This presentation by Robert Conrad and Andrew Krysa, will focus on the basics of observational astronomy with an emphasis on resources available to further your experience. Topics will include:

• How to learn to identify the constellations in the night sky (strategies and tools)
• How the night sky appears to move in the Northern hemisphere
• What’s needed to plan for a successful observing session
• What you need to know about star charts
• Telescope basics
• Observational targets other than the planet and moon (expand your observing)

Robert Conrad is currently the President, Observing Director and Education Co-director of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (@ Vancouver). He has taught two courses at SFU through their continuing education program and offers frequent online courses and workshops on Observational Astronomy. His area of focus is teaching the art and science behind starhopping, a method used to locate celestial objects and how to locate comets and asteroids. Outside of astronomy he is an avid wildlife and mountain photographer as well as a learning and development and educational consultant.

Andrew Krysa is the Education Co-director for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (Vancouver), and delivers many astronomy presentations to youth along with co-facilitating workshops with Robert. Outside of his RASC role, he is a flight attendant with Air Canada which allows him to chase eclipses as they occur in different parts of the world. Andrew has a solid background in science and can answer those difficult questions regarding the intricacies of how the universe operates. Being an avid traveller at work and outside of work, he’s probably seen the night sky from more locations than most of us (including at 35,000 feet).

This presentation will be via Zoom Video Conferencing. On the Monday preceding the event, Nature Vancouver members will receive the Zoom link in the weekly e-News. The talk will begin at 7:30 pm. Non-members are welcome and should Email eNews@naturevancouver.ca a few days ahead to register for the link.