Astronomy 201

Astronomy 201 is held on the second Tuesday of each month. This evening is for members who want to learn more about the fundamentals of astronomy, and is a great transition for those who have completed the Astronomy 101 Course.

See below for the course outline.

Note: If you are coming to these nights, email oanacjones@gmail.com to be given access to the documents section for this course.

PART 1: A GROUNDING IN ASTRONOMY

FEBRUARY: Astronomy 101

A look at measurements, the great minds that paved the way to modern astronomy, and the solar system up close.

MARCH: Stellar Mechanics & DSOs

Where did it all come from and what’s out there? From the Big Bang to the wide range of things we can see today.

APRIL: Modern Astronomy

A look at where Astronomy is going and some highlights of upcoming projects.

PART 2: NAVIGATING THE SKY

MAY: Markers in the sky

Learn the easiest objects to spot and how to find them.

JUNE: Navigational Tools

Useful star charts, websites and apps.

JULY: Eye in the Sky workshop

learn to set up and point a telescope, and how to do a night sky tour for your friends with just a laser pointer.

PART 3: ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

AUGUST: Camera Basics

Learn to take astronomy photos with a modest DSLR. Find out about good camera settings, exposure, what on earth HDRI is, and how to find and photograph auroras.

SEPTEMBER: Telescope Astrophotography

Attach a camera to a telescope, add a tracker and get some beautiful shots.

OCTOBER: Stacking and Processing

Improve your astrophotography by learning the tricks of the Pros: Stacking, noise reduction and composite imaging.

PART 4: END OF THE YEAR

NOVEMBER: Wrap Up

Join us for a fun quiz to cap off the year!