People & Business

Region’s Premier Astronomy Center Offers Telescope Basics in Hands-On Workshop

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January 6, 2021 – Sarasota

With manufacturers reporting an exponential increase in telescope sales nationwideThe Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is offering a special workshop to help new astronomers — or even those who need a refresher course — an opportunity to get to know their own scopes.
Experts from The Bishop, which offers the most high-tech planetarium on Florida’s Gulf Coast, will help participants get comfortable setting up and using their telescopes and avoid pitfalls that can lead to frustration.

“Astronomy is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that lets you travel through time and space,” said The Bishop’s Planetarium Manager Howard Hochhalter. “But it can be frustrating for new users who aren’t familiar with different eyepieces, levels of magnification or even how to set up and align their scopes. Using a telescope isn’t rocket science — at least not in most cases — but it does help to have someone who has been around the solar system a time or two to show you the ropes.”

“How to Use Your Telescope” will take place on Saturday, Jan. 16 in The Bishop’s North Plaza. Weather permitting, participants will learn the skills to view the moon and stars using their own telescopes by the end of the workshop.
“This is a BYOT program — bring your own telescope,” said Hochhalter, who is also a NASA Solar System Ambassador. “Our goal is to help people get the most out of their own equipment, so it’s important to bring your scope to the workshop.”

Each ticket includes admission to the Jan. 27 Stelliferous program on Zoom. Register now

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