The objective of the NOVA (New Observers to Visual Astronomy) Program is to provide information and instruction to new and beginner level amateur astronomers. You do not need to have a telescope!
All NOVA sessions are held at the London Masonville Public Library and presented by members of the London Centre, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). NOVA is a nine-week program with a Dark Skies Star Party. We are excited to offer a lineup of expert presenters who will introduce you to visual observing, the solar system, stars, deep sky objects, black holes, telescopes, cosmology, and so much more!
The NOVA course will be held Wednesday evenings commencing Sept 19, 2018, from 7pm to 8:45pm. Classes will be 1 hour and 45 minutes in length, with a 15 discussion minute break in the middle. The cost is $110 which includes a One Year London RASC Membership. Class size is limited to 20 participants and will be registered on a first-come first-served basis. Recommended minimum age for participants is 12 years old and children under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult during each session.
Outline of the weekly lessons planned:
- 1. An Introduction to Observing
- 2. Motions of the Sky Seasons
- 3. Sky Maps and Star Charts
- 4. Types of Telescopes and How To Use Them
- 5. Star Designations Deep Sky Objects
- 6. The Moon and Eclipses
- 7. The Solar System
- 8. Stars
- 9. Observatory Operations with hands on observing at our Fingal Dark Sky Site
We look forward to welcoming you to the wonderful world of amateur astronomy and visual observing.
To Register please contact: Bill Gardner at pictorobseriatory@gmail.com or contact: Mike Hanes at starhopper@rogers.com