January 12th 2018 General Meeting
Welcome to the world of amateur astronomy! Join members of the HAA as they guide you through the first steps of this fascinating hobby, with a simple introduction to the types of telescopes to choose from, the parts and pieces, and how to use them. Then imagine stepping outside to look up at the night sky, and enjoy the second half of the talk with a guide to the types of celestial objects within your reach and how to get the most out of a new scope with realistic expectations of actually seeing the stars, planets and more. Those who are interested can go further by joining the HAA Beginners Group and enjoy more seminars, all as a necessary precursor to borrowing one of the club’s loaner scopes.
Jim Wamsley & John Gauvreau
Jim Wamsley has been an active member of the amateur astronomy community in Hamilton for 15 years, volunteering for the HAA in the capacity of Chair, Membership Director and Secretary, and has operated the clubs telescope loaner program since its creation. Jim is also an experienced speaker and has presented public programs scores of times at libraries, schools, community centers and other venues throughout the region.
John Gauvreau is past Chair, Observing Director and Public Education Director for the HAA, and has delivered shows at a variety of venues, including schools, libraries and the Ontario Science Centre. He was the astronomy instructor at Mohawk College for 20 years and currently teaches at Conestoga College.
Place and Time
We’ll be meeting at The Hamilton Spectator Building located at 44 Frid St, near the junction of Highway 403 and Main St West in Hamilton. Starting time is at 7:30pm. Admission is free and everyone is welcome!
Door Prizes
There will be a draw for door prizes at the meeting and a free door prize ticket to all who arrive before the 7:30 start time!
Food Share Donations
Donations of non-perishable food for the Hamilton Food Share program will be collected at this meeting. Please drop off any items at the drop-box located near the entrance of the auditorium. All donations gratefully accepted and thanks to your generosity we’ve collected thousands of pounds of food since we began. Let’s keep up the great work as the need continues.
Photo credit: Pleiades, John Gauvreau
