Getting Started in Amateur Astronomy

March 3rd, 2010
6pm
Placerita Canyon Nature Center

Long-time Local Group member Jim Mahon will present a talk on starting out in the hobby of amateur astronomy, calling on 27 years of experience in the hobby to discuss the joys to be had, as well as some common stumbles to avoid, in becoming an amateur astronomer.

Jim will de-mystify some basic telescope jargon, discuss what equipment investments make sense early on, and generally try to provide encouragement to anyone considering joining the community of stargazers. 

Remember, if you are looking up – you are ALREADY an astronomer.  From that point on, it’s a matter of degrees, and there is no schedule, and no one blueprint to standardize the way one approaches the hobby.  The sky will still be up there every night for as long as you live, and if you hear the stars calling, it’s perfectly all right to give the call a qualified answer – you don’t have to automatically become a “serious” amateur astronomer.  “Occasional stargazer” is a fine thing to become as well, and our club will welcome you with open arms if that is as far as you’re interested in going.  The night sky belongs to everyone!   Come get one experienced astronomy educator’s take on enjoying this part of your human heritage without turning it into a job.

Jim joined the Local Group in 1988.  He works as a planetarium lecturer at Santa Monica College and a telescope demonstrator at Griffith Observatory, with an occasional stint on Mt. Wilson operating the 100 inch telescope.  In a previous life he worked on the NASA Space Shuttle Main Engine program.