Beginners Astronomy Classes

Cygnus2Beginners Astronomy Classes are regularly held at Houge Park. It is geared toward kids, but with content adults too will appreciate.

Previous presentations (click to open):

See the Events Calendar to the right for the next scheduled class.

The indoor portion is no more than one hour, and is held in the hall at Houge Park. There two types of classes.

Astronomy 101 – One of a variety of topics are presented. Suitable for older children and adults.

Intro to the Night Sky – An introduction to the month’s night sky. Suitable for younger children and adults. Content includes:

  1. What is up in this month’s sky.
  2. Constellations – learning a few that are currently visible, some of their mythology, and what you can see in them.
  3. One solar system object (sun, moon, planets, meteor showers, comets, etc.) – typically one that can be seen the night of the class.

If skies are clear, after the indoor class, we head outside to:

  1. Find the constellations learned in the class. We use a green laser pointer to show the constellations outdoors.
  2. Visit the row of telescopes to enjoy the views of the night sky.

Constellations that are discussed that month are:

Month Constellations
January Perseus, Taurus, Eridanus
February Auriga, Orion, Lepus
March Lynx, Gemini, Canis Minor, Canis Major, Monoceros
April Leo Minor, Cancer, Hydra, Leo
May Ursa Major, Canes Venatici, Crater, Corvus
June Draco, Bootes, Virgo
July Ursa Minor, Corona Borealis, Serpens Caput, Libra, Scorpius
August Hercules, Ophiuchus, Serpens Cauda, Sagittarius
September Cygnus, Lyra, Sagitta, Aquila, Cepheus
October Delphinus, Equuleus, Capricornus, Aquarius
November Cassiopeia, Pegasus, Andromeda, Pisces, Lacerta
December Triangulum, Aries, Cetus