Image credit: Scott D. Young

Tuesday, April 19 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm CST

Level: Intermediate

The Moon is our nearest neighbour in space, and shows more detail than any other celestial object for backyard skywatchers. In this course, you’ll learn how to understand the moon’s regular cycles of phases and how that translates into what you can see. We’ll explore the moon up-close, through binoculars and small telescopes, and get you started on tracking down craters, mountains, and other features on the Moon. We’ll also talk about equipment and accessories for binocular and telescope users, and help you figure out what you need and what you don’t. Finally, we’ll show you how to use whatever camera you have to take amazing pictures of the moon.

Topics include:

• Brief overview of the moon – what it is, why it looks like that
• Cycles of the moon: phases and what that means to an observer
• Equipment for moon-watching: binoculars, telescopes, eyepieces, and iPhones
• Basic lunar geography: getting the lay of the land with the lunar seas
• Lunar craters, mountains, and valleys
• What to look at for each day of the lunar month
• Yes, we landed on the moon; no, you can’t see the flag in your binoculars

Intermediate-level courses are three-hour courses designed for people who have binoculars or a small telescope. The course is conducted as an online Zoom meeting. You will need a device and an internet connection to participate.

Intermediate courses are $25 for Museum members and $30 for non-members.

Buy your tickets, here:

[email protected] Courses are for people wanting to learn more about the wonders in the sky above us! These one-evening courses with Planetarium Astronomer, Scott Young, will show you how to find your way around the sky, choose your first telescope, and use your binoculars or telescope to their fullest potential. Courses capacity is limited to 25 participants to accommodate more personal learning. Buy your tickets today!