Observing Labs at the Robert Ferguson Observatory are organized around a category of targets, such as binaries/multiple stars, stellar remnants (“star death”), star formation objects (diffuse nebulae and open clusters), or galaxies.
What:
The program starts with a short presentation where participants have an opportunity to learn about the astrophysics of stars, and the interesting objects that result, that are within the reach of our telescopes at the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Then it’s off to the telescopes for observing the targets!
These programs are purposely restricted to a maximum of 15 participants to ensure an optimal experience for registrants with a lot of observing time. Attendees should be prepared to take observing notes during a structured scope observing session that can last about three hours or longer. Observing will take place through our 8-inch refractor and 40-inch reflector telescopes, as well as through the personal telescopes of our knowledgeable docents. Some of the best observing will be using the CCD camera on the 20-inch Ritchey Chretien reflector for the really deep sky objects. Because observing is the key activity in these programs, each Observing Lab will have an alternate date in case poor weather precludes us from observing.
Where:
At The Robert Ferguson Observatory (map). Park in the gravel area near the horse corrals just outside the gate to the Group Camp/Observatory site. You do not need to pay the park day use fee to attend the class.
When:
Classes are listed on our events calendar and tickets may be purchased at rfo.simpletix.com.
Observing Lab – Star Birth 2025
January 31, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 PM
The birth of stars is going on throughout the known universe. The Milky Way has any number of huge gas clouds – “stellar nurseries” – where star formation is actively underway. In this talk we will explore how stars begin their life cycles and how a star’s mass at birth determines almost everything about it, from its color and brightness to how long it will live and how it will likely die.
Observing Lab – Star Death 2025
September 23, 2025 from 8:00-11:00 PM
The end of a star can take many forms, most of them controlled by the mass of a star when fusion at the star’s core can no longer support that mass. In this talk we will explore how stars begin their life cycle and how the difference in their masses determines how they will end.