I.A.P.P.P.

Official Logo

A few months ago, while perusing through a couple of back issues of the I.A.P.P.P. COMMUNICATIONS, I was struck with the realization that the I.A.P.P.P. did not have a logo - an emblem that would make a statement about the purpose of the organization, I then searched through past letters which I had received from Mr. Russell Genet to see if any insignia was used on the letterheads. There was none, save for the large letters "I.A.P.P.P." along the top of each letter.

Other astronomical organizations came to mind, all with their easily recognized emblems such as those used by the Association of Variable Star Observers, the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, the Astronomical League, etc.

With this, the seed was planted. I had past schooling and experience in graphic arts and had previously designed a logo for the Cedar Amateur Astronomers, our local astronomy club. I immediately set myself to the task of drafting a "thumbnail" sketch of a logo. Being satisfied with the sketch, I put together a "paste-up" slightly larger than 5-cm in diameter and sent a copy to Mr. Russell Genet. for his opinion of the design. In his return letter he agreed that we needed a logo and said that he would send a cop to the coeditors of the COMMUNICATIONS for their opinion. The design was approved and I was asked to produce a finalized copy of the emblem of the appropriate dimensions for publications. The final design was unveiled at the I.A.P.P.P. symposium in Springfield, Vermont on August 12th, and is reproduced on the cover of issued number 10 of the I.A.P.P.P. COMMUNICATIONS.

I wanted the design of the logo to embody the intent of photoelectric photometry. At the same time, I wished to keep the design simple and straightforward since a logo should make a statement at a glance. With this in mind, I tried to use as few symbols as possible, and by making use of ample white space, to keep the visual message readable and uncluttered.

As you may have already guessed, the glass tube represents a photomultiplier tube. The two stars symbolize a variable star and a comparison star. To complete the picture, a light curve is represented in the background. These few symbols depict the object of study, the tool used, and the final results. The whole scheme was framed inside a large, clear lettering which proudly announces our organizations name.