For several years, Jeff Delmas and Don Martin have been distributing guides for telescope buyers, aimed at helping beginners (and others) purchase a quality telescope. Both documents, updated for 2021, are available below.
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Author: admin
We wanted to let everyone know that we are holding star parties at the VBAS observing field every clear Saturday night, beginning Saturday, October 16th.
Until shows reopen on December 4th, we’ll gather in the field for observing shortly before dark. If the sky is overcast viewing will be cancelled.
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S21 Direct Drive – Part 21
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S21 Direct Drive – Part 20
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S21 Direct Drive – Part 18 & 19
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Practical Astronomy Course
Enrollment has closed for 2021 Practical Astronomy classes.
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 observing field after class and over the coming week.
Due to the pandemic, each student will be encouraged to observe with their own equipment, which can be a telescope, binoculars, or just your eyes. No prior experience necessary.
Instructor
Jeff Delmas, VBAS Observatory Director
Jeff Delmas holds degrees in mathematics and Civil Engineering. He moved to Huntsville in 1980 to work as a structural engineer on SpaceLab missions before joining Intergraph and spending the rest of his career in software development. Jeff is a lifelong amateur astronomer who got his first telescope at the age of 11 on the Christmas morning following the Apollo 8 orbit of the Moon. In the 1980’s he designed and constructed his own 10” telescope. Jeff’s emphasis in the class is to train budding amateur astronomers in the practical skills of navigating the skies and observing using small telescopes. Jeff joined VBAS in 1998 and has served as President as well as other board positions over the years. He is the current Director of Observatories at VBAS and regularly teaches math, computer science, and astronomy at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UAH.
Who Should Attend
The course is targeted to beginning observers, adults and teens, or those interested in a refresher course on basics.
Enrollment
- Mondays from 9/27/21 through 11/15/21 at the VBAS Planetarium
- Eight sessions in total
- Price: $25 members, $30 nonmembers
Enrollment URL:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/N8EWSXXNBNPJ5/checkout/JIF7S7BWE6VX5LCOMWHZFKVM
Contact: jeff@delmasfamily.net
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S21 Direct Drive – Part 17
As we currently have suspended our public activities, including planetarium shows and outreach events we have put together a brief video tour of the September night sky for your enjoyment. We hope to be able to explore the universe with you in person soon but until then we will have to do so virtually.
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June Virtual Member Meeting
The June monthly member meeting will by presented by Peggy Walker online at 7:30pm on June 19th!
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Library Home Delivery
VBAS members! Our librarian, Jeff Bennett, is now offering Home Delivery of our VBAS library books!
Browse the VBAS Library’s online catalog
Then, email Jeff B. at vbas.sanfordlibrary@gmail.com with your requested books. Read below for details:
- Must be a member in good standing. (Want to renew? Click Here. )
- Each household may borrow up to 5 books for up to 90 days. Borrowers must be home to receive books. Jeff will coordinate delivery with you in advance.
- Jeff will deliver and pick up on the first Saturday of the month, as long as stay at home orders are in place.
- Jeff will wear a mask and be healthy (or, he won’t run the service).
- Books will be in quarantine for one month between check outs.
- Books will be in a plastic bag and only be handled by Jeff while wearing plastic gloves/mask.
- Orders will be filled on a first-come, first served basis.