Astronomy in the Park: Saturn & Mars

For Adults, Teens, & Families

6 Sessions from Feb 10 to May 23, plus a Wrap-Up Star-Party with friends, family, and the community!
Optional Dark Sky Session at Pedernales Falls State Park to be scheduled.

Take a break from screens and let the light from universe into your eyes! The Star Night Spring Astronomy Course is a hands-on exploration of the universe suitable for adults, teens, and families. Guided by career science teacher Andrew Morris, you won’t just be looking, but learning as well. Meeting Tuesdays every three weeks from Feb 10 to May 23rd, you’ll see the sky change throughout the season, with new constellations to learn, objects to observe, and events to witness. All you need is a telescope (suggestions provided), curiosity, and patience, and the universe can be yours!

Suggestions for pre-teens, young children: kids 12 and under are welcome to attend if their parents are participating, or if participating as a Family group. Be aware that visual astronomy takes patience and focus, so it may not be suitable for all kids. No participant (young or old) should cause disturbances or disrupt the lesson.

Telescope Suggestions:
If you have your own telescope already, you may use it. If you don’t, these are suggestions for this series:

Explore Scientific – FirstLight N114mm White Tube Newtonian with Twilight Nano Mount ($179)
• Better for wide-field views of star clusters, nebulae, and deep sky objects.

Explore Scientific – FirstLight 102mm Doublet Refractor Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount ($249)
• Better for easier, low maintenance, sharp views of the Moon, plants, and brighter deep sky objects.

Explore Scientific – FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain Telescope with Twilight Nano Mount ($329)
• Better for higher magnification views of the Moon and planets for more advanced users.

Note: Sessions are subject to rescheduling due to weather.

Session 1: Feb 10, 7:00-8:00 – Stars, Planets, and More!
Session 2: March 3, 7:30-8:30 – Full Moon Alert!
Session 3: March 24, 8:30 – 9:30 – Seas, Craters, and Moving Moons!
Session 4: April 14th, 8:30 – 9:30 – Galaxy Search!
Session 5: May 5th, 8:45 – 9:45 – Clusters & Conjunctions!
Session 6: May 23rd, 5am-6am – “SATURN-DAY” MORNING SESSION – Saturn & Mars!
Wrap-up Star-Party, May 23rd or 24th, 8:30-10pm: Family, Friends, & Community Invited!

Classes will meet at the Lakeway City Park down by the volleyball courts for best viewing. Feel free to bring a chair if you would like!
Participants need to purchase their own telescopes, see class description for suggestions. Participants may bring their own lawn chairs to class.