For anyone in grades 4 through adult, this Introduction to Astronomy for beginners is a workshop that will have you literally exploring outer space on your own computer. We will learn to use a planetarium program that you can download for free. Explore the solar system, stars, constellations, and planets.

We will hold a ONE-TIME INTRO class on Friday, June 12, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. We will offer other, more in-depth workshops this fall.

In this June 12 class we will focus on the solar system, what planets will be up over the summer and fall, how to spot them, features (moons, orbits, etc), and Earth’s moon and common knowledge topics (phases, blue moon, supermoon, nomenclature, etc.) We will look at various meteorites, rocks from outer space that are older than the Earth! Explore the geology of the planets and moons, and learn how one big impact changed life on Earth. We will also teach you how to run Stellarium, a free planetarium software you can download on your computer.

Sign up with the above link or in the scrolling calendar at the bottom of this page.

In future workshops:

 -- you will explore current events in space science with rovers and space probes, NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and others. Also learn about the milestones in space exploration and where we are headed in the future.

 -- you will learn about the tools of astronomy and the milestones in discovery of how the universe works. Calculate distances in Light Years. Learn about reflector vs. refractor telescopes, and how solar telescopes safely view the hydrogen-helium fusion on the surface of the sun.

 -- you will get to handle meteorites, enjoy a full-dome planetarium show, handle models of rovers and rockets, look through telescopes, and even touch a piece of the moon!