Hands-on Astronomy Classes

Are you curious about the night sky? Do you want to learn how to use a telescope and gain confidence in finding planets, stars and constellations? Join me, Amy Jackson, for night time stargazing and learn about our night sky and how to use a telescope.  We will get to know our telescopes and equipment and then continue the class with a tour of the night sky, view major celestial objects in my 10″ telescope, and learn how to use a star chart.  You will be given a star chart to take home, cut out and keep. I will incorporate one of the following topics into each class with modeling or a hands-on activity: The Scale of the Solar System, Why the North star won’t always be our North star, The Reason for the Seasons, What Causes the Moon phases and Eclipses? and what we can do to save our night sky from light pollution. This is sure to be a confidence building experience for anyone interested in learning about astronomy!

Who:  Ages 8-108.

When and Where:    Scroll down for summer courses  or form your own private group of at least 4 and have me come to a location of your choice. You can also bring this class to your school or organization. Download the flyer here

Cost: $25/student per class. Siblings get a $10 discount per class. Ages 16 and younger must have a guardian accompany them to the class. Parents attending with their children are free. One time public events or groups are $100/hr. This includes travel to and from, setup and break down time.

*This is a weather contingent activity.  We will meet on nights with clear skies or partly cloudy skies. I will contact you if we have to reschedule

Summer Classes and One Time Events

Sign up for a truly educational experience this summer! Starry Sky Austin offers summer courses that consist of 3 classes in a series. Entire series is $75. Siblings get a $10 discount.

You may also book me for your private event or group. Contact me to schedule and discuss pricing. email: amy@starryskyaustin.com or  call: 713-825-7978

South Austin Course– meets at Longview Park on June 6th, 13th, and 20th. REGISTER

Cedar Park Course– meets at Brushy Creek Lake Park on May 29th, June 5th, and June 12th.  Course is over. Check back for future offerings.

First Session 8:15-9:45pm The Scale of the Solar System 

We will get to know our telescopes and equipment and take a tour of the night sky and view major celestial objects in my 10″ telescope.  Learn how to use a star chart to find major constellations. You will be given a star chart to take home, cut out and keep. Learn how to measure altitude and azimuth in order to chart objects in the sky. Take a solar system walk and truly understand the immense distances to the planets.  Hear a star lore story. Homework: chart the moon phases for the following 3 weeks and bring it to the last class for discussion.

Second Session 8:15-9:45pm The North Star and the Reason for the Seasons

The North Star- Where is it, will it always be there and what does it mean for our planet Earth? You will be given an astrolabe to take home and use to track the moon’s position in the sky. We will model the seasons and answer questions such as: why do the constellations change each season? What causes our seasons on Earth? What are seasons like on other planets? Practice using telescopes and see what’s up that night with my 10″ scope. Hear a star lore story.

Third Session 8:15-9:45pm  Moon Phases and Eclipses

Why does the Moon change phases?  Share and discuss your completed moon calendars from the first session. We will model how eclipses occur and discuss light pollution and what we can do to save the night sky. Practice using telescopes and see what’s up that night with my 10″ scope. Hear a star lore story.

Spring 2015 offerings:

February and March Classes

Saturday, February 21st: 7:00-8:30pm Cedars Montessori Elementary private class

Friday, March 27th: 7:30-9:30 City of Sunset Valley Public Star Party. open to the public

April Classes

Saturday, April 4th: 7:30-9pm Cedar Park- Brushy Creek Lake Park public classregister

Saturday, April 11th: 7:30-9pm South Austin- Longview Park  public class register

Saturday, April 18th: 7:30-9pm Central Austin- Zilker Park public class register

Saturday, April 25th: 7:30-9pm Cedars Montessori Elementary private class

May Classes and Events

Saturday, May 2nd: 7:30-9pm Cedar Park- Brushy Creek Lake Park public class register

Thursday, May 7th: 5:30-7:00pm Girlstart Starry Night program

Saturday, May 9th: 8:15–9:45pm South Austin- Longview Park  public class register

Saturday, May22nd: 8:15-9:45pm Whole Life Learning Center private class

Amy and family at Enchanted Rock

Learning to use the FunScopes to find Jupiter and the Moon

Looking at Jupiter and the Moon with the 10

the beginning of the eclipse through the sun funnel

Kalen and Piper with eclipse glasses on

10″ Dobsonian