This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends
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 February 25, 1958 reads "Shown above are members of adult Moonwatch training team organized to teach high school students how to man Valley's second Operation Moonwatch station in Chatsworth. From left, seated, are Lee Hocker, Ray Couchie, Dick Nelson and Earl Degray. Standing from left are engineer Donald May, director of Moonwatch Station, David Hawkins and Ron Hogan."
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