The objective of the NOVA Program is to provide information and instruction to new and beginner level amateur astronomers.
All NOVA sessions will be held at the Hamilton Centre Observatory. This site offers a couple of advantages, including darker skies, a heated clubhouse and access to the 16” RC. Meetings will be once or twice a month, and the schedule will be published as soon as all the dates are finalized with respect to the instructors work schedule and other observatory events.
Each session will begin with an observing session, followed by classroom instruction and group discussions. There will be many opportunities for participants to ask questions and to prepare for the evenings observing session. Participants can take advantage of the on site library for reference material including sky atlas', star charts, etc.
Each participant will also be given a list of items to observe during the time between the sessions. This will allow members to practice some of the things that they have learned during each session.
Come on out and join us in this unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in the ever changing field of amateur astronomy.
Here is an outline of the lessons planned:
• Observing
• Motions of the Sky and Seasons
• The Solar System
• Telescope and Binocular Types and Using Them
• The Moon and Eclipses
• Charts, North, Distance, Position and Brightness
• Star Designations, RA, Dec. and Deep Sky Objects
· Stars
The sessions will be every other Monday as much as possible. Currently, the intent will be to have the program finish PRIOR to our annual banquet in June, where course completion certificates and the Explore The Universe certificates will be awarded.
There is a cost of $15 for the Beginners Observers Guide and a suggested donation of $5 per night to cover the cost of handouts, binders and other course materials.
The course is open to all members of the Hamilton Centre regardless of age, experience or knowledge level. Seating is limited.
All NOVA sessions will be held at the Hamilton Centre Observatory. This site offers a couple of advantages, including darker skies, a heated clubhouse and access to the 16” RC. Meetings will be once or twice a month, and the schedule will be published as soon as all the dates are finalized with respect to the instructors work schedule and other observatory events.
Each session will begin with an observing session, followed by classroom instruction and group discussions. There will be many opportunities for participants to ask questions and to prepare for the evenings observing session. Participants can take advantage of the on site library for reference material including sky atlas', star charts, etc.
Each participant will also be given a list of items to observe during the time between the sessions. This will allow members to practice some of the things that they have learned during each session.
Come on out and join us in this unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in the ever changing field of amateur astronomy.
Here is an outline of the lessons planned:
• Observing
• Motions of the Sky and Seasons
• The Solar System
• Telescope and Binocular Types and Using Them
• The Moon and Eclipses
• Charts, North, Distance, Position and Brightness
• Star Designations, RA, Dec. and Deep Sky Objects
· Stars
The sessions will be every other Monday as much as possible. Currently, the intent will be to have the program finish PRIOR to our annual banquet in June, where course completion certificates and the Explore The Universe certificates will be awarded.
There is a cost of $15 for the Beginners Observers Guide and a suggested donation of $5 per night to cover the cost of handouts, binders and other course materials.
The course is open to all members of the Hamilton Centre regardless of age, experience or knowledge level. Seating is limited.