In this module the apparent motions of the celestial sphere, the constellations, measurement of angles in the sky and techniques for observing astronomical objects will be explored.
Content of the course
- Notions of Astronomy
- The Celestial sphere and its apparent daily and annual movement
- Coordinate systems: horizontal and equatorial
- Telescopes
- The history of the telescope, its evolution and optic design
- Optical designs used by amateur astronomers today
- Mounts
- Types of mounts
- How to balance a mount
- Place a mount in station
- Go-To system
- Tracking, guidance and periodic error
- Solar observation
- Techniques to observe the Sun
- Specific telescopes to observe the Sun
- Telescope filters
- Practice to mount and unmmout a telescope and carry out astronomical observations with the telescope
Program:
- Saturday
- 14:00 – 15:00 Notions of Astronomy
- 15:00 – 16:00 Types of telescopes and mounts
- 16:00 – 18:00 Mount of the telescope
- 18:30 – 19:30 Solar observation
- 21:30 – 23:00 Practice with astronomical observations
Total: 9 hours
Registration: 60€
Participants can bring their own telescope to the practice session
Registration up to two days before the course. Please send an email to cursos @ olagoalqueva.pt with the subject “Curso de Introdução às Observações Astronómicas”.