If you have been inspired by the BBC Stargazing Live series - then take a look at our
courses which can help you delvelop your knowledge and observing skills further.
Astronomy Courses for Beginners
We are offering short courses in basic astronomy for our guests. Take advantage of my 39
years experience and save yourself frustrating nights trying to sort the planets from the
stars or hundred of pounds by buying a telescope that is right for you. With our beautiful
dark skies we can show you how put the ideas and techniques into practice.
Courses are run when requested by guests and do not require a minimum number.
A Guide to Observing the Night Sky
It may seem an easy thing to do, you buy binoculars or a telescope and a star map and
outside you go. In reality most beginners are confused trying to match dots on the page to
the stars in the sky and even more confused when looking for planets or nebulae through a
telescope. The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of how to start observing
the night sky by knowing what there is to see and where it is. At the same time we
introduce some of the scientific theories behind the objects you are seeing. The course
covers:
Equipment needed to get started
Recognising the Constellations
Finding the Planets
Finding Deep Space Objects
Why you cannot see the same detail as telescope images
Types of Binoculars
Types of Telescopes (this is more fully covered in the Guide to Buying a Telescope)
Duration : 3 hours (approx.)
Cost - £30 (per person). Additional family members only £15 each
A Guide to Buying a Telescope
With the range of refractor, reflector and catadioptric telescopes available to the beginner
seeming to increase each year, it can be difficult to know which one to buy. A wrong choice
can lead to frustration and the wasting of hundred of pounds. This course is designed
specifically to help the beginner make the right choices and narrow down the list to those
telescopes that best suit their needs and budget. The course covers:
Types of Telescopes
Types of Mounts
Types of Finderscopes
Types of Eyepieces
Calculating Magnification
Starting observing (this is more fully covered in the Guide to Observing the Night Sky)
Duration : 3 hours (approx.)
Cost - £30 (per person). Additional family members only £15 each
Setting Up and Using a Telescope
If you already own a telescope, but have difficulty in understanding how to use it, this
course is for you. The course covers:
Explaining the parts of the telescope and mount
Balancing the telescope (Equatorial Mounts only)
Polar Alignment (Equatorial Mounts only)
Finderscope Alignment
How to alignment the optics includes free collimation check - worth £20* (Reflectors only)
Use of Eyepieces
Calculating Magnification
Correct movement of the mount when locating objects
Duration : 2 hours (approx.)
Cost - £30 (per person). Additional family members only £15 each
* Collimation price based on South Down Astronomy website (July 2008)
If you are not able to bring your own telescope where possible we will demonstrate using
our own equipment.
For non residents there is an additional charge of £10 per course
Tour of the Universe - Free (All you pay is the telescope time at £7 per hour)
Take a guided tour of the heavens. We will tell you the story of how ancient civilizations
named the constellations. Using our 16 inch telescope we can take you through the Solar
System then venture far back in time as we go into the depths of space. Typically we will be
observing the following objects or types of objects:
The Planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Nebulae/Star forming regions
Star Clusters
Galaxies
Double Stars
Meteors
Moon
Satellite and International Space Station passes
Comets
Aurora
Note: Not all objects are visible every night.
Duration : 2 hours (approx.)
Cost - Free to residents. Non residents £10 per hour
Notes:
We intend to add further courses later. If there is a particular aspect of astronomy you
would like to learn more about please contact us.
Talks
In the event of a cloudy night, we will provide a free talk instead.
Comments
Guests who have taken courses said:
“As a beginner I learned more from Mike than £100s on books. His knowledge and ability to teach is
superb. We will certainly recommend to others…”
D Henderson, Argyl
“Mike gave us a great introduction to the sky and astronomy.”
B Knight, Glasgow
“Thank you for showing us the stars at night. Everything surpassed our expectations.
We are going home much better informed.”
D Lindsay, Ayrshire
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Polar
Alignment
