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Youth Observational Astronomy Workshop Series

January 19, 2027 @ 6:00 pm - February 6, 2027 @ 8:00 pm

Calling all Aspiring Youth Astronomers!

In partnership with the Central Coast Astronomical Society, and because of a generous grant offered by the Robert H. Janssen Foundation Youth & Youth Sports Fund, we are offering a FREE youth astronomy program to students in grades 9-12.

Because space is limited, students will complete a short application so we can learn more about their interest in astronomy and make sure the program is a good fit. No previous astronomy or telescope experience is required. 

Over four 2-hour sessions (including a “dark-sky” exploration outside of the City to minimize light pollution), students will engage in activities that foster these assets:

  • Telescope set up and operation
  • Guided sky navigation using star charts
  • Observing planets, the Moon, and deep sky objects
  • Beginner astrophotography & observational activities

The first session will be Tuesday, January 19th from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

Workshop 1: Learn the Night Sky with Star Charts & Binoculars

Tuesday, January 19, 2027

Students will learn how to orient themselves under the night sky, identify bright stars and constellations, understand basic sky motion and magnitude, use star charts, and begin star hopping.

Each student will also receive a pair of 7×50 binoculars to use throughout the program and keep afterward. Students will learn how to focus them properly, hold them steady, scan the sky, and use them with a star chart to locate objects.

Workshop 2: How Telescopes & Binoculars Work

Tuesday, January 26, 2027

Students will work directly with several types of telescopes, including refractors, Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, and Dobsonian reflectors.

They will learn about aperture, focal length, eyepieces, magnification, field of view, focusing, and finders, and will rotate through telescope stations where they can practice aiming, focusing, changing eyepieces, and comparing views.

Workshop 3: Observe the Night Sky with Astronomers

Tuesday, February 2, 2027

Students will begin learning how astronomers actually observe different types of objects, including planets, double stars, open and globular clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

They will compare views through binoculars and telescopes, record what they observe, and learn why what we see through a telescope can look very different from astrophotographs.

Field Trip: Dark-Sky Observing Night

Saturday, February 6, 2027 at Santa Margarita Lake (weather permitting)

The final observing night gives students the chance to put everything they have learned together under darker skies.

Students will bring their binoculars and work with CCAS astronomers and telescopes to:

  • identify constellations
  • locate star clusters and Milky Way regions
  • practice finding targets with binoculars
  • help point and operate telescopes
  • compare different eyepieces and instruments
  • observe fainter nebulae, galaxies, and clusters that are difficult to see from town

Weather Backup Plan for Workshops

Because this is an observational astronomy program, clear skies matter. If any of the first three Tuesday workshops are clouded out, that session will move to the following Wednesday evening. Applicants must plan to keep both the scheduled Tuesday and the following Wednesday available. The Santa Margarita Lake observing night is also weather dependent.

*The student must be able to attend all four sessions in order to be considered for the program.*

We want to hear directly from the students! Applications that are filled out by parents/guardians will not be considered.

Applications for the Youth Astronomy program open September 21 at 9:00 am, and close on October 26 at 11:59pm. Decisions will be made at the end of October, and you can expect to hear from us at the beginning of November.

If you have any questions, please email Faith Richter at faith@slobg.org. Thank you for your time and consideration, and we are excited to read through your applications!

 

 

Youth Observational Astronomy Application

All application information is kept confidential.If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Faith Richter at faith@slobg.org

Please provide at least 1 parent/guardian's contact information including name, phone number, and email.
What school do you go to?(Required)

Can you attend all 4 workshop sessions?(Required)
Are you able to attend the dark-sky stargazing event at Santa Margarita Lake on the 4th workshop date?(Required)
Do you have a parent/guardian that is able to provide transportation and supervision during all 4 workshop sessions?(Required)
Have you ever used a telescope before?(Required)
Have you had access to paid STEM camps/classes before?(Required)
Can you follow instructions and participate safely in a dark outdoor setting?(Required)
Every effort is made to provide participants with a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience. I attest and verify that I am physically able to participate in all activities offered by the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, whether on or off-site. I understand, however, that there are inherent risks in outdoor and program-related activities and, knowing the risks, nevertheless, I agree to ASSUME ALL RISKS OF PERSONAL INJURY, OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, sustained while I participate in activities presented by the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. I agree if any claim for personal injury or wrongful death is commenced against the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden (including its officers, directors, members and/or volunteers). I will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden from any and all claims or causes of action for personal injuries, property damage or wrongful death that hereafter accrue, arise out of, result from, or are caused directly or indirectly by my attendance and/or participation in the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden educational activities.TYPE YOUR NAME BELOW TO AGREE - (You must agree to participate!)
Media Release & Permission to Photograph(Required)
The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is a nonprofit organization. Occasionally, program activities may be photographed or videotaped for educational, publicity or fundraising purposes. Please indicate if you will allow your image to appear in videos or photos without compensation (e.g. as part of brochures, slide shows or program websites). Full names are never used.

Details

  • Start: January 19, 2027 @ 6:00 pm
  • End: February 6, 2027 @ 8:00 pm