Amateur astronomy/Initial experiences

Initial experiences: A course learning project for beginning observers

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Purpose

Develop solid skills at astronomical observation, learn the major constellations of the sky, and detail how useful the advice on the page stargazing is

Participants

• user: JoliePA as an interested backyard amateur astronomer I know the constellations pretty well and authored much of the original advice in the page stargazing
• user: Sid9611 is also an amateur astronomer who knows the constellations and the basics of astronomy.
• user: CaffeineandViolins is an amateur astronomer who mostly studies the theoretical side of astronomy, with some experience with astrophotography.

Qualifications

Everyone is welcome to try the procedure, although to be fair, I am located in the Northeastern United States and thus I am unable to guide someone whom is located in the Southern Hemisphere. While the learning experience might be similar, the stars (and constellations) in the Southern Hemisphere are very different.

A prospective observer should have access to an open area with a low northern horizon. They should also remember to dress warmly, get or make a redlight, and buy or download a good star chart. The information in stargazing is meant to be a resource for the course.

I would also point out that this is not the only possible way to begin an astronomy. In this page are some other ways that people have become interested in observers: alternative ways to become an observer.

Lastly, I would ask that as you perform each step, you go to the attached link and tell me about your experience. Tell me whether the information I have given was clear enough and tell me whether the step seemed hard or not.

Course Activities

• Read the page, stargazing.

• Comment on the talk page on whether you find the page helpful and confusing

• Prepare for an initial experience.

• Perform the activity Activity:Cassiopeia and Ursa Major and comment on its talk page.