Hi Scouts,
I just want to point out that you don't have to wait for a big event, such as a trip to a planetarium, an overnight at a dark sky site, or big equipment to enjoy astronomy observing. You can do enjoy from your house even if it's in the middle of a big city. Observing from Bright Skies
Requirements 5 and 6 (below) are easily accomplished from home right now. And fun. You'll enjoy it.
Note that Saturn is in prime observing locations right now (November). "Jupiter Season" is coming up soon (it rises a little late right now). Venus is bright in the southwest at the sunset now.
Get outside. Look up!
Astronomy Merit Badge Info
BSA offers an Astronomy Merit Badge
Scouting.org's Merit Badge Requirements are here: BSA Astronomy Badge Requirements (PDF)
I've copied from the linked file - note that requirements may have changed since then. Make sure you review the most recent requirements.
A summary of the Requirements are:
1: Explain or Describe to your counselor
a) the most likely hazards
WARNING: never look at the sun without a proper filter. The sun through a telescope can cause instant, permanent eye damage!
b) explain the first aid for likely injuries or illnesses
c) Describe the proper clothing and other precautions for safely making observations at night and in cold weather. Then explain how to safely observe the Sun, objects near the Sun, and the Moon.
2. Explain what light pollution is and how it and air pollution affect astronomy.
3. With the aid of diagrams (or real telescopes if available), do each of the following:
(a) Explain why binoculars and telescopes are important astronomical tools. Demonstrate or explain how these tools are used.
(b) Describe the similarities and differences of several types of astronomical telescopes, including at least one that observes light beyond the visible part of the spectrum (i.e., radio, X-ray, ultraviolet, or infrared).
(c) Explain the purposes of at least three instruments used with astronomical telescopes.
(d) Describe the proper care and storage of telescopes and binoculars both at home and in the field.
4. Do the following*:
(a) Identify in the sky at least 10 constellations, at least four of which are in the zodiac.
(b) Identify in the sky at least eight conspicuous stars, five of which are of magnitude 1 or brighter.
(c) Make two sketches of the Big Dipper. In one sketch, show the Big Dipper’s orientation in the early evening sky. In another sketch, show its position several hours later. In both sketches, show the North Star and the horizon. Record the date and time each sketch was made.
(d) Explain what we see when we look at the Milky Way.
*If instruction is done in a planetarium, Scouts must still identify the required stars and constellations outside under the natural night sky.
5 . Do the following:
(a) List the names of the five most visible planets. Explain which ones can appear in phases similar to lunar phases and which ones cannot, and explain why.
(b) Using the internet (with your parent’s permission) and other resources, find out when each of the five most visible planets that you identified in requirement 5a will be observable in the evening sky during the next 12 months, then compile this information in the form of a chart or table.
(c) Describe the motion of the planets across the sky.
(d) Observe a planet and describe what you saw.
6. Do the following:
(a) Sketch the face of the Moon and indicate at least five seas and five craters. Label these landmarks.
(b) Sketch the phase and position of the Moon, at the same hour and place, for four nights within a one-week period. Include landmarks on the horizon such as hills, trees, and buildings. Explain the changes you observe.
(c) List the factors that keep the Moon in orbit around Earth.
(d) With the aid of diagrams, explain the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and the Moon at the times of lunar and solar eclipses, and at the times of new, first-quarter, full, and last-quarter phases of the Moon.
7. Do the following:
(a) Describe the composition of the Sun, its relationship to other stars, and some effects of its radiation on Earth’s weather and communications.
(b) Define sunspots and describe some of the effects they may have on solar radiation.
(c) Identify at least one red star, one blue star, and one yellow star (other than the Sun). Explain the meaning of these colors.
8. With your counselor’s approval and guidance, do ONE of the following:
(a) Visit a planetarium or astronomical observatory. Submit a written report, a scrapbook, or a video presentation afterward to your counselor that includes the following information: (1) Activities occurring there (2) Exhibits and displays you saw (3) Telescopes and other instruments being used (4) Celestial objects you observed
(b) Plan and participate in a three-hour observation session that includes using binoculars or a telescope. List the celestial objects you want to observe, and find each on a star chart or in a guidebook. Prepare a log or notebook. Discuss with your counselor what you hope to observe prior to your observation session. Review your log or notebook with your counselor afterward.*
(c) Plan and host a star party for your Scout troop or other group such as your class at school. Use binoculars or a telescope to show and explain celestial objects to the group
(d) Help an astronomy club in your community hold a star party that is open to the public.
(e) Personally take a series of photographs or digital images of the movement of the Moon, a planet, an asteroid, meteor, or a comet. In your visual display, label each image and include the date and time it was taken. Show all positions on a star chart or map. Show your display at school or at a troop meeting. Explain the changes you observed.
9. Find out about three career opportunities in astronomy. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.