Interest Areas: Education

Did you get a new telescope or pair of binoculars over the holidays? The Houston Astronomical Society is offering a two-night introductory class for new observers. You will learn about the sky, what’s waiting for you to see, and how you can enjoy the night sky.

Our first class to be offered will be held starting on January 24, 2012 and January 31, 2012, from 7:00 to 9:30 PM. The classes will be held at the HEB community room located at Bunker Hill and Interstate 10 (Katy Freeway). The HEB is at the northwest corner of that main intersection, just turn north and turn left at the first light, which is actually controls cross traffic from the parking lots on either side of Bunker Hill. The community room is outside on the main sidewalk between the two store entrances, so you don’t even need to go inside the store. The bathrooms are inside however.

The first night, we will touch on a very short section on the history of astronomy, but the bulk of the class will concentrate on equipment, including types of telescopes, mounts, eyepieces, barlows, filters, flashlights, and viewing techniques. The second night will be all about observing techniques, constellations, astronomical programs, star-hopping, sky conditions, recording your observations, and lunar and planetary viewing. A third segment of the class will be actual observing, which will be held at the scheduled monthly urban observing times, which for January will be the 26th at Bear Creek park. (Watch the list server for more specific information, times, and location of this event.) Sign up on the list-server for more information.

The only requirement for attendance is being a paid member of HAS, so I encourage you to pay your dues early or at our first meeting in January. Preference will be given to new members, but all members are welcome. The class size for this first class will be limited to 30 participants.

To register or if you have questions, send an email directly to Gordon Houston at seagordoa (at) aol.com.