Astronomy Workshops at Seagrave Observatory
October 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, October 24th, will introduce you to our nearest star and how to safely observe the Sun.
The program is just $5.00 per person, free to Skyscrapers, Inc., members. For more information, please contact President Bob Horton, at ShootingSta98@gmail.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:
Ocrober 24nd – Our Star - 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.
November 7th – The Beauty of the Night: 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.
November 14th – The Language of Sky Observing: 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.
November 21st – Introduction to Astrophotography: Bob Horton, the President of Skyscrapers, Inc., has been taking incredible images of celestial objects. He will tell you exactly what you need to start, and give you pointers to begin to create your own astrophotos. Come and learn a new and beautiful hobby!
December 5th – A Telescope for the Holidays?: Often, people who have developed an interest in astronomy might wonder about buying a telescope, either as a gift for someone else, or maybe for themselves. But, with the myriad array of instruments being offered at this time of year, which one might be best? What might fit within my budget? Is it good enough to see what I want to observe? Do I want one that zooms across the sky, or one that causes me to learn the constellations and find the objects myself?
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!
