New Observers to Visual Astronomy (NOVA) Program
Getting started in amateur astronomy can be a challenge. In an effort to make the learning curve a little easier, the RASC: Prince George Centre created the New Observers to Visual Astronomy Program.
The objective of the program is to provide new members of the RASC: Prince George Centre with basic astronomy knowledge and skills to enable them to become proficient amateur astronomers and to foster an environment wherein new members may quickly become active, participating members of the Centre.
The course is divided into nine classroom sessions which occur approximately every two weeks. The sessions are held on Saturday evenings. In between sessions students are encouraged to work on the Explore the Universe Certificate. At the completion of the course those who have met the observing requirements will be presented with their Explore the Universe certificate.
OUTLINE and DATES OF CLASSES
All classes start at 7:30 pm and are held at the observatory.
|LESSON 1: How to Observe||January 14, 2017|
|LESSON 2: Motion Of The Sky And Seasons||January 28, 2017|
|LESSON 3: Maps, North, Distance, Position and Brightness||February 18, 2017|
|LESSON 4: Telescope Types and Using Them||March 4, 2017|
|LESSON 5: The Celestial Sphere and Deep Sky Objects||March 18, 2017|
|LESSON 6: Moon and Eclipses, Lunar Viewing Certificate||April 1, 2017|
|LESSON 7: Solar System||April 22, 2017|
|LESSON 8: Stars||May 6, 2017|
|LESSON 9: Prince George Centre Observatory Operation||May 20, 2017|
|Annual BBQ Party. Hand out any completed Explore the Universe Certificates.||TBA|
COURSE FEE: ADULT $115.00 YOUTH $81 EXISTING MEMBER $36 FORMER NOVA STUDENTS FREE (Must be a member and bring your course material)
The course fee includes: One year membership in the RASC: Prince George Centre ($79 value, Youth $45), a one year subscription to Skynews magazine ($26 value), one Observers Handbook ($27.95 value), one year subscription to the RASC e-Journal, one Explore the Universe Guide ($17.95 value), one RASC Calendar ($15.95 value), a binder of course materials, star charts, an observing logbook and access to telescopes and other equipment.
REGISTRATION: Contact Mr Blair Stunder at (250) 962-2334
PICTURES: from the first NOVA Program
COURSE OUTLINE up to date detailed outline of the NOVA Program (PDF)