The following is a proposed curriculum for the next 6 months for the UVAA Moon Watch nights (exact dates to be determined).

1. April - Optical train, collimation
2. May - Eyepieces, filters
3. June - Red Dot finders, Telrads, finder scopes
4. July - Goto telescopes, digital setting circles
5. Aug - Books, charts, magazines, web sources
6. Sept - Volcanism, Impact craters

 

I was hoping not to compete with SLAS Public Star Parties or SPOC because they are worth while to support, but they have something going every weekend.

 

Nothing is written in concrete here. The curriculum was written to meet the perceived (by me) needs of the here-to-fore lurkers and now coming out of the woodwork folks in Utah County and surrounding areas (no exclusions, children welcome with parents).

The reasons for the Moon Watch are:

1. The moon is interesting
2. It can be done close to home, and in town.
3. Moon watch would be unique to services already provided by SLAS and others.
4. It could fill a niche for beginners by introducing them to people, places, and events going on around the state while at the same time teaching basic Astronomy concepts.

 

There are probably other good reasons but this will suffice.  If the needs of the group change, so will Moon Watch. If there is a need not being filled by the proposed curriculum, please speak up.

 

Now, I need volunteers who can participate in a show-and-tell style hands on approach demonstration of the above mentioned subjects. If several people can take 5 or 10 minutes a piece for a concept and we can do this in about 45 minutes to no longer than an hour in a late afternoon setting, I think this would be fun. After the sun goes down we can apply our new knowledge by observing the moon and other bright objects. Suggestions are invited.

 

JG