# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Backyard Astronomy Class
- **Event Start and End Date**: Tue, 01 Sep, 2026 at 06:30 pm – Tue, 01 Sep, 2026 at 09:30 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: Backyard Astronomy Course

Always wanted to explore the night sky but don't know where to start? Join our Backyard Astronomy Course!

This introductory course is perfect for beginners (high school age & up) designed for those who want to become confident amateur astronomers. No prior knowledge of astronomy or telescopes is required.

The course consists of three one-hour classroom sessions followed by a "Field Night" under the stars. This program is FREE but requires registration. Please register here: https://pelicanpark.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=3449

Classroom: 6:30pm-8:00pm, Pelican Park Castine Center Hall A
Tuesday, September 1st
Tuesday, September 8th
Tuesday, September 15th

Field night: 7:00pm, Pelican Park Yellow Complex
Thursday, September 17th

What You Will Learn:
•The Observable Universe: An overview of the Milky Way, galaxies, nebulae, and deep-sky objects like star clusters.
•Tools of the Trade: Practical guidance on selecting and adjusting binoculars and telescopes.
•Observing Techniques: Master techniques for locating planets, stars, and deep-sky objects, with pro tips for better viewing.
•Avoiding Pitfalls: Learn to manage expectations and avoid the common frustrations encountered by beginners.
Course Highlights
•Guest Speakers: Featuring Dr. David Kern on "The Early Universe" and Jeff Best on "Smart Telescopes."
•Resources: Introduction to the best books, apps, and societies for amateur astronomers.
•Field Night: A hands-on meet-up at an "Astronomy in the Park" star-gazing event.

“Backyard Astronomy” (syllabus)

Three one-hour sessions of interactive classroom instruction capped by a “field night” under the stars. Course participants will learn how to select and adjust binoculars and telescopes, locate and observe celestial objects of interest, and care for their equipment. Participants will also learn to avoid many of the frustrations and pitfalls often encountered by beginners. The course is best suited for those who have an interest in taking up the amateur astronomy hobby. No prior knowledge of astronomy or telescopes is required. High school age and up.

First Session: “The Observable Universe”
> The Milky Way… Our place in it… Its place in the cosmos
> Cosmology discussion (The “Local Group” of galaxies … and beyond)
> Charles Messier and his contribution to observational astronomy
> Deep sky objects (star clusters, nebule, galaxies, double-stars, supernova remnants)
> The New General Catalogue
> Comets and Meteors (the Oort Cloud)

Second Session: “Tools of the Trade” and guest speaker Dr. David Kern “The Early Universe”
> Binoculars (selecting for astronomy, how to adjust and use them)
> Telescope types, mounts, eyepieces, calculating magnification, what’s good, what to avoid
> Light pollution and filters (The “Bortle Scale”)
> Accessories!
> Equipment care and maintenance (Including Newtonian reflector collimation demonstration)
> Telescope show and tell

Third Session: “Locating and Observing Celestial Objects” and guest speaker Jeff Best “Smart Telescopes”
> Level setting (what to realistically expect from a backyard telescope)
> Star-hopping
> The celestial coordinate system and setting circles
> “Rods and Cones” (dark adaptation, averted vision and other viewing hints)
> Techniques for planetary, lunar, and solar observing
> Astronomical Events (occultations, conjunctions, oppositions, comets, meteor showers)
> Atmospheric “seeing”
> Astrophotography discussion
> Reference Material (books, publications, websites and “apps”)
> Societies and organizations
> Latest technology for amateur astronomers


Fourth Session: “Field Night” Meet-Up at an “Astronomy in the Park” star-gazing event

Please register here: https://pelicanpark.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=3449
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/mandeville/backyard-astronomy-class/200030485052605
- **Event Categories**: Workshops
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 44

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Mandeville
- **state**: LA
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 63350 Pelican Drive, 70448
- **lat**: 30.35342
- **long**: -90.02344
- **full address**: 63350 Pelican Drive, 70448, 63350 Pelican Dr, Mandeville, LA 70448, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Backyard Astronomy Class
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events4/banners/077243a0d1beca51a91edb62ae7d8a9fcf4a64ce06b0a91386c70afeeaf49c9e-rimg-w1200-h675-dc081868-gmir?v=1786298914

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Backyard Astronomy Class being held?
  - **A:** Backyard Astronomy Class takes place on Tue, 01 Sep, 2026 at 06:30 pm to Tue, 01 Sep, 2026 at 09:30 pm at 63350 Pelican Drive, 70448, 63350 Pelican Dr, Mandeville, LA 70448, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Backyard Astronomy Class?
  - **A:** Backyard Astronomy Class is organized by Pelican Park Nature Club.
- **Q**: What has been the experience of attendees at Pelican Park Nature Club's events?
  - **A:** Attendees have given Pelican Park Nature Club a rating of 5/5 based on reviews from early attendees on AllEvents. Pelican Park Nature Club has a verified profile on AllEvents where you can read reviews and explore their upcoming events.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Backyard Astronomy Class is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Mandeville, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Backyard Astronomy Class sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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