Riverwood Conservancy: An Introduction to Observational Astronomy
What star is that? How can I spot Orion’s Belt? How many planets can I see without a telescope?
Learn your way around the night sky. The Riverwood Conservancy, The Earthshine Astronomy and Space Science Organization and the Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada are teaming up to offer a 4-week course on astronomy.
Upon completion the student will be able to identify the brighter stars and constellations.
On clear evenings, from the end of class until 10 pm, observing the night sky with telescopes will take place on the Chappell House lawn. Telescopes will be provided by course instructors at no extra cost. This is an optional activity.
Class 1 – January 14
• Introduction – what can we see in the night sky?
• Using a star map – identifying the brighter stars and constellations
Class 2 – January 21
• Observing the Moon – lunar phases, features
• Safely observing the Sun
Class 3 – January 28
• Identifying and observing the planets
• The inner planets – Mercury and Venus
• The outer planets – Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune
• Using binoculars and telescopes – an introduction
Class 4 – February 4
• Observing objects outside of the solar system
• Taking photos of the night sky – astrophotography
• Tools for observing – using electronic apps on your phone or tablet
Who can attend: Open to anyone 10 years of age or older - under 18s must be accompanied by an adult also registered in the course.
Fee: $80 for four weeks - $60 for TRC, RASC members; $10 off for each additional family member
Registration: Contact Brian Packham at 905-279-5878 or Info@TheRiverwoodConservancy.org
Organized by: The Riverwood Conservancy, the Earthshine Astronomy and Space Science Organization and the Mississauga Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Location: Chappell House, The Riverwood Conservancy, 4300 Riverwood Park Lane, Mississauga, ON L5C 2S7 (north off Burnamthorpe between Mississauga Rd and Mavis Rd.)