Introduction to Suburban Sky Watching
Class Description:
This class is an entry level introduction to the basics of exploring the sky overhead. You will learn a basic understanding of the night sky and how to enjoy it from your own neighborhood without the need for binoculars or a telescope. Your instructor will guide you through the use of various Internet tools to plan your observing and further explore the wonders of astronomy.
You will learn how to use a calendar to identify and observe the phases of the moon. You’ll get a sky chart to use to locate the major constellations and the bright stars for each one. We’ll walk through how to research and locate the major planets in the night sky. And, you will also receive information on local observatories and the library as well as the many resources from NASA to guide you through a deeper exploration.
Class Topics:
• Explore Internet tools & online references
• Read and understand a full sky map (handout provided)
• Observe our moon and its phases using a monthly calendar
• Plan your viewing sessions & keeping an observing diary
• Resources for learning the constellations and bright stars
• References to research and locate the major planets
• Info on local observatories and library resources
Additional Pages:
You can use the links below to discover more about our solar system and the grand cosmos beyond. There is so much to discover and this site will help you get started. Enjoy!
V1.0 - Initial content, 8-4-26