IFAS Observing Challenges

Welcome to the IFAS Observing Challenges Programme.

If you have seen plasma arches rising off the edge of the Sun, yellow dust storms raging on Mars, angry red Io emerging from the shadow of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, the green dot of Uranus and the blue dot of Neptune, the glittering star fields of Sagittarius and the delicate tendrils connecting interacting galaxies, have watched auroras dancing and meteors writing silent signatures in the sky, if, in short, you have seen not only this world but something of the other worlds, too, well then, you have lived.

Timothy Ferris, Seeing in the Dark

The Observing Challenges Programme is an initiative by IFAS which is hoped will encourage better observation, systematic and dedicated observation, but more importantly; enjoyable observation. The programme is very simple. All you've got to do is pick a challenge, get hold of a copy of the observing handbook, and spend some pleasant time looking at the sky. Once you have completed all of the required observations, just return the handbook to the Observations Secretary for that Challenge. They will confirm your observations and then arrange for a certificate to be prepared in recognition of your effort and success. Your certificate will be presented to you at one of the three Star Parties arranged by IFAS member societies. Alternatively the certificate can be posted to you. Your name and club details will also be entered in the relevant Hall of Fame section.

It is important to remember however that the certificate is not the real benefit to completing this challenge. Learning more about the sky and the wonders we can see there is the ultimate benefit. This programme is neither a competition nor a test. Your ability as an observer is not being judged. You are just being encouraged to look up more often!

The Observing Handbooks are all large and lavish. They contain a huge amount of facts, information, and details, as well as information on how to complete that particular challenge. Hardcopies are available for €5.00, or all three handbooks may be purchased on cd for a minimal sum. These charges will be made simply to cover printing, copying and binding costs. No profit is or will be made by anyone involved in this programme. Downloads, of course, are free.

The Challenges

  1. The Novice Observing Challenge

    Compiled by Seanie Morris this handbook provides the perfect introduction to the hobby and science of astronomy. Everything that a beginner, or nearly-new, astronomer needs to know is covered here with explanations and advice as well as practical observing projects. Once the person attempting this challenge has completed the exercises they can apply to Seanie for the IFAS Novice Observer Certificate.

    • Contact the Observing Secretary (Coming Soon)
    • Visit the Novice Observing Challenge Hall of Fame (Coming Soon)
    • Download the file - IFASNoviceHandbook.pdf (2.5 MB)

  2. The Binocular Observing Challenge

    Subtitled "110 extraordinary objects to see through ordinary binoculars" this handbook, which was compiled by John Flannery, serves as an excellent incentive to dust off the binoculars and see what you can really see through them. John's handbook has diagrams and charts to help find the objects as well as detailed descriptions to help appreciate what you are seeing. The certificate for this challenge is available in Gold, Silver and Bronze levels depending on how many objects you have logged.

    • Contact the Observing Secretary (Coming Soon)
    • Visit the Novice Observing Challenge Hall of Fame (Coming Soon)
    • Download the file - IFASBinocularHandbook.pdf (1.4 MB)

  3. The Messier Objects Observing Challenge

    Mick O'Connell has put together a lavish observing guide to the next level of observing. This book gives detailed background information on Charles Messier, his catalogue of objects, and the deep-sky as well as star-charts and guides to help navigate your way through the most famous list of deep-sky splendours. The certificate for this challenge is available in Gold, Silver and Bronze levels depending on how many objects you have logged.

    • Contact the Observing Secretary (Coming Soon)
    • Visit the Novice Observing Challenge Hall of Fame (Coming Soon)
    • Download the file - IFASMessierHandbook.pdf (3.8 MB)

The Rules

  1. To take part in the Observation Challenges Programme you must be a member of one of the member clubs or societies of the IFAS. You can get a list of IFAS members clubs here.

  2. Observations must be made after the 18th September 2004.

  3. You must either post or hand your Handbook to the Observations Secretary who will then verify your recordings. Your Handbook must be received at least 28 days before the star party at which you wish to receive your certificate.

  4. Duplicate observations must be made for each Observing Challenge. If, for example, you observe M31, the Andromeda Galaxy for the Messier Objects Observing Challenge, you cannot use the same observation for the Binocular Sky Observation Challenge.


Please remember that the people involved in this project are volunteers who are giving their time freely to run and maintain this programme. The purpose behind the Observation Challenges Programme is to encourage better, more systematic, and more organised observation of the night sky. These rules are there to help the programme run smoothly and should not be seen as restrictive or harsh. We're just trying to be fair.

NO PERSON OR ORGANISATION PROFITS FINANCIALLY FROM THIS OBSERVATION CHALLENGES PROGRAMME.

Best of luck, enjoy the challenges, and feel free to contact any of the below with queries, comments or suggestions.

The Observing Challenges Working Group