6-week Course


May 2, 9, 16**, 30

June 6 and June 13


**May 16 (at BCIT Planetarium)

This course will instruct new scope owners, or those wishing to buy a scope in the use, care and operation of astronomical telescopes. The telescope requires practice and attention in order for it to perform as it should. It is no different than any other tool, it requires skill in operation. Yet, the telescope rarely comes with any hints on how to use it and people end up becoming frustrated.


This course will address the gap between a purchase and the pleasurable use of telescopes. Topics will include:


Observing the Sun, Moon, and planets
You will learn at least six primary features on the Moon and be able to comment on the geological history of these features. The phases will be understood. Finding and observing the interior planets and the superior planets out to Saturn will be demonstrated and the major details shown.


Deep sky wonders, star hoping
Often, after seeing the Moon the beginner asks: “now what.” We will use star charts and star hoping techniques to find where deep sky objects are hiding. Each student will understand and be able to spot at least three objects per season.


What to look for when you are buying or receiving a telescope
You are at a garage sale. A flashy box sits next to a pile of paperback books. The box has a picture of a galaxy, in colour, next to an image of a small refractor. The caption reads: 650 power. A rather low price is scotch taped to the box. What should you do?
This will present no problems after we examine the “whats” and the “wherefores” of acquiring a telescope.


The basic types of telescopes and mounts
You will be taken through the nature of optical image formation and the types of telescopes, the reasons for the evolution of these types, and the current instruments and accessories on today’s market. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different types of telescopes.


Care of the telescope and its optics
An astronomical telescope is a precision instrument and should be treated as such. Should you clean the mirror, or, is it best to let sleeping dust lie? Where should a telescope be stored? These and other questions will be addressed.


Choosing an observing site
This is a mix of common sense and opportunity. Observing sites are critical to getting the most out of your telescope. On a farm 50 km from 150 Mile House, my binoculars show more objects than a 15cm telescope on the street in Vancouver. How do you evaluate a possible site?


Research projects for modest sized telescopes
Unlike many sciences, there is a role for the amateur in astronomy. We will feature some of the ways in which the backyard astronomer can make a real difference. Variable stars, Nova hunts, intensive studies of under-observed objects, and Comet hunting are just some of the possibilities open to beginners.


The Home Observatory
This is not as ambitious as it sounds. A home observatory may be a large domed building on private acreage, or, it may be a few charts, books, and a pair of binoculars on a shelf in a downtown condo. The point is this option is open to everyone. Come and find out for yourself.


Accessories
We will review eyepiece types, finderscope styles and other accessories.