The Basic Astronomy Classes for TTAS Members will commence on Saturday, February 28 at 6.30 p.m. in the Sir Frank Stockdale Building.  Class presenters are a number of knowledgeable, experienced members. The idea behind these classes, which will be conducted at a basic, hopefully enjoyable, level, is to make members more aware of the fundamentals of astronomy so that they can more fully appreciate the wonders of the heavens.

The first two classes will deal with the stars and will be conducted by Maura Imbert. Class material will include:

1.A description of the Celestial Sphere

2.The reading of star maps and familiarity with celestial coordinates, Right Ascension and Declination.

3. Why the appearance of the sky differs in different localities.

4. The relationship between the altitude  (elevation above the horizon) of Polaris and the latitude of the observer.

5. Why the appearance of the sky changes throughout the year.

6. The difference between a star and a planet

7. The apparent magnitude of a star (the brightness of a star as we see it from Earth) and its absolute magnitude. 

8. How star distances are determined.

9. Why stars are of different colours

Since some of these concepts will be familiar to members of the class, it is hoped that such members will contribute to class discussions and, at each class, there will be a question and answer session. Weather permitting, participants will then go to the rooftop and apply what had been discussed to the stars visible in the night sky.