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Operation Moonwatch, also known as Project Moonwatch or simply Moonwatch, was an amateur science program initiated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in 1956. The goal was to enlist the aid of amateur astronomers who would help professional scientists spot the first artificial satellites in space. Average citizens served on Moonwatch teams around the globe. Until professionally manned optical tracking stations came on-line in 1958, this network of amateur scientists played a critical role in providing crucial information regarding the world’s first satellites. Photograph caption dated January 22, 1960 reads "Z. M. Alvi, radiation expert, left, tells Don M. May, acting president of San Fernando Valley Astrophysical Society, that he will discuss radio waves and other outer space phenomena at meeting tonight in Chatsworth Moonwatch Station."
Valley Amateur Astrophysical Society Men Artificial satellites--Tracking Astronautics--United States Observation (Educational method) Chatsworth (Los Angeles, Calif.)
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