bessell@mso.anu.edu.au Designated Observatory Text Documents THE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA Designated Observatory Registry Application Form Last modified: 1 May 2007 The Astronomical Society of Australia has been asked by STANDARDS AUSTRALIA to compile a list of "designated" optical observatories that are valuable resources for (i) research, (ii) education and (iii) community use. The ASA is the final arbiter of whether any particular observatory is so designated. The Australian Standard AS4282 on "The Control of the Obtrusive Effects of Outdoor Lighting" provides guidelines for planning authorities to ameliorate the effects of light pollution in the vicinity of optical observatories. We recommend that this standard and the guidelines should be drawn to the attention of local and state planning authorities. Good lighting practice benefits the whole community, not only astronomers. Acceptance as a designated observatory does not imply any form of legal status, but it does recognise an observatory's contribution to the local or wider community and in our experience assists an observatory present a stronger case for protection against obtrusive lighting. The INTERNATION DARK-SKY ASSOCIATION (http://www.darksky.org/~ida) provides much information assisting this cause including strategies for dealing with councils and neighbours. Membership is highly recommended. Upon receipt of your application form, your observatory will be entered on a list of "Pending Designated Observatories" on the ASA Home Page. Formal acceptances are approved three times a year at ASA Council Meetings. Status as a designated observatory will be reviewed every 2 years based on calendar year submitted in January. Please fill out the application form below and submit it. Please email the text version to bessell@mso.anu.edu.au Under Instruments and Facilities, list not only the telescopes but also any freestanding buildings that house them, such as a dome or shed with sliding roof and so forth. For small private observatories it is important that a supporting statement from an astronomical society be provided testifying to the usefulness of the research program being undertaken and/or the community benefits from any educational activities. For school and college observatories someone on behalf of the administration of the school or college should second the application and provide a supporting statement. If you have any questions contact Mike Bessell at: email:bessel@2mso.anu.edu.au phone: 02 6125 0268 fax: 02 6125 0233 ***************************************************************************** Application for Designated Observatory Status Observatory Details Name of Observatory Educational Institution Amateur Society Private Principal activity Research Education Tourism Daytime Nightime Observatory Coordinates (if known) South East Height Instruments and Facilities Postal Address Contact Person Email Web Address Phone Number Fax Statements from Proposer and Seconder Seconder should best be from local astronomical society, educational institution, etc. Proposer Email or phone Supporting statement Seconder Email or phone Supporting statement Details of Proposed Activities Research Nights Days Average Group size Educational Nights Days Average Group size Other Nights Days Average Group size Estimated number of annual guests Other Comments Comments If you do not have good coordinates for your observatory and it is not within a city or town limits with a street and/or block number, please fax or mail a map showing the location. Email this completed form to bessell@mso.anu.edu.au