ASRAS

Course Content

Session 1 begins at the Strasenburgh Planetarium, at 6:00 P.M. At approximately 8:00 P.M., we will drive down to the Wolk Observatory site in Ionia, N.Y., ten minutes south of Mendon, where lessons will continue, and night-sky observing will take place, weather permitting.

Sessions 2-3 will be in the classroom at the Wolk Observatory site, and will start at 7:00 P.M. Classroom sessions will end at dark, and observing sessions will continue as long as clouds and stamina permit.

SESSION 1--MONDAY, AUGUST 28

Using the Strasenburgh Planetarium's star theater, learn how to find your way around the night sky, and how to identify stars, planets, constellations and other objects using a star chart (supplied) and your naked eye. You will also be introduced to the various types of optical aid that are available, and start learning how to use them

SESSION 2--TUESDAY, AUGUST 29

Learn all about the stars that fill the night sky, how they are formed, live and die, and the differences among them. You will be introduced to stars of different colors and sizes, multiple and variable stars, and try out projects you can have your students do. Special attention will be given to the Hertsprung-Russell (HR) diagram.

Learn about the 'deep-sky objects'--star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. You will be introduced to sources of information about these objects, and techniques to use to find them. This session will include a discussion and demonstration of astrophotography. Special emphasis will be placed on simple astrophotography with a camera and tripod that you or your students can do, but special interest groups may be formed for those who want to explore more advanced types of astrophotography. Constellation photography will be practiced.

SESSION 3--WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

Learn how to study the solar system, from the sun and moon to the planets, meteors, comets and asteroids. You will be introduced to sources of information about these objects, and projects you and your students can do with them. Special emphasis will be placed on the use of computer programs, such as The Sky and Distant Suns, and the internet.