BYO Telescope
Classes
Welcome to our telescope classes for beginners
Simply the best way to get you started, these classes are perfect if:
- You having trouble using your telescope?
- You are thinking about buying your first telescope?
Let’s be honest. Telescopes are confusing and we’re here to help!
There are so many types and they don’t often come with good instructions. If there are instructions, it’s hard to work out what they actually mean!
It’s difficult to try and figure it out by yourself and it’s even harder finding someone who can help! I know! I’ve been there. I was a beginner once too and it was really difficult to figure out and use my first telescope.
That’s where Stargazers Club WA comes in. Our BYO Telescope Classes held in Perth are especially for beginners with or without a telescope.
If you are thinking about buying your first telescope, one of our classes is a great way to learn more and figure out the type that will suit you.
Or if your telescope is hiding away at the back of the cupboard or under the bed, let’s get it out, dust it off and finally discover how to use it. I know – it’s probably been there for a while. You may have got it out a couple of times and been able to find the Moon, but everything else remains a mystery!
Does that sound familiar?
Stargazers Club WA’s Telescope Classes help you discover how to get the most out of your telescope in a fun and friendly environment!
- Click on the images to enlarge
What you can expect at your Telescope Class:
Now is the perfect time to dust off your (possibly neglected) telescope and come along to learn how to use it properly so you can truly appreciate the wonders of the night sky! Those without a telescope are welcome too!
- Say goodbye to frustration and confusion.
- At our Perth Telescope Classes, we have friendly and welcoming amateur astronomers on hand to help you learn how to set up and use your telescope in a relaxed, fun and easy way.
- Stargazers Club WA runs several BYO Telescope Classes in Perth every year to help telescope owners learn how to set up and use your equipment.
- Meet other like-minded astronomy lovers like you who are just starting out.
- You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn. With a few handy hints and tips, you’ll be seeing the stars in no time at all.
What Happens at a BYO Telescope Class?
Telescope Classes are 2.5 hours long and are held over a single evening.
PART 1:
Classes start with an inside presentation that covers:
- Different types of telescopes and mounts
- Finder scopes
- Eyepieces and magnification
- Tools and apps to make astronomy and using telescopes easier
After this first section of the telescope class, you’ll be able to recognise what type of telescope you have, if you don’t know already. You’ll also be armed with tips and techniques that make it easier to set up and use your telescope.
PART 2:
In the second part of the class, we move outside for a practical session on the oval.
- You’ll receive help setting up and using your own telescope.
- On average we schedule one instructor to five telescopes and their owners.
- Similar types of telescopes are clustered together so that the smaller group can learn easily.
- This practical hands-on part of the evening puts everything you’ve just learnt into action with your very own telescope.
- And that’s great because it’s terrific to share the views with friends and family!
When is the next BYO Telescope Class?
frequently asked questions
We’re a regular at the Carine Hall in Carine Regional Open Space. This is a very comfortable and modern venue with easy access to an oval for telescope use.
Yes! Those without telescopes are very welcome to join Telescope Classes. The classes are a great way to learn more about telescopes in general and discover what type would be suitable for you, if you’re thinking of buying one. Plus, you get to see a number of different types of telescopes in action with their owners and talk to experts about telescopes and what would be best for you.
Yes! Those without telescopes are very welcome to join Telescope Classes. The classes are a great way to learn more about telescopes in general and discover what type would be suitable for you, if you’re thinking of buying one. Plus, you get to see a number of different types of telescopes in action with their owners and talk to experts about telescopes and what would be best for you.
Yes! Telescope Classes are recommended for children aged 10-16 years. Younger children are also welcome. They may become a bit fidgety during the inside presentation, but it’s easy to sit close to the door near the oval for a break with younger minds.
We promote safe environments for children that minimise risk. Carol Redford (aka “Galaxy Girl”) and
Private Telescope Lessons are perfect for someone who doesn’t have the time to come to a class or needs to know how to use a telescope immediately, especially if you’re heading away on holiday with your telescope.
A private lesson might be the way to go for anyone with a more complicated telescope with a larger equatorial mount. These telescopes do require more than one class to get you fully underway. Our Telescope Classes don’t cover South Celestial Pole Alignment which is an important step in using larger equatorial mounts. You might prefer to have a private lesson instead where you can receive one-on-one tuition.
All our amateur astronomy guides have extensive experience with a large range of telescopes including Celestron, Meade, Sky-Watcher, Tasco, Australian Geographic, Bushnell and many more. They are very familiar with alt-azimuth and EQ mounts. They’ll be able to explain a lot about telescope accessories such as finder scopes, filters and dew control.
The great thing about our team is that we are all friendly and welcoming people. There’s no better place to be if you’re beginning an astronomy hobby.
All events go ahead regardless of weather. Sometimes it can be cloudy or wet. In these circumstances, Stargazers Club WA strives to arrange the event to give ourselves the best chance of participating in outdoor activities. If the weather restricts us from being outside, a range of alternative activities, assistance and demonstrations will be held inside or on a covered verandah for you to enjoy.
You’re in good hands with us at Stargazers Club WA.
In a single evening you’ll gain the confidence to set up & use your telescope to see lots of different things in the night sky.
Can't Make It To A Perth Class?
No problem at all! We’ve got you covered with our brand new Online Telescope Course for Beginners
From Novice to Night Sky Navigator
Join Carol’s engaging lessons, designed to make learning fun and accessible. Explore the world of stargazing from the comfort of your own home, learning at your own pace.
Sign up today and get started immediately.
