You are probably asking yourself "What the heck is this Challenge 2008 thing?" Every year I challenge myself to accomplish one or more astronomy related goals during the year. Challenges from past years have included attending four or more star parties, take a photograph of a planet, build a web page for my observing log—that has been in the works for years—and buy some new eyepieces. This year the challenge is to record 366 observations, or 1 observation per day on average. This is a leap year, which is why the goal is 366 observations versus 365.

If you are looking for a reason to observe why not join the challenge. Just think of the possibilities. With 366 observations, you could complete the necessary observations for the following Astronomical League observing clubs with a few observations to spare.

• Messier Binocular Club (50)
• Messier Club (110)
• Lunar Club (100)
• Double Star Club (100)

A number of the objects in these observing clubs are visible every night of the year. With a little cooperation from the clouds and some planning, it is possible to observe them all.

Click the graph to view a larger version

The graph above gives a quick indication of how well—or not—I am doing on meeting my goal of 366 observations this year. The blue line on the graph represents the number of observations needed for any given day at a rate of one new observation per day. The red line on the graph represents the number of observations completed for any given day. If the red line extends above the blue line, that means I am ahead of the number of needed observations—which is good. If the red line is below the blue line, then I am behind the number of needed observations—which is not good.

February 2, 2008

January was a complete washout for observing. Of the eight days that were passable for observing, the average overnight low temperature was a miserable five degrees. (see details) I am committed to the challenge for this year, but not at the expense of frostbitten toes. Additionally, during many of the clear nights in January, the scope would have sat in several inches of snow if I rolled it into the backyard. Perhaps February will bring more opportunities for observing.

March 1, 2008

After a horrible January with a big old goose egg for the number of observations completed, I just knew that February was the month to catch up. Never ever, say that things cannot get worse. Mother Nature has a way of hearing those words and showing us who is in charge. February offered one measly night of all-night observing and again the overnight low temperature was four degrees! (see details)

Although Mother Nature was very cruel during February, she offered one treat for us observers who sat staring out the window longing for a break in the weather. During the night of February 20, for a few hours between snowstorms, the skies cleared allowing a chance to view the lunar eclipse. I had to brave five-degree temperatures while standing in a few inches of snow to get some photos of the eclipse though. This opportunity kept February from being a washout like January and brought the total number of observations for the year to one.

September 27, 2008

During the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party, I logged the 366th observation this year, which was a observation of the galaxy NGC 697 in the constellation of Aries making this project complete.