopes have a much narrower field of view than most binoculars but offer greater light-gathering power and better resolution. Telescopes are needed to see details of planets and deep-sky objects. A longtime standard amateur telescope has been the 8” (200mm) F/6 Newtonian. The 8” (200mm) is the size of the primary mirror or objective; F/6 gives the distance from the main mirror to the eyepiece [8” x 6 = 48” or 200mm X 6 = 1200mm]. The Newtonian is the optical configuration of the telescope; it is generally portable and well suited for visual observations of the planets and deep-sky objects.
Planetary observing is the practice of seeing fine details on the Moon and 4 other planets: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. The other planets in the Solar System are too small and too far away to show details in a typical amateur telescope. Deep sky objects include star clusters, gaseous and planetary nebulae, and various galaxy types. Almost all the finest deep sky objects can be found in the New General Catalog as well as others in the Messier and Caldwell Catalogs. VAS has telescopic certificates for planetary and deep sky observing. For more information, please see the certificate series link on the VAS website.
Occasionally, the VAS offers Newtonian telescope-making classes, providing all the materials needed to assemble a 6” F/8 reflecting telescope. The type of mounting and exterior finish are left to the owner. [The specific telescope parameters may differ in the future]
Intermediate Amateur Astronomers
For the intermediate amateur with a few years of experience and some equipment knowledge, VAS offers advanced certificates for experienced planetary and deep-sky visual observers. For more information, please see the certificate series link on the VAS website.
Advanced Amateur Astronomers
The vast majority of books and observing programs seem to cater primarily to beginner amateur astronomers. A few hardy observers may want to go beyond making simple observations of different deep-sky objects and do something more sophisticated and challenging. Astronomy is one of the three sciences that offer research activities and opportunities for amateurs to make significant contributions to the field; the other two are Paleontology and Archaeology.
VAS members have contributed in the areas of visual searching for new comets, novae, extragalactic supernovae, and electronic searching of CCD images for asteroids. Discoveries so far have included two new asteroids and one nova. For more information, please see the awards link on the VAS website.
The VAS issues certificates and awards to formally recognize the fine efforts of those completing the requirements for any VAS certificate, and invites all interested amateur astronomers to participate.
Astro Imaging
VAS does not yet have an astro-imaging program, but experienced members can offer advice on getting started or how to enhance your imaging results.
Outreach & Public Education
VAS members of any level are encouraged to join in the Public Education efforts. Beginners can start by supporting the setup and execution of events or educational presentations. As knowledge and experience grow, involvement can be increased until the person is ready to deliver their own outreach program or educational sessions.