How much do you really know about the Moon? Is it really made of green cheese? Our upcoming workshop will attempt to explore the answer to this intriguing question… and many more.
Book Included~
Our next workshop Exploring the Moon with Binoculars will combine the best parts of the RASC Observe the Moon with Binoculars course with local author John A. Read’s book 50 Things to See on the Moon.
The course will be take place over six consecutive weeks in the fall of 2019 and will detail many of our Moon’s interesting features, all visible with just binoculars.
[click to enlarge] Image: RASC
Course Agenda~
Week 1 will be an introductory to the material being presented, along with an introduction to our celestial neighbor… what it’s really made of, its origin, the lunar cycle, and more. Each week, we will focus on the details and features available through each part of the Lunar cycle, with a wrap-up session on the last week.
The course will be offered by 4 separate hosts… Curt Nason, Paul Owen, Mike Powell, and Chris Curwin–who will all present their own unique view of a part their lunar phase.
There will be “homework”… meant to encourage you to learn something new about our Moon. Part of the course will involve some simple sketching of what you see with binoculars, and perhaps a bit of research on a particular feature available for viewing on the Moon that week. Notebooks are encouraged.
You will also be required to have a set of binoculars to take the workshop. If you don’t have a set, please let us know and we will do our best to provide you with a set to borrow. We have a very limited number available.
RASC Certificate Eligibility~
For those that are RASC members, the workshop is designed to allow you to apply for the “RASC Observe the Moon with Binoculars” certificate upon completion.
The course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the Moon. The cost of registration for the course is $49.00 – no tax. This cost will cover your reference book 50 Things to See on the Moon and all printed material from the RASC “Observe the Moon” course, as well as other handouts such as sketching charts. All funds collected over the expected cost of material will be contributed to our local club…and, of course, the reference book and material are yours to keep.
Course location, dates and times~
The workshops will take place on the following nights, 6:30–8:30pm at the Rockwood Park Interpretative Centre.
Wednesday , September 25~ Introduction to the course material and introduction to our Moon
Tuesday , October 1~ New Moon to First Quarter Features
Wednesday, October 9~ First Quarter to Full Moon Features
Wednesday, October 16~ Full Moon to Third Quarter Features
Wednesday, October 23~ Third Quarter to New Moon Features
Wednesday, October 30~ Wrap up and Q&A
The Tuesday night second week is due to the fact that the workshop location is already booked for Wednesday, October 2nd. The workshop will take place the our normal monthly meeting place… the Rockwood Park Interpretive Centre, next to the duck pond.
How to Register~
Although registration is now closed for this event, just to give you an idea, we were accepting registrations up to the event via email with a maximum amount of participants at 35. Course costs were collected on the first night of the workshop. We obtained a bulk shipment of books, so there was no reduction in course cost if you already have your own book.
The idea of the workshop is not only to get us all more familiar with our celestial neighbor, but to also help those who volunteer with us to gain some knowledge and to encourage confidence while having visitors to your eyepiece.
[click to enlarge] Image: RASC
General Information~
Course: Exploring the Moon with Binoculars (2019)
Where: Rockwood Park Interpretative Centre
When: Wednesday, September 25, Tuesday , October 1,
Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30
6:30 – 8:30pm
Requirements: A pair of binoculars
Hosted by: Saint John Astronomy Club and RASC NB
Instructors: Curt Nason, Paul Owen, Mike Powell, and Chris Curwin
Included: All course materials + 50 Things to See on the Moon
Cost: $49, no tax, payment on 1st night
Registration: Registration is now closed for this event.
Resources~
RASC Observe the Moon with Binoculars Certificate Program
RASC Photographic Album of Lunar Features
Click here for the Facebook Event for this Course.
Images~
1st Quarter Moon [photo-Paul Owen]
Full Moon [photo-Jim Stewart]
3rd Quarter Moon [photo-Jim Stewart]
The Waning Cresent Moon [photo-Paul Owen]