Observing Program Division Announcement – T Coronae Borealis AL Observing Challenge and Special Observing Award
With the rare event of a recurrent nova in the Milky Way, one of perhaps as few as five known ones, The Astronomical League is bringing our latest AL Observing Challenge and Special Observing Award. There are two levels and two observations required. The first one should be done as soon as possible.
You do NOT need to be a member of the AL to do Level 1.
For all the details and information on how to participate and earn these awards, go to the AL web page: AL Observing Challenge – Special Observing Award - Astronomical League
Level 1 – AL Observing Challenge. (certificate only)
• This level may be done by anyone, even non-members of the Astronomical League.
• This may be done visually through a telescope or through imaging.
• Two observations are required:
◦ Observe T Coronae Borealis before the eruption (now).
◦ Observe T Coronae Borealis during the Nova stage.
• An Outreach Activity is also required, to share this event with the public.
Level 2 – AL Special Observing Award. (certificate and hopefully a pin)
• This level requires membership in the Astronomical League.
• The information must also be submitted to the American Association of Variable Star Observers.
◦ Their website: https://www.aavso.org/
◦ You must have an account and an ID with them to submit. You do NOT have to join AAVSO to submit.
◦ This is much more valuable (and accurate) if you are doing this through imaging.
◦ All instructions and information on submitting data is on their website.
◦ You should make the first observation as soon as you can, before T Coronae Borealis erupts, even if you are not yet set up to submit data to the AAVSO. The important piece is to collect the data now.
◦ This is the same process that is used in the Astronomical League’s Variable Star and Nova Observing Programs
Submitting for these awards with the Astronomical League:
Submissions for either or both of these awards should be done through the Coordinator for the AL Observing Challenges.
Other pertinent websites:
• AAVSO website: https://www.aavso.org/
• AAVSO – T Coronae Borealis web page: Click here: Announcing T CrB pre-eruption dip | aavso
• NASA – T Coronae Borealis web page: Click here: View Nova Explosion, ‘New’ Star in Northern Crown - Watch the Skies
A lot of people will be surprised when they try to get CCD photometry of this when it’s at mag 2.0 or so 
. This is one of those stars that photoeletric photometer (PEP) people really enjoy, because they can get excellent data. The rest will be using their eyeballs and binoculars, which is all good. I just want to get a before/after shot of the constellation for fun! ’