Telescope Basics Course – Part 2
If you’ve attended our Telescope Basics Course with Robert Conrad or you’ve borrowed our 8″ Dobsonian Telescope and are looking for the next step in your learning, this course is for you! Topics covered will include:
- How a reflector telescope (one using mirrors) works
- How to collimate a reflector telescope’s optics
- How to ensure the telescope’s finderscope is aligned with the telescope’s optics (both in the day and at night)
- Which eyepieces to use and when
- How to keep the telescope safe and performing at its best
- How to locate objects with a reflector telescope
- How to set up Stellarium for a telescope and eyepieces
- How to use star charts with a telescope (including concepts like declination, right ascension, star magnitude and more)
- What objects to look for with a reflector telescope (will provide access to lists of objects)
- How to starhop to deep sky objects using the telescope
- How to plan your observing session (with the help of Stellarium)
- How to calculate magnification, true field of view, field stop
- Review of sky movement and constellations
- Using AAVSO charts to chart asteroids
- Review of critical observational astronomy resources
What to bring:
- Math compass set to draw circles (optional)
- Laptop with Stellarium installed (optional but highly encouraged)
- Notebook and pen or preferred electronic device to take notes (necessary)
Registration is required, and space is limited! Email publicservices@whistlerlibrary.ca to sign up. This workshop is for adults only!
