In-person! Note 1 day postponement to Thu Oct 30, 7:30-11 pm. Bring your scope/binocs/eyes. We’ll bring extra eyepieces.
Bring your scope, we’ll teach you how to use it. As always, overdress, standing around one chills surprisingly quickly. Keep an eye out for cancellation on Facebook and the email list.
Location: Chickakoo Lake (west of the city, Northwest of Spruce) https://maps.app.goo.gl/2px2NdtskwFZyWDY6
Future zoom session: Nov 19, Dec 17. [ 2025 ] (Generally 3rd Wed)
Please join us (via Zoom) once a month for a chit-chat (what have you seen recently? Any skygazing plans for the upcoming month? Q&A about telescopes and visual astronomy). What observing/scope topics would you like to discuss? Let us know. Your hosts are Murray, Berta, and Alister.
As Earth completes a near circle around the Sun, we will cover a range of topics that will help you earn the ‘Explore the Universe’ certificate and pin from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. These include:
- Finding your way around the sky
- Moon, Sun, and planet cycles
- Eyes, binoculars, telescope basics
- Star clusters, craters on the Moon, comets
- Using the wonderful RASC Observer’s Handbook
Links to tools, charts, guides:
- Podcast for visual observers including beginners: https://actualastronomy.com/
- Moon Map: Free
– Dynamic NASA map with labels
– Randy Enkin’s 1h youtube Intro tothe Moon - Binoculars: https://calgary.rasc.ca/downloads/Choosing_and_Using_Binoculars_for_Astronomy.pdf
RASC (national) 1.5h Youtube Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6X4_S33XDk - Books: Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson (old editions are fine!)
– Complete Guide to Stargazing by Robin Scagell - Magazines: Astronomy , Sky & Telescope
- Explore the Universe: https://www.rasc.ca/explore-universe Revised 3rd edition
- Free star web/desk app: https://stellarium.org/
- Space Station and satellites: https://www.heavens-above.com/
- Choose Edmonton as location, find a satellite near 11 pm. Or download image below (posted a few days before)