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Task · part of 8. One observing project of six: approved AND guided by your counselor

8(b). Plan and run an observation session: ten objects beyond requirement 4

Optional May not apply Often forgotten

This may not apply to you. You have not answered "Requirement 8: which observing project, and has your counselor agreed it?" yet. Answer it and this step will either settle or drop off.

Binoculars or a telescope, and at least ten objects BEYOND those observed in requirement 4: lunar features, Messier objects, more constellations or planets, or satellites including the ISS. List them, find each on a chart, guidebook or app, prepare a log, discuss the plan with your counselor beforehand and review the log afterwards.

Warning. THIS ROUTE NAMES REQUIREMENT 4 BY NUMBER: ten celestial objects BEYOND those observed there. Two consequences. Requirement 4 has to be finished first, so it becomes a prerequisite of requirement 8 rather than just an earlier item. And the two cannot be done on one night, because this list is defined as everything requirement 4 did not cover, so this route is two clear nights minimum, plus the planning discussion with your counselor before and the log review after.

Where this step comes from

  1. Astronomy Merit Badge Requirements (Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2025-09-19), Requirement 8(b) · Names requirement 4 by number: at least 10 celestial objects beyond those observed there.

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