Telescopes 101 – Using Your Own Telescope

March 23, 2007

Did you get a telescope for Christmas or your birthday and can't seem to make it work?  Is there an old telescope collecting dust in your closet or attic, just waiting to be used by a knowledgeable astronomer?
 

Kenton County Parks & Recreation and the Cincinnati Observatory Center will team up to present a two-hour hands-on workshop Friday, March 23 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Banklick Woods Park.

Here's your chance to become that knowledgeable astronomer – or at least get started in the right direction!  Dean Regas, C.O.C. Outreach Astronomer, will lead the workshop which will teach you step-by-step how to get your telescope ready for viewing and provide essential tips to finding objects in the night sky.

Bring your telescope, a friend or family member, or just yourself to begin exploring the heavens above.  The workshop is free and open to the public but space is limited so you must call (859) 525-PLAY (7529) to reserve your place.  Telescopes 101 will be held in the Kenton County Public Works Administration building at 420 Independence Station Rd., Independence, KY 41051.  Following special one-on-one help from the experts, you'll even have an opportunity to try out your telescope (weather permitting!)

Once you've gotten the hang of it, you may be ready to bring your telescope and set up during one of two KCP&R Star Gazes.  Star Gaze 1 and Star Gaze 2 will be held at Banklick Woods Park on May 19 and July 14, respectively, with program start times to be announced.  During Star Gazes, a one-hour indoor computer-generated program (held rain or shine) will be followed by night sky viewing (weather permitting).

The Cincinnati Observatory Center is the birthplace of American Astronomy and has the honor of being the nation's first professional observatory.  In 1843, President John Quincy Adams laid the Observatory's foundation stone.  A national historic landmark, the Observatory Center is located at 3489 Observatory Place and houses a collection of artifacts illustrating the history of the science and applications of astronomy.  For the Observatory program schedule, including Community Outreach, call (513) 321-5186 or visit their website at http://www.cincinnatiobservatory.org.

For a list of upcoming programs, activities, and events to be held in Kenton County's parks, call the Parks & Recreation office at (859) 525-PLAY (7529 or check out http://www.kentoncounty.org, click on County Services, and then on Recreation.

Call Kenton County Recreation at (859) 525-PLAY (7529) to see how you can help – we are always in need of volunteers and funding sponsors for our programs!