Astronomy Workshops at Seagrave Observatory
May 2015
Have you always wanted to enjoy the sky, but weren’t sure where to start? Looking up at the night sky can be one of the more enjoyable ways to relax after a very long day. The beauty that is the night tends to erase the cares of the day. But, where do you start? How can I become familiar with the night sky? Do I need a lot of equipment?
Skyscrapers, Inc., Rhode Island’s amateur astronomy organization, will be your guide to this beautiful pastime. Each Saturday afternoon at 6:00 P.M., at Seagrave Memorial Observatory, Peeptoad Road, North Scituate, a different introduction to the fascinating study of observational astronomy will be given.
The first program, Saturday, May 2nd, will introduce you to the use of binoculars in observing the night sky. Conrad Cardano, an amateur astronomer for over 40 years, will have you enjoying the night sky with binoculars before the night is over.
The program is just $5.00 per person, free to Skyscrapers, Inc., members. For more information, please contact President Bob Horton, at stargazerbob@aol.com
Very often when new people come to visit Seagrave Observatory, they’re struck by both the beauty of the facility and the night sky. This leads some to want to learn more about what is out there, and how better to observe if they are not able to return to Seagrave to look through our facilities. To assist in making the sky more friendly to newcomers, Skyscrapers, Inc., has created several short workshops on various aspects of observational astronomy. Each week is taught by a Skyscraper member knowledgeable in that area. Come to all, or any of your choice. Each program is free to Skyscraper members, and only $5.00 for nonmembers. Each one starts at 6:00 P.M., and, weather permitting, the telescopes will be open for observing after each program.
The programs:
May 2nd – Binocular Astronomy: The perfect portable telescope. Conrad Cardano will show you how to choose the right binoculars to find many sky objects. You’ll be amazed what you can see with binoculars.
May 9th – The Night Sky with a Small Telescope: You don’t need a large instrument to discover star clusters, nebulae, double stars and galaxies. Bob Horton will show you how to set up your equipment, and what accessories you should have.
May 16th – Sky Motions: When it comes to astronomy, it appears there are so many different terms. Steve Siok will talk about the terms normally used to find our way around the sky.
May 30th – The Sun: Ian Dell’Antonio will introduce the Sun, and compare it with the nighttime stars. He will also introduce sun spots, the Sun’s spectra, and the processes occurring in the solar interior.
June 6th – The night Sky: Looking up at the night sky can be a very relaxing and enjoyable pastime. But, what’s actually up there? Francine Jackson will introduce you to the constellations visible at this time, and some of the myths given to those patterns in the sky.
In addition, the membership is very interested in what might be a topic you’d like to learn more about. As these programs are slated to continue, if you have a subject you’d like to see, please let President Bob Horton know. There is probably someone in the organization willing to set up an informational session of your choice. See you Saturdays!
