RASC Hamilton - Members Only Still some seats left for New Observers to Visual Astronomy (NOVA)

[Roger Hill]

The Hamilton Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be
running the New Observers to Visual Astronomy (NOVA) course starting on
Monday, February 3rd, at the Observatory
(http://www.hamiltonrasc.ca/observatory/ for directions).  The course is
an excellent guide to many concepts in astronomy and gaining an
appreciation of what can be seen in the sky.   

 

All NOVA sessions will be held at the Hamilton Centre Observatory. The
site offers a couple of advantages, including darker skies, a heated
clubhouse and access to the 16" Ritchey-Chretien telescope. 

 

Each session will begin at 7:30pm, with an observing session run by Mark
Pickett.  This will be followed by classroom instruction and group
discussions. There will be many opportunities for participants to ask
questions, and I'll do my best to make sure that the classroom material
is structured in such a way as to allow this. Participants can take
advantage of the on site library for reference material including sky
atlas', star charts, etc.  All participants will also receive a copy of
the Mag 7 Star Atlas, and a planisphere.  

 

Come on out and join us in this opportunity to enhance your knowledge
and skills in the ever changing field of amateur astronomy. 

 

Here is an outline of the lessons planned: 

1.  Observing (Monday, February 3rd) 

2.  Motions of the Sky and Seasons (Tuesday, February 18th (to avoid
Family Day) 

3.  The Solar System (Monday, March 3rd)  

4.  Telescope and Binocular Types; Choosing and Using Them (Monday,
March 17th) * 

5.  The Moon and Eclipses (Monday, April 7th) 

6.  Charts, North, Distance, Position and Brightness (Monday, April
21st)  

7.  Star Designations, RA, Dec. and Deep Sky Objects (Monday, May 5th) *


8.  Stars (Monday, May 26th.)  

 

The course is open to all regardless of age, experience or knowledge
level, although some knowledge of math at about the grade 9 or 10 level
will help. 

                                       

The cost for the Beginners Observers Guide is normally $19.95, plus
shipping, for members.  Please see
http://www.rasc.ca/beginners-observing-guide for more information on
this great resource.

 

Since we charge $5 a session (for heat and hand-outs), we'll be charging
$20 for the first evening, and this will include your own copy of the
B.O.G...in effect giving you a $5 discount on the book.  Each night
afterwards is $5.

 

Please let me know if you intend to take the course so we can reserve
you a seat.

 

If you have any questions about the content, the structure, the location
or anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me.  

 

   

Thanks,

 

Roger Hill

Orbit Editor, NOVA Instructor

Former President of the Hamilton Centre

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