If our work sounds interesting to you, please consider affiliating with our society. Your affiliation includes a year's subscription to the AMS journal, "Meteor Trails," receipt of the society's annual report, and other occasional publications and bulletins. There are four types of affiliation:

* Student - $6.50 annually

Persons under age 18 who satisfactorily fulfill the initial Observer status requirements.

* Observer - $6.50 annually

Persons over age 18 who meet the initial Observer status requirements, and who contribute at least once a year to an AMS observing program or special project.

* Associate - $8.00 annually

Persons wishing to subscribe to the society's publications, without having to meet the Observer status requirements or actively contribute to an AMS observing program or special project.

* Group - $10.00 annually

Organizations of at least 3 persons who participate in the work of the society (as defined under Observer above). Affiliation at this level allows requests of up to three copies of the AMS journal and other publications sent to one address.

Observer Status Requirements

The AMS welcomes all meteor enthusiasts, and strongly encourages its members to actively contribute to the work of the society. In 1993, the AMS Board of Directors created the special affiliate class of Observer to encourage this higher level of participation. The basic requirements for Observer status are described below, for either visual observations, radiometeor detection, meteor spectroscopy, or CCD / photographic imaging. Those needing more information to get started are encouraged to contact the AMS coordinator for the field of their particular interest.

The requirements for visual meteor 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.

Alternative forms of meeting the Observer status requirements include the following:

* Those interested in radiometeor work should submit three hours of audio tapes with meteor signals 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).

* CCD or photographic observers should submit at least three separate frames with meteor trails on them.

Copies of the above should be included with your dues and completed membership form, and sent to the AMS Treasurer (address below).

Please note that all individuals are still most welcome to join the society as regular Associates, without meeting any of the above observer status requirements. Payment of the appropriate society dues is the only requirement for Associates.

AMS Affiliation Form

Please provide us with the following information:

Name:______________________________________________

Organization:______________________________________

Address 1 (Street, Box, etc.):_________________________________________________

Address 2 (Apt No., etc.):________________________________________

City: ____________________________

State / Region: _________________

Postal (Zip) Code: ___________________

Country:________________

Email:__________________________________

Membership Status:

-------- New affiliate ---------- Renewal

Type of affiliation:

-------- Student ($6.50)

-------- Observer ($6.50)

-------- Associate ($8.00)

-------- Group ($10.00)

Affiliation requires a check or money order made out to the "American Meteor Society," in US Dollars. If you live outside of the USA, do not send checks. Please send postal money orders. This completed form, society dues, and Observer requirements (if applicable) should be mailed to:

Karl Simmons

AMS Treasurer

44017 Woodland Court

Callahan, FL 32011

USA

Please allow us about 2-6 weeks for the processing of new affiliations.

Notes, articles and visual observations may be submitted to the AMS Visual Coordinator Kim Youmans at the following address: 556 Maurice Dr., Swainsboro, GA 30401

They may be also submitted by email to meteorsga@bellsouth.net