Flamsteed Astronomy Society

Beginners’ Telescope Workshop at the NMM

January 23, 2007

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The Flamsteed Telescope Workshop at the NMM by Mike DrylandThe Flamsteed Telescope Workshop at the NMM by Julie BevanThe Flamsteed Telescope Workshop at the NMM by Mike DrylandThe Flamsteed Telescope Workshop at the NMM by Mike DrylandDr John Griffiths at the Flamsteed Telescope Workshop by Mike DrylandDr John Griffiths at the Flamsteed Telescope Workshop by Mike Dryland

John also talked about planning observing sessions and listed the easiest targets for beginners — the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus.  We discussed the problems in observing popular fainter objects like the Orion nebula, and how the appearance could be deceptive.  Useful ‘planetarium’ software like  the Stellarium free download, star atlases, and guides like ’Turn left at Orion’  were mentioned.

John reminded us about the need for safety during sessions in the dark, and pointed out the importance of dressing comfortably for the weather — it’s not easy to focus any kind of telescope with fingers frozen stiff and shaking from the cold!

There certainly seemed to be an appetite for follow-on observing events and classes, and the Flamsteed must give some thought about how best to organise for these.  The Greenwich weather is always there to make life difficult!  Many thanks indeed to John and everyone who took part, especially those who lugged their heavy equipment through the tube!

MRD

“Trust me — I’m an astronomer”

John develops a finer point

(photo: Mike Dryland)

An attentive audience listens to the description of telescope types

(photo: Mike Dryland)

A selection of scopes under the watchful eye of a hero of the Royal Navy

(photo: Mike Dryland)

“It tilts this far then falls on your foot”  Health & safety in the dark

(photo: Mike Dryland)

“No, it goes in this end”  Deborah, Pat, and Seymour try to understand how the Flamsteed Dob. fits together

(photo: Julie Bevan)