ELXXX: Electronically Assisted Astronomy Workshop

Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) Workshop

Did you know that for less then $500 you can do astrophotography that rivals NASA telescopes? Pair one of these smart EAA telescopes with your phone or tablet and you can set up your astronomy observation station in about 5 minutes. Take pictures of sunspots, craters of moon, deep sky objects (millions of light years away), comets, but NOT planets or the Milky Way galaxy. (These telescopes are not suitable for planets.)  But wait, there is more! Some of these telescopes can also do landscape photography.

There are different types of observational astronomy –naked eye, direct observing (looking through eyepiece), and EAA.  This workshop only covers EAA with smart telescopes.

This workshop will be 50% in classroom and 50% outside, observing the sky with a couple of telescopes.

• The classroom session covers how to get started in EAA, types of objects observed, light pollution, astrophotography, computers and software, image processing, star atlas, landscape photography, tracking objects, alt-azvs equatorial mounts, and most popular telescopes in the market.
  
• In the outdoor observation session, we will be observing galaxies, nebulas, moon (if visible), and other objects. These telescopes are not suitable for planets.
  

The workshop will also cover technology/skills utilized as you progress in this hobby, such as 3D printing, image processing, building a red LED light to aid in night observing, sewing covers for telescopes, and accessories storage.

No prior experience needed.  All skill levels are welcome.

The workshop will meet in the basement classroom at the Leesburg location.

If you haven't filled out the waiver form, please fill it out here - https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj.

Questions? Contact the host Dilip Patel.