Here is a small collection of handy resources I have developed myself especially for educators, students and new amateur astronomers of all ages. Feel free to make use of them for personal or educational purposes!
Telescopes and Observing
- Safely Observing the Transit of Venus - PDF document explaining projection method, eclipse shades and telescope filters.
- A First Telescope Lesson - A step-by-step guide to help you get to know that newly-acquired instrument.
- Powers of a Telescope - Magnification, light-gathering power and resolution explained.
- Beginner's Target List - Observing list for a first telescope or binoculars (Word document).
- Beginner's Planisphere - PDF file to make a do-it-yourself starfinder. Instructions for assembly and use are contained on the first page.
The plansiphere, once assembled, may be used to determine which stars can be seen at any time
of night or any time of year. The planisphere is suitable
for use by observers at 30ºS to 35ºS latitude.
This planisphere may be downloaded,
copied and distributed in its original form for educational purposes or personal use, but must not be
sold.
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Activities from South Pacific Star Party 2009
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Scale Models
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Starrylady Fact Sheets
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Mnemonics
- My Very Elderly Mother Just Sat Under Neptune
(Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)
- Oh, Big And Fat Gorilla, Kill Mother
(OBAFGKM stellar classifications)
- A Tall Green Cat Lets Various Lost Shepherds Send Calls And Praises
(Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, Pisces)
The curious thing about this one is that two constellations begin with A, C, L, and S. In every case, the shorter constellation name comes before the longer constellation name beginning with the same letter!
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