HantsAstro Courses
HantsAstro has always been at the forefront of practical astronomy. We have a wide range of telescopes and expertise, and since 2008 we have grown to become the largest observing group in Hampshire, with over 60% of our membership new to astronomy. You too can benefit from a number of exciting courses that help you get more out of astronomy and your equipment.
The telescopes we use are standard and we have a broad range from 3" to 16" consisting of refractors, reflectors and Dobsonians. Due to demand we have been working on putting together a series of astronomy courses that help our members get more out of astronomy and cover all bases.
Our courses are comprehensive, informative and offer great value. If you are also looking to get into astro-imaging then we can show you how it works from webcam to DLSR to CCD, we live astronomy!
Introduction to Astronomy (aka.'Newbies Night') (2 hours)
In one evening we can show you how to set up your own telescope and what it's capable of doing. We can show you how to maintain and upgrade it as well as some easy-to-spot targets in the night sky. You will also be given a resource CD of free software to help kick-start your new hobby.
Location: Petersfield Community Centre
Dates: Monday evenings 7.30pm Jan to Dec, see below for dates
Cost per person : £10.00 HantsAstro member
£12.00 Non-member.
Alternatively for only £25.00 for non-members you also get a HantsAstro Annual Multi Site Pass.
Tour of the Night Sky - Observing Evening (quarterly) dates tba
Cost £5 per person
(Children 11 years + only & must be accompanied by parent or guardian).
Come along and we will give you a unique tour of the night sky using our 10" and 16" Dobsonian telescopes as well as various other telescopes and binoculars for you to try out.
Astro-Imaging Course Part 1 (4 hours)
Ever wanted to take pictures of the night sky, well here's your chance! We'll introduce you to the technology and the various telescope set-ups as well as hints and tips on how to get the most out of your imaging set-up. We will cover webcam, DLSR and CCD imaging as well as a number of useful targets to start imaging with.
You will also be given a resource DVD of free software to help you develop your astro-imaging. Class size is no larger than 15.
Location: Petersfield Community Centre on Sundays, for dates see table below:
Cost per person:
£35.00 HantsAstro member
£45.00 non-member
Alternatively for only £50.00 non-members also get a HantsAstro Annual Multi Site Pass.
Astro-Imaging Course Part 2 (4 hours)
Utilising Butser Ancient Farm with an exclusive imaging session as well as a classed based course, we will help you get the most out of your post-processing and explore various software including Nebulosity and Maxim DL as well as Envisage programs. Bring along your own imaging set-up and we will advise you on developing new techniques to help you extend your astro-imaging experience.
What's more, you will be invited to image from Butser Ancient Farm which has some of the darkest skies in Hampshire. If you have not done imaging before then we strongly recommend that you attend the first course Part 1.
Location: Petersfield Community Centre on Sunday, see table below for dates
Cost per person: £35.00 - HantsAstro Annual Multi Site Pass holders only
Class size is no larger than 15.
Advanced Astro-Imaging Part 3. (Special Imaging Evening)
This course is a series of four evenings as a small class where we help you develop your astro-imaging and help you iron out any issues you may be experiencing.
Location: Hambledon (Site 4)
Cost : £10.00 per person - HantsAstro Annual Multi Site Pass holders only
Solar-Imaging
This half-day class covers all you need to know about solar imaging from filters through to etalons, video and still imaging, equipment and techniques to capture the dramatic pictures of our nearest star. Demonstration of equipment and a DVD, and hands-on use of scopes (weather dependent)
Location: Petersfield Community Centre on Sunday, see table below for dates
Cost per person: £35.00 - Any members.
Class size is no larger than 25.
We are now finalising our timetable for 2012/2013 so book early as we have had a lot of interest in these courses already. For further information and to book a course please contact Sharon at: membership@hantsastro.org
Current 2012 Programme & Availability (denoted in brackets)
| January | Monday 23rd | 7.30pm to 9.30pm | Introduction to Astronomy |
| February | Monday 20th | 7.30pm to 9.30pm | Introduction to Astronomy (Full) |
| March | Sunday 18th | 9.30am to 1.30pm | Astrophotography pt.1 (6) |
| April | Monday 23rd | 7.30pm to 9.30pm | Introduction to Astronomy (4) |
| May | Sunday 27th | 9.30am to 1.30pm | Astrophotography pt.2 (2) |
| June | Sunday 27th | 1.30pm to 5.30pm | Solar Imaging (0) New! |
| July | Sunday 27th | 1.30pm to 5.30pm | Solar Imaging (0) New! |
| August | Sunday 12th | 1.30pm to 5.30pm | Astrophotography pt.1 (0) |
| September | Monday 17th | 7.30pm to 9.30pm | Introduction to Astronomy (0) |
| October | Sunday 14th | 1.30pm to 5.30pm | Astrophotography pt.2 (0) |
| November | Sunday 18th | 1.30pm to 5.30pm | Astrophotography pt.1(0) |
All events and courses are ticketed only and are limited to a maximum of 15 people per class.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Please complete PDF booking form (save form to your PC desktop, complete the form and re-save with your name as filename) and e-mail to Sharon Rose at: membership@hantsastro.org
Payment via PayPal (no PayPal account needed), all major cards accepted.