Lectures on our Place in the Universe and the Constellations of the Seasons
What:
The three seasonal series (six classes each) are designed for everyone from total beginners to experienced amateur observers. Whether you want to learn the constellations or have a telescope and want to expand your knowledge of viewing objects, these classes have something for you.
The focus is on learning the night sky in a “geographic” sense…locating yourself in our solar system, our Milky Way and our local galaxy cluster neighborhoods! A few constellations are introduced in each class—their myths, history and interesting stars. We also cover deep sky objects such as the beautiful nebulae and clusters that never cease to awe and amaze.
After each class (sky conditions permitting), we go outside to locate the constellations just presented. We then move to the Observatory’s telescopes to view objects within the featured constellations, until or beyond 10:30 PM (11:30 PM daylight time).
Basic topics are repeated in each series so that concepts become familiar. Persons who take all three Night Sky series (18 classes in all) will learn the entire sky viewable from our northern latitude. (The winter sky is split between the Fall and Spring Series).
Handouts:
Detailed informational handouts are provided at each class. These may serve as excellent reference materials for all types of observing. The handouts are compiled from a large number of sources, and the observatory strives to make certain that they are useful, accurate, and up-to-date.
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. We only offer this class series every other year. Presentations begin promptly at the times noted for each event and last approximately 90 minutes. Please arrive about 30 minutes early on your first night to check in.
Spring 2024 Night Sky Class Series
Purchase tickets here for any of the classes listed below!
- April 29, 2024 from 7:30-11 PM
Summer 2024 Night Sky Class Series
Purchase tickets here for any of the classes listed below!
- June 3, 2024 from 8-11:30 PM
- June 24, 2024 from 8-11:30 PM
- July 1, 2024 from 8-11:30 PM
- July 8, 2024 from 8-11:30 PM
- July 29, 2024 from 8-11:30 PM
- August 5, 2024 from 8-11:30 PM
Autumn 2024 Night Sky Class Series
Purchase tickets here for any of the classes listed below!
- September 23, 2024 from 7-10:30 PM
- September 30, 2024 from 7-10:30 PM
- October 28, 2024 from 7-10:30 PM
- November 4, 2024 from 7-10:30 PM
- November 25, 2024 from 7-10:30 PM
- December 2, 2024 from 7-10:30 PM