Become an Affiliate

The AMS, Ltd. welcomes all meteor enthusiasts, and strongly encourages its members to actively contribute to the society as Observer or Student Affiliates. The basic requirements for observer/student affiliate membership are described below, for either visual observations, radiometeor detection, or CCD and photographic imaging. Those needing more information to get started are encouraged to contact the AMS coordinator for the field of their particular interest.

AMS Affiliation Form

One unfortunate fact must be stated: If you live in a city and cannot observe outside it, most meteor work is not practical due to the pervasive light pollution of the modern urban environment. We welcome as associate members those who may not be able to observe for this reason.

To become an observer or student affiliate of the AMS Ltd., the requirements for visual observers are: To go out on three clear, moonless nights, starting not earlier than 10 P.M., and make hourly counts of all meteors seen for a total period each night of at least 3 hours. The following data should be recorded:

1. Your location;
2. The date of observation;
3. The start time of your observations and type of time;
4. The condition of the sky at the starting time, noting any haze or other obscuration;
5. A total meteor count for each full hour you observe;
6. Any changes to the sky conditions during your observing period.

Note: More experienced meteor observers are welcome to submit full descriptive data and/or meteor plots in addition to hourly counts.

It must be emphasized that accuracy and clearness of expression in reports are most important. If you observe with others, each observer must report only what he or she alone sees. Our unit is what one person sees in one hour. We encourage observers to work together, for safety reasons, for motivation, and for the enjoyment that camaraderie among meteor observers brings.

When you’ve completed these observations, mail your reports to us with dues for the current year. We will then provide you with an observing kit of charts, forms, and instructions, and admit you as an AMS observer affiliate.

Alternative forms of meeting the Affiliate membership requirements include the following:

• Those interested in radioscatter work should submit three hours of audio tapes with meteor signals on them.
• CCD or photographic observers should submit at least three separate frames with meteor trails on them.
• Those specializing in meteor spectroscopy should submit 1 good quality meteor spectrum with two calibrations of wavelength (either an artificial source or known natural source).

Something should be said about the advantages of affiliation with our group. In this work, one obtains training in scientific observations, publications and knowledge about astronomy. One also learns the value of accuracy and clarity in reporting and has the satisfaction of participating in individual or group activities useful for the advancement of science. A number of well-known astronomers and other scientists began their work with us, particularly while they were still college or high-school students. Advanced amateurs within our society occasionally have the opportunity to participate in projects involving direct amateur-professional collaboration, while affiliated professionals gain the opportunity to work with some of the brightest amateurs in this field. Perhaps the biggest, but least tangible reward for making regular AMS observations are those rare nights, while the rest of the world is asleep, that nature puts on a majestic fireworks display for only yourself and a select few to enjoy.

Individuals and groups may become affiliated with the AMS, Ltd. by payment of annual dues amounts appropriate to their situations. The American Meteor Society, Ltd. publishes a print journal, Meteor Trails, which is sent as a privilege of affiliation. Meteor Trails contains articles of interest to meteor workers of all levels, inforation on upcoming showers, and results of observing activity.

Affiliates fall into the following categories

• Students – persons under age 18 who satisfactorily fulfill the initial observing requirements.
• Observers – persons over age 18 contributing at least once a year to the society’s annual report or Meteor Trails.
• Associates – persons over age 18 interested only in meteor theory or otherwise not actively contributing to an AMS, Ltd. sanctioned observing program.
• Groups – Organizations of over 3 persons who participate in the work of the society. Three copies of Meteor Trails and other AMS documents are sent to one address.

The current dues schedule is as follows:

• Students and Observers: US $6.50
• Associates: US $8.00
• Groups: US $10.00

Individuals desiring associate affiliation, or groups desiring group affiliation need only submit the appropriate amount to the AMS treasurer:

Vladimir Getman
AMS Treasurer
141 Suburban Ave.
State College, PA 16803
USA

Individuals that are new to meteor observing, and desire observer or student status should follow the instructions below. Experienced meteor observers desiring observer status should accompany their application with a brief note describing their experience or referring to published work.