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 October 24, 2026 Telescope Basics Steve Snider November 28, 2026 Planetarium Apps James Carr December 19, 2026 Astronomical League Observing Programs and Observing Planning Viola Sanchez
Using Smartphones as a Tool for Astronomical Observations
Speaker: Viola Sanchez, ALCOR
This presentation discusses the use of smartphones, especially the Sky Safari Pro app, smartphone camera, photo app editor, and smartphone settings which are useful in helping make observations and providing information for Astronomical League observing program write-ups. While the focus is on manual and visual observations without go-to equipment, setting circles, or other automated ways of finding targets, some information is useful to users of smart telescopes such as the Seestar and other imaging equipment. Attendees were encouraged to bring their smartphones to follow along. Demonstrations used Sky Safari Pro 6 and Sky Safari Pro 7. Attendees were also encouraged to bring information on their personal observing equipment, such as telescope brand, model, focal length, focal ratio, and aperture. Eyepiece information to have available includes the brand, model, and focal length.
Presentation Date: 12/6/2025
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: 4/4/2026
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: 8/9/2025
Telescope Basics
Speaker: Steve Snider
This presentation covers the three main types of telescopes–refractors, reflectors and catadioptrics…their histories, the light paths for each type and the pros-and-cons of each one.
Steve explains the types of telescope mounts–alt-azimuth and equatorial–and gives the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Steve ends the presentation with advice for those who are thinking about purchasing a telescope.
Presentation Date: 6/14/2025
Observing Kits
Speaker: James Carr
How to avoid the dreaded “dang it!” in the field! This talk will not only give you a checklist, but tips and advice on what you need and why you need them!
Always have a plan before you go out to observe–a list of what you want to observe and a log, a star chart (perhaps an online star app, like Sky Safari), a small table, viewing chair, red light, appropriate clothing for the weather, water bottle, set of tools and more.
Don’t leave home without it!–your telescope that is…
Presentation Date: 9/6/2025
Presentation: Observing Kits (2025-09-06)
Video: Observing Kits
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: 10/11/2025
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. The 8/17/2024 presentation includes some additional information on how to use SkySafari to complete the Alternate Constellations Additional Exercises. The 11/8/2025 presentation includes information on how to complete AL Observing Programs using a Smart Telescope.
Presentation Date: 6/3/2023, 8/17/2024, & 11/8/2025
AL Observing Program Submittals (2023-06-03)
AL Observing Program Submittals (2024-08-17)
Alternate Constellations Additional Exercises (2024-08-17)
Presentation: AL Observing and Recording Lists (2025-11-08)
Climate, Weather, and Observing Sites
Speaker: Alan Scott
The talk covers climate and weather forecasting for astronomers. Climate is the average weather for an observing site at some date. Should you 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 you observe at GNTO tonight?
Presentation Date: 6/27/2026
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: 3/7/2026
Constellations: Cultural Connections with the Stars
Speaker: Derek Wallentinsen
Humans love to find and make patterns. The sky is an example of where we’ve done this in the form of constellations. These patterns change with the seasons and help us increase our knowledge of the sky.
Cultures have put their stamp on the arbitrary patterns. The International Astronomical Union has recognized a set of 88 areas on the sky as constellations based primarily on Greco-Roman legends and history. Spring, summer, fall and winter starscapes have their own distinct sets of constellations. Constellation boundaries are also a part of defining where popular deep-sky objects are located. We’ll highlight some of these objects on the way.
Patterns can be interpreted in differing ways even adopting one set of constellations. Different star charts and the program Stellarium show varying depictions of the sky.
Indigenous cultures star maps and stories are even more different. The Navajo and the Inca depictions of the sky offer other perspectives with their patterns of constellations.
“Stone or space age, man will be asking the question his grandparents have asked before him and his grandchildren will ask after him:
‘What star is that?’ “ - H. A. Rey, The Stars: A New Way to See Them
Presentation Date: 5/2/2026
Observing Techniques
Speaker: Steve Snider
Steve talk's about your eyes and how we perceive light which he will use to explain why we use averted light to see dim objects. He also discusses the use of filters to aid your ability to see various objects.
Presentation Date: 5/30/2026
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: 8/1/2026
Smart Scopes & Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA)
Speaker: Carlton Haywood
Carlton Haywood discusses the current generation of Smart Telescopes: what they are, how they relate to Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA), and how they work. Technical specs, features, and limitations of current smart scopes are compared. Images acquired by TAAS Members using various smart scopes are presented as well as TAAS members’ comments (pro and con) about their scopes. The application of post-processing techniques to imaging data collected by smart scopes is not be addressed.
Presentation Date: 8/29/2026
Imaging Basics - How to Get Started
Speaker: Jim Fordice
Jim Fordice covers what astronomical imaging is, what the basic steps are, and a recommendation on how to get started. Jim discusses what you need to obtain images, what software astrophotographers use, image calibration, and amateur hosting facilities. Warning: Astronomical imaging is difficult, expensive, time consuming and very rewarding! If you want to start imaging look at this presentation!
Presentation Date: 9/26/2026
Planetarium Applications
Speaker: James Carr
James Carr’s presentation covers Mobile Planetarium Apps. Having one of the best stargazing apps installed on your cell phone is a great idea if you’re interested in the night sky.
These powerful tools have many uses, whether you are a novice Skywatcher, a seasoned astronomer, or an avid astrophotographer.
James discusses what apps are available, which apps are best for a variety of uses, and describes why each highlighted app may be best for you.
He also provides a handout titled "Best Planetarium Apps of 2025" that provides detailed informatoin about the apps he discusses in the presentation.
Presentation Date: 7/12/2025
