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Novice Program

Overview

Amateur astronomers do what they do because they want to do it, because they are interested in how the universe works. Most of us are not professional astronomers, and most of us have no formal training in astronomy. We all start somewhere, and we’re all novices at some level.

To meet the needs of novice amateur astronomers the HAS has a novice presentation once a month, just before the general meeting (see the meeting schedule in the GuideStar newsletter). Recently, we have had presentations on:

  • Planning Your Observing Session
  • Alien Worlds & Mysterious Planets
  • A Tour of the Spring Sky
  • Observing Variable Stars
  • How Good are Your Scope and Your Eyes?
  • What’s New Under the Sun?
  • Astronomical Sketching
  • A Brief Tour of the Winter Constellations
  • The Hertzsprung – Russell Diagram
  • Archeoastronomy

The Houston Astronomical Society invites you to join us for the novice meeting at 7:00 p.m. on the regular meeting night of the society (see the GuideStar for the next meeting). We all learn something at the novice meeting!

Be sure to check out our collection of resources for the novice. This section is updated continuously!

January 24th and 31st: Basic Observational Astronomy Course

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.

A Note From the Novice Program Chairman

Interested in astronomy and don’t know where to begin? Well, you’ve found the right place!

Why not come and join us as a guest? We can help you learn to use your telescope or binoculars. And if you don’t own an instrument, we can give you some practical advice on how and where to begin.

Should you become a member, we’ll even loan you a telescope to get you started. We’ll have star parties during the year and you can have an opportunity to learn from experienced observers.

We have a meeting for the beginner at 7:00 pm on the first Friday of each month at the University of Houston. This meeting is followed by a General Membership meeting at 8:00 at which all sorts of interesting presentations are featured.

Want to learn more about what we’ll be doing this year? Point your mouse to Meetings and then to Novice Meetings or send me an e-mail for a personal invitation

The schedule is not cast in concrete, so if there is a consensus for change we will do so. Please plan to attend. All HAS members are invited; you don’t have to be a novice! Any questions may be directed to me, Justin McCollum.

We expect to hold several Novice Star Parties during the year. These activities will be announced in advance and, of course, all HAS members are invited.

Justin McCollum
Novice Program Chair