Class is full for 2022!
Instructor: Jeff Delmas, VBAS Observatory Director
Who Should Attend: The course is targeted to beginning observers, adults and teens, or those interested in a refresher course in basics observational astronomy.
Course Description
Learn the wonders of the night sky in a practical setting that involves both lecture and observing using your own telescope or binoculars. Whether you’ve purchased a telescope and want help learning your way around the night sky, are thinking about getting a telescope and want to learn about available equipment and techniques, or just want to learn, this class will help you in your quest. At the end of each lecture, students are provided a list of skill and season-appropriate targets to observe in the field and over the following week.
Updated for 2022! This year’s course has been modified to have more time in the observing field and less in lecture. In addition, we’ll start directly with learning the night sky, and telescope designs before later covering history and theory.
Tuesdays, 9/27/22 through 11/15/22, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Eight sessions in total:
- Session 1: Navigating the Sky and Telescope Designs
- Session 2: Observing Progression
- Session 3: Charles Messier and His Catalog
- Session 4: References, Programs, and Apps to Guide Observing
- Session 5: Astronomy History & Basic Concepts
- Session 6: Modern Astrophotography
- Session 7: Radio Astronomy
- Session 8: Cosmology
Price: $25 members, $30 nonmembers
Each student must provide an email address so the instructor can provide course materials.