Fall Workshop for Grandparents
and Grandkids
September 18-20, 2009

(Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)

Registration now open!

In this recreational workshop, grandparents and grandkids will learn astronomy together through a series of engaging, age-appropriate activities and guided, hands-on observing sessions with binoculars and telescopes. The instructors will take a non-technical approach to the material. No prior astronomy knowledge or experience is required. Equipment is provided.

During the workshop, you will be introduced to:

  • the prominent star patterns of the season
  • the different types of celestial objects
  • how to use a star chart to find celestial objects
  • how to use binoculars for astronomy
  • how to set up and use a simple reflector telescope
  • guidelines for purchasing your own equipment
  • tips on seeing in the dark
  • where you are in the universe

The workshop includes two guided field trips: a refuge tour at Sevilleta and a tour of the Very Large Array radio astronomy observatory, west of Magdalena.

This workshop is for grandparents and grandkids only. Grandkids must be ages 7 to 17. Space is limited to 20 participants (10 grandparent/grandkid teams), so you are encouraged to register early.

NEW! After September 4, we will begin accepting registrations for other adult/child teams (for example, parent/child, uncle/niece, etc.). Kids must be ages 7 to 17. Please use the appropriate of the two form links on the
Fees & Registration page.

Preliminary Workshop Schedule-Fall