Hands-On Astronomy

Req 8 — Choose Your Adventure

With your counselor’s approval and guidance, do ONE of the following:

This is your chance to go beyond learning about astronomy and actually do astronomy. You will choose one of six hands-on projects, each offering a different way to engage with the night sky. Read through all the options, pick the one that excites you most, and get your counselor’s approval before you begin.

Remember: you only need to complete ONE of these options.

Option A: Visit a Planetarium or Observatory

8a.

Visit a planetarium or astronomical observatory. Submit a written report, a scrapbook, OR a video presentation afterward to your counselor that includes the following information: (1) Activities occurring there, (2) Exhibits and displays you saw, (3) Telescopes and other instruments being used, (4) Celestial objects you observed.

A planetarium projects a realistic night sky onto a domed ceiling, letting you learn constellations and celestial events in a comfortable setting. An observatory houses real telescopes used for observation and research. Many observatories have public viewing nights.

Report Checklist

What to include in your report, scrapbook, or video

The name and location of the facility you visited.
What activities were going on (public viewing, show, lecture, research).
What exhibits or displays you saw and what you learned from them.
What telescopes and instruments you saw, including their type and size.
What celestial objects you observed (if applicable) and what they looked like.
Your personal highlights — what surprised or excited you most.

U.S. Planetariums Directory Find a planetarium near you with this comprehensive directory. Best Observatories to Visit Guide to some of the best public observatories in the United States.

Option B: Extended Observation Session

8b.

Plan and participate in an observation session that includes using binoculars or a telescope and includes at least 10 celestial objects beyond those observed in requirement 4. These might be lunar features, Messier objects, additional constellations or planets, or artificial satellites including the International Space Station. List the celestial objects you want to observe and find each in a star chart, guidebook or by using an app. Prepare a log or notebook. Discuss with your counselor what you hope to observe prior to your observation session. Review your log or notebook with your counselor afterward.

This option is for Scouts who want to go deeper into observing. You will plan a session targeting at least 10 objects you have not yet observed for this badge.

Great objects to target:

Messier objects — Charles Messier cataloged 110 deep-sky objects including nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. Many are visible with binoculars or a small telescope:
- M31 (Andromeda Galaxy), M42 (Orion Nebula), M45 (Pleiades), M13 (Hercules Cluster), M44 (Beehive Cluster)
Double stars — Stars that appear close together, like Albireo in Cygnus (a beautiful gold and blue pair through a telescope)
Lunar features — Craters, mountains, and rilles beyond the five you identified in Req 6a
The International Space Station — Track it at spotthestation.nasa.gov

Option C: Host a Star Party for Your Troop

8c.

Plan and host a star party for your Scout troop or other group such as your class at school. Use binoculars or a telescope to show and explain celestial objects to the group.

A star party is an event where you invite others to observe the sky with you. Hosting one means you are the guide — sharing your knowledge and excitement about astronomy.

Star Party Planning

Steps to a successful event

Choose a date near new Moon for the darkest skies.
Pick a location away from bright lights with a clear view of the sky.
Check the weather forecast and have a rain date.
Plan 3–5 objects to show your group (the Moon, a planet, a star cluster, and a bright double star are great choices).
Practice finding your targets before the event.
Prepare brief explanations for each object — share interesting facts.
Remind attendees to bring warm clothing and use red-light flashlights.
Consider having a star chart or app demonstration to start the evening.

A group of Scouts gathered around a telescope at a star party, with one Scout pointing at the sky and explaining something to the group

Option D: Help an Astronomy Club Star Party

8d.

Help an astronomy club in your community hold a star party that is open to the public.

Local astronomy clubs regularly host public star parties where experienced members share their telescopes and knowledge with the community. Volunteering with a club lets you learn from experienced astronomers while helping introduce others to the sky.

How to find a club:

Search for “astronomy club” + your city or state online
Check the Astronomical League’s member club directory at astroleague.org
Ask at your local planetarium, science museum, or library

How you can help:

Set up and take down telescopes and equipment
Guide visitors to viewing stations
Help explain what people are looking at
Manage lines and answer basic questions
Distribute star charts or handouts

Option E: Astrophotography Project

8e.

Personally take a series of photographs or digital images of the movement of the Moon, a planet, an asteroid, meteor, or a comet. In your visual display, label each image and include the date and time it was taken. Show all positions on a star chart or map. Show your display at school or at a troop meeting. Explain the changes you observed.

This option combines astronomy with photography. You will document the movement of a celestial object over time and create a visual display.

Suggested projects:

Moon movement: Photograph the Moon at the same time several nights in a row to show its changing phase and position.
Planet tracking: Photograph a bright planet’s position among the stars over several weeks.
Meteor shower: Set up a camera on a tripod during a meteor shower and capture streaks of light.

Smartphone Astrophotography Guide Beginner's guide to taking astronomical photos with your smartphone.

Option F: Online Observing

8f.

With your parent or guardian’s and counselor’s approval, use online observing opportunities such as SkyNet to observe planets, comets, galaxies, and/or the sun. Describe your experience to your counselor.

Several programs let you control real, professional-grade telescopes remotely through the internet. This is an incredible opportunity — you can observe objects that might be impossible from your location due to weather, light pollution, or geographic limitations.

Online observing resources:

Skynet Robotic Telescope Network University of North Carolina's network of robotic telescopes available for educational use. Request observations of galaxies, nebulae, and more. MicroObservatory — Harvard Free robotic telescopes operated by Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, designed for students.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Option	Best for…	Requires…
A — Planetarium/Observatory	Learning from experts, seeing professional equipment	Access to a facility, travel
B — Extended Observation	Going deeper into observing, building skills	Binoculars or telescope, dark sky
C — Host Star Party	Sharing knowledge, leadership practice	Equipment, a group to invite
D — Help Club Star Party	Learning from experienced astronomers	Finding a local club
E — Astrophotography	Photography enthusiasts, visual learners	Camera (smartphone works!), patience
F — Online Observing	Areas with bad weather or light pollution	Internet access, parent permission

Talk with your counselor about which option works best for your situation, interests, and available resources.

You are almost done. One more requirement to go — exploring astronomy as a career or hobby.