Programs

Always wanted to explore the stars? Our Backyard Astronomy class is perfect for aspiring stargazers like you! No prior knowledge required. We'll show you how to use equipment, find amazing celestial objects, and make the most of your stargazing hobby. Sign up today!

The class will be taught by Leon Zebrick, local amateur astronomer.

This free class will introduce the basics of Backyard Astronomy. The class will meet on the following Wednesdays in August:

August 6th: The Observable Universe. Castine Center, Hall D, 6:30PM.
August 13th: The Tools of the Trade. Castine Center, Hall D, 6:30PM.
August 20th: Locating and Observing Celestial Objects, Hall D, 6:30PM.
August 27th: Field Night Stargazing, Yellow Complex, 8:30PM.
**Field Night Stargazing Rain Date is September 17th.

No experience required. All equipment is provided.

Registration is required at the Ticket link.

“Backyard Astronomy” (syllabus)
Three one-hour sessions of interactive classroom instruction capped by a “field night” under the stars. Course participants will learn how to select and adjust binoculars and telescopes, locate and observe celestial objects of interest, and care for their equipment. Participants will also learn to avoid many of the frustrations and pitfalls often encountered by beginners. The course is best suited for those who have an interest in taking up the amateur astronomy hobby. No prior knowledge of astronomy or telescopes is required. High school age and up.

First Session: “The Observable Universe”
>The Milky Way… Our place in it… Its place in the cosmos
>Cosmology discussion (The “Local Group” of galaxies … and beyond)
>Charles Messier and his contribution to observational astronomy
>Deep sky objects (star clusters, nebule, galaxies, double-stars, supernova remnants)
>The New General Catalogue
>Comets and Meteors (the Oort Cloud)

Second Session: “Tools of the Trade”
>Binoculars (selecting for astronomy, how to adjust and use them)
>Telescope types, mounts, eyepieces, calculating magnification, what’s good, what to avoid
>Light pollution and filters (The “Bortle Scale”)
>Accessories!
>Equipment care and maintenance (Including Newtonian reflector collimation demonstration)
>Telescope show and tell

Third Session: “Locating and Observing Celestial Objects”
>Level setting (what to realistically expect from a backyard telescope)
>Star-hopping
>The celestial coordinate system and setting circles
>“Rods and Cones” (dark adaptation, averted vision and other viewing hints)
>Techniques for planetary, lunar, and solar observing
>Astronomical Events (occultations, conjunctions, oppositions, comets, meteor showers)
>Atmospheric “seeing”
>Astrophotography discussion
>Reference Material (books, publications, websites and “apps”)
>Societies and organizations
>Latest technology for amateur astronomers

Fourth Session: “Field Night” Meet-Up at an “Astronomy in the Park” star-gazing event