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 April 29, 1960 reads "Dick Nelson of the Amateur Astrophysical Society of San Fernando Valley adjusts his 10-inch telescope in preparation for the open house tonight at the San Fernando Moonwatch Station. Nelson, like several other members of the group, builds his own instruments for watching the night skies."
Valley Amateur Astrophysical Society Men Artificial satellites--Tracking Astronautics--United States Observation (Educational method) Telescopes San Fernando Valley (Calif.) Portrait photographs
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