Astronomy Observatory

Classes for Amateur Astronomers

Here it is! Our summer program "Learn the Sky Nights" is back! This year we are holding the classes on Tuesday evenings! Classes start on 15 July so be sure to register soon!!

This year we will have two courses. A 'beginner course' and an 'advanced course.'

• Have you ever wondered about what that bright star is near the moon? Or how do amateur astronomers know where to look in the sky? Have you ever gone to some of the astronomy websites and wondered what the heck they were talking about?
  
  Then the 'beginner course' is for you!
  
  
• Are you tired of observing the Messiers? Have you done some astrophotography but want to take it to the next level? Are you tired of just observing and want your observing to have some purpose?
  
  Then the 'advanced course' is for you! This class is open to graduates of last year's Learn the Sky program and individuals who can demonstrate that they have already mastered the topics covered in the beginner class.

For six Tuesday nights in July and August (2008), we will cover some of the basic (7:00 - 8:30 pm) and advanced (9:00 - 10:30 pm) topics in amateur astronomy.

We anticipate this being a popular program, so be sure to download the registration form and email it or fax (301-405-3538) it back to Elizabeth! Preference will be given to those who attend all six evenings. Families are welcome... students under 17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (other than me!)!

The classes will be a mixture of lecture, activities, and hands-on lessons. When the weather permits, we will use the observatory telescopes. In addition, there will be some 'homework' each week!

Details

• Registration -- download the registration form and email it or fax (301-405-3538) it back to Elizabeth.
  -- .pdf
  -- .doc
  -- .html
  
  
• Cost -- $10 per person per class; payment can be made at the first class you attend.
  
  
• Course Credit -- None, this is strictly a fun course for amateurs and other interested individuals who want to learn more about astronomy.
  
  
• Class cancellations -- classes will only be canceled in case of extreme weather. A message announcing any class cancellations will be posted on the UMD Observatory homepage and on Elizabeth's phone (301-405-6555).
  
  

Agenda

week	date	Beginner 7:00 - 8:30pm	Advanced 9:00 - 10:30pm
1	15 Jul 2008	alt az, planispheres, satellites and constellations	CCD basics, digital imaging
2	22 Jul 2008	RAdec, starcharts, starhopping, planetarium software	tbd
3	29 Jul 2008	types of scopes, setting up scopes, telescope making	tbd
4	12 Aug 2008	types of objects, Messier and other lists	tbd
5	19 Aug 2008	astrophotography and digital imaging	tbd
6	26 Aug 2008	observing projects, Solar observing	tbd

Elizabeth Warner, the UMD Observatory coordinator, will be teaching the classes. If you have any questions, please email her or call her at 301-405-6555.