A cool site for budding Amatuers

[dmill1220]

Hi Everybody!
Last Month I took one of my grandchildren to the clubs Observatory,
he is 16 yrs old, and is one very interested young man, when it comes to Astronomy.
But for some reason or another, his science class has not gone into enough detail for him ,and has left him hungry for more.
I started a search online and found a cool site that is more than enough for anyone just starting out in the hobby! I found it to be a very useful tool to set someone on the right course.

I would recomend this site to anyone with a decent knowledge of Science and of course, Math.
Its bascally a first year college intro to Astronomy, that is an easy read.
Here is the link http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/index.html
for those of you that are just getting into the hobby its a must!

Our Club usually has public Star parties at schools all around the state, and we get many questions from both students and parents alike.
after reading the lectures you'll find that answering most of those questions will be quite easy!

Dennis

[Dragon Star]

Can you let him join? It would be better for him to have it hands on for the basics so he can ask questions about anything.

[dmill1220]

Hi Dragon!
If it were up to me thats a definite yes! but its his Mom, my Daughter, who has the last word on that issue! I usually get interrogated by him quite well!
I did mention it to him, but he says he would rather learn what he can from me, and pick up the rest for himself , poor kid ,if he is counting on me he is in real trouble! lol!
I have started him off on the basics, and the Mechanics of the Celestial Sphere, How to use a EQ mounted scope and how to polar align, and read charts, and obtain Coordinates from my Star charts with the Grid Overlay.
He even knows how to use setting circles!

He likes the idea of discovering something on his own, and is a constant companion for me on my trips to Public Star Parties, and the occaisional trip to the Observatory.
He absolutely loves my 12 inch Dob, he says its more of a challenge.
but he does find my Astrometry, Supernova and variable star work boring.

I did once let him use my username and password on another site and it was a real bad scene!
Dennis

[Dragon Star]

Okay then, if he has a question and you don't know just pass it on and someone will answer. Gotta get your boy a learnin'! The more the better!

[Blue Fire]

Sounds like you are doing a fine job with your grandson, Dennis! At 16, he is sure to have been influenced admirably by you, but then 16-year-olds can be quite a handfull when they begin to challenge you and start thinking they have the answers to everything. I've been through 7 nephews and 2 stepsons (a whole lot of boys in my family) that I was very close to and it's never dull. I think it's just wonderful that you've got your grandson interested in astronomy. Just instilling that interest alone, never mind the teaching, is worth the effort. In the long run, I've only been sucessful with 3 of "my boys" in instilling a lasting passion for science beyond their teenage years. So, enjoy the moment!