Telescope licence

This course is "the other" introduction to astronomy: It will enable participants to identify stars, constellations, and planets in the night sky and show them how to use a telescope to find and observe different celestial objects.

Topics will include:

• Orientation: planispheres and planetarium software, applied celestial mechanics
• Telescope optics: refractors and reflectors, fundamental terms for observation and photography
• Setting up a telescope: telescope mounts and polar alignment, tracking, usage of accessories
• Observation strategies: from craters on the moon to distant galaxies, safety concerns regarding the Sun, observation planning, choosing binoculars and telescopes