Astronomy 101
The purpose of the TAAS Astronomy 101 program is to provide a monthly presentation on the basic concepts that new amateur astronomers should master to achieve their goals. Astronomy 101 assumes that those attending the presentations are also participating in or have completed the Fab 50 program.
The Fab 50 program teaches participants how to find naked-eye objects, and how to use a planisphere, and introduces binoculars and telescopes.
An Astronomy 101 presentation should assume that the audience is unfamiliar with the subject and should provide basic information about the subject and how it is applied by amateur astronomers for observing and imaging. The use of handouts and demonstration of the concepts with visual aids is highly encouraged.
TAAS enjoys a constant stream of new members which necessitates a periodic repetition of the most important concepts. An appropriate timeframe given the number of topics is about two years. In general, it is more important to introduce a subject and provide a good foundation for further study than to cover all the details. Astronomy 101 presentations should be planned to take about 40 minutes to allow 10 minutes for questions.
Some introductory papers and handouts are located at TAAS Paper Handouts
Astronomy 101 Schedule
Date Subject Presenter November 25, 2023 Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) Jim Fordice December 30, 2023 Imaging Basics - How to Get Started Jim Fordice February 24, 2024 Telescope Basics Steve Snider March 23, 2024 GNTO & Southwest Star Parties Jim Fordice April 20, 2024 Planetarium Apps James Carr May 25, 2024 Astronomical League Observing Programs and Observing Planning Viola Sanchez June 22, 2024 Your Observing Kit - What do you need? James Carr July 20, 2024 Eyepieces Jim Fordice August 17, 2024 How to Make and Record Astronomical League Observations Viola Sanchez
GNTO and Star Parties
Speaker: Jim Fordice, GNTO Director
An Introduction to the General Nathan Twining Observatory (GNTO) and Star Parties that are held annually in the Southwest.
Jim Fordice explains how to travel to and use GNTO. GNTO is an excellent facility for observing and imaging which TAAS members can use any day of the year. It is the premier perk of a TAAS membership.
Jim also discusses why many amateur astronomers attend large annual star parties such as the Texas Star Party, the Okie-Tex Star Party, the Rocky Mountain Star Stare, and the Enchanted Skies Star Party.
Presentation Date: 2/4/2023
An Introduction to the Astronomical League (AL) and its observing programs.
Speaker: Viola Sanchez, TAAS Astronomical League Coordinator (ALCOR)
Viola Sanchez explains the objectives of the AL, the benefits for Amateur Astronomers, how to join the AL, the AL observing programs, the progression to being certified as a Master Observer, and how to get started.
Presentation Date: 3/4/2023
Telescope Basics
Speaker: Steve Snider
An Introduction to the types of telescopes that are available and how to use them. Steve Snider provides a short history, a description, and the pros & cons of refractors, reflectors, and catadioptric telescopes. The presentation shows the light path for each telescope type, explains what you need to consider when selecting a telescope, and offers some advice.
Presentation Date: 10/15/2022
The Astronomy Observing Kit – What’s In It (And Why) for a Successful Night Under the Stars
Speaker: James Carr
James explains how to avoid the dreaded “dang it!” in the field! This talk will not only give you a list of items to have with you but all the tips and advice on how to use them and go about your observation session successfully. Before you go out to observe, have a plan–a list of what you want to observe and a log– a star chart (perhaps an online star app), a small table, viewing chair, red light, appropriate clothing for the weather, a water bottle and a set of tools.
Choose your optics–telescope, binoculars, eyepieces– extra associated batteries. Then set up and settle in for an evening of enjoyment and wonder!
Presentation Date: 4/8/2023
Eyepieces
Speaker: Jim Fordice
An introduction to eyepiece characteristics, eyepiece types, Barlow lenses, chromatic aberration, and the magnifications you need for observing. The presentation covers the wide range of eyepieces that are available and offers some suggestions on how you should determine what to purchase.
Presentation Date: 5/6/2023
How to Make and Record Astronomical League Observations
Speaker: Viola Sanchez, TAAS Astronomical League Coordinator (ALCOR)
This presentation focuses on showing examples of submittals to the Astronomical League for various completed observing programs. Examples of simple lists, object descriptions, sketches, diagrams, and imaging are shown. The use of Sky Safari 6 Pro is demonstrated for determining latitude and longitude, cardinal directions, position angles, distances, object types, and other information. Other useful websites are also discussed.
Presentation Date: 6/3/2023
Observing Sites, Climate, and Weather
Speaker: Alan Scott
This talk covers climate and weather forecasting for astronomers. Climate is the average weather for an observing site at some date. Should I observe in Fort Davis Texas early next September? Weather forecasts are trickier. They cover such forecasts as the clouds, wind, transparency, seeing, humidity, and smoke. These predictions come from different models which frequently disagree. Should I observe at GNTO tonight?
Presentation Date: 7/1/2023
How to Find Deep Sky Objects
Speaker: Sara Wofford
In this presentation Sara Wofford covers celestial coordinates (celestial sphere), star charts, planetarium programs, star hopping, and how the finding process and the view may differ with various telescopes.
Presentation Date: 8/5/2023
Constellations
Speaker: John Laning
John provides a brief history of when constellations were created and showed a few charts from books of Orion, Sagittarius, Cygnus, Cassiopeia, and Pegasus along with their images. He includes a few tables with information plus a few computer and tablet example star charts.
Presentation Date: 9/2/2023
Observing Techniques
Speaker: Jame Carr
Look at the Andromeda Galaxy, isn’t it amazing!!! Do you mean that little fuzzy thing? Is that it?
We’ve all been there, so what do you do to see more of what you came for? James covers why this happens and your best means of enjoying many astronomical objects’ finer (and fainter) details. You will discover observing techniques, the role of the rods and cones of our eyes, and filters for improving your visual astronomy experience.
Presentation Date: 9/30/2023
Basic Cosmology
Speaker: Derek Wallentinsen
‘If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.’
Who said that? A pretty well-known fellow by the name of Carl Sagan. This favorite quote connects our humble organic selves to the vast cosmos.
Derek Wallentinsen explains our evolving understanding of the Universe and the bright lives of stars populating dark skies. Along the way, he covers everything from the Big Bang to Chaco and beyond, the dynamic duo of Hertzsprung and Russell, the elemental recipe for that apple pie and expanding visions through the latest discoveries from James Webb Space Telescope and others!
Presentation Date: 10/28/2023
Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA)
Speaker: Jim Fordice
Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) is defined as the process of attaching a digital camera to a telescope instead of an eyepiece and then directly viewing on a screen of some kind. EAA is a great way to get started in astronomical imaging. Jim discusses ready-to-go and build-your-own systems and the pro and cons of each. He also talks about the AstroHopper open-source application and the PiFinder system that you can use to turn your manual telescope into a “push to” system.
Presentation Date: 11/25/2023
