# The Celestial Theodolite Measurement Reward Program
Aether Cosmology, with generous support from our backers, is offering up to **$200 per qualifying recording**✦ for Celestial Theodolite measurements. We have a current pool of **$500 USD** dedicated to payouts. First come, first serve.
## What is Celestial Theodolite?
Celestial Theodolite is a method for testing Earth models using stellar occultations:
- **Eastern observations**: Record stars emerging from behind mountain peaks
- **Western observations**: Record stars being occluded (hidden) behind mountain peaks
Both directions yield equivalent data. Using the precise timing of these events combined with trigonometric calculations (tan/arctan functions and central angle theorem), we can test predictions from different Earth shape models.
✦ Restrictions apply. Read parameters below
---
Example videos and links:
![[20250130-182901-PikesPeak.gif]]
The canva link to Getaway Mtn illustrates the importance of having a daytime comparison in case you need to identify the correct location when verifying the stars later. That part of the work will be done on our end, so you don't need to worry about it Identifying the stars, etc. This is just to show you examples and why we need them and how they'll be used.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsIx3r62A/Loom7fNJcopvhM6L9z3RRQ/edit
---
## Eligibility Requirements
### Visibility:
The Peak should be definable in the video. Check the example provided above. Your peak should have similar definition to it.
### Northern Hemisphere
**Observer Elevation**: Any
**Distance from Peak**: Minimum 10-20 miles recommended
_(Distances under 5 miles produce results indistinguishable between models. Greater distances yield better data. Multiple recordings from the same peak at different distances are accepted)_
Maximum distance: so long as the peak is definable, go as far away from the peak as you want.
## Notice:
For measurements in the northern hemi, the reward price is $50 per peak occlusion video.
If your distance exceeds 85 mi (128 km), the reward price is $100 USD.
---
### Southern Hemisphere
**Observer Elevation**: No restrictions
_(We currently have zero southern hemisphere data—any location with visible peaks is valuable)_
**Distance from Peak**: Same as northern hemisphere (10+ miles preferred)
## Notice:
For measurements of 80 mi (128 km) the reward price is $200. Sub 80 mi (128 km) the reward price is $100 USD.
---
Additional info:
The same peak can be used at multiple distances. There must be a greater than 10 mi as a minimum change in distance from the previous recording of the same peak. In other words, a single person could produce 3 separate videos at the appropriate distance interval and recieve $150 USD.
First come, first serve.
---
## Required Information
Submit the following with your recording:
### 1. Observation Location
- **Exact coordinates** (latitude/longitude) of your recording position
### 2. Target Peak
- **Peak name** (use PeakFinder app/website to identify)
- **Peak coordinates** (latitude/longitude)
- **Aim for the summit** when possible to reduce ambiguity
- If using ridges or other features, **include daytime reference photos**
### 3. Timing Information
- **Device must be GPS-synchronized** for accurate time/date
- **Recording start time** (exact timestamp)
- **Frame rate**: 1 FPS strongly preferred (include if known)
- Timestamps displayed in video are helpful but not required
- Most devices embed timing data in filenames—this is sufficient
---
## Submission Process
1. **Upload** your recording to any file-sharing service
_(Recommended: [https://www.transfernow.net/en](https://www.transfernow.net/en))_
2. **Email** the shareable link to: **[
[email protected]](mailto:
[email protected])**
3. **Include**:
- All required information listed above
- Your **PayPal or CashApp** details for payment
---
## Current Peaks and Distances:
### Northern hemi:
| **Peak Name** | **Distance (m)** | **Distance (ft)** |
|--------------------------|-----------------:|------------------:|
| Hound's Tooth | 8,804 | 28,878 |
| Varley SE2 Squamish | 16,726 | 54,871 |
| Old-Blyn Mountain | 22,078 | 72,444 |
| Blodgett Peak | 35,910 | 117,790 |
| Ediz-Blyn Mountain | 40,902 | 134,237 |
| Cheyenne Mountain | 42,630 | 139,860 |
| Mount Rosa | 47,730 | 156,568 |
| Getaway Mountain | 48,990 | 160,729 |
| Blue Mountain | 49,770 | 163,288 |
| Pike's Peak | 50,778 | 166,616 |
| Green Mountain | 52,690 | 172,904 |
| North Peak | 130,700 | 428,858 |
### Southern hemi:
*No data collected yet—all submissions welcome!*
---