Amateur astronomy/Initial experiences

Initial experiences: A course learning project for beginning observers

Purpose
Develop solid skills at astronomical observation, learn the major constellations of the sky, and detail how useful the advice on the page stargazing is

Participants

 * user: JoliePA as an interested backyard amateur astronomer I know the constellations pretty well and authored much of the original advice in the page stargazing
 * user: Sid9611 is also an amateur astronomer who knows the constellations and the basics of astronomy.

Qualifications
Everyone is welcome to try the procedure ,although to be fair, I am located in the Northeastern United States and thus I am unable to guide someone whom is located in the southern hemisphere. while the learning experience might be similar, the stars (and constellations) in the southern hemisphere are very different.

A prospective observer should have access to an open area with a low North horizon. He/she should also remember to dress warmly, get or make a redlight and buy or download a good star chart. The information in stargazing is meant to be a resource for the course.

I would also point out that this is not the only possible way to begin an astronomy. In this page are some other ways that people have become interested in observers: alternative ways to become an observer.

Lasly I would ask that as you perform each step you take go to the attached link and tell me about your experience. tell me whether the information I have given was clear enough and tell me whether the step seemed hard or not.

Course Activities

 * read the page, stargazing
 * comment on the talk page on whether you find the page helpful and confusing


 * Prepare for an initial experience
 * peform the activity Activity:Cassiopeia and Ursa Major and comment on its talk page