Introductory Astronomy Course in Madrid or Toledo

Semi-attendance astronomy initiation course in Madrid or Toledo

Semi-attendance astronomy course, with online theory and practice and observation with telescopes in the field (in summer in Los Molinos and in winter in Colmenarejo, Madrid). Now there is also the possibility to do the practice in Toledo. The dates of the course are open. Internships are held two or three times a month, always coinciding with a weekend.

When purchasing the course you should tell us in which month you would like to do it and if you are more interested in the area of Madrid or Toledo.

do you want to learn how to observe the night sky? Would you like to handle professional equipment and know how to choose your first telescope?In this Astronomy Initiation Course you will learn everything you need to make your first observations of the night sky with the naked eye or with a telescope. You will learn from astronomy professionals who will teach you everything you need to take your first steps in this hobby.

what does this Introductory Astronomy Course include?

In this course you will have available from the date of purchase more than 90 minutes of audiovisual theoretical content and extensive notes on amateur astronomy that you can consult at your own pace whenever and wherever you want.

With the theoretical content of this Introductory Astronomy Course you will learn about:

• Celestial mechanics: motions of the sky; coordinates; planetary visibility.

• Astronomical instrumentation: types of telescopes; eyepieces and accessories.

• The sky with the naked eye: orientation in the sky, what to see with the naked eye.

• The sky through the telescope: what to see with a telescope; how to find objects; how to use sky charts.

During the field practice we will do a guided observation and we will teach you to recognize the most important stars, planets and constellations in the sky. In addition, during the practical course you will have the opportunity to test, compare and enjoy different telescopes and accessories. If you have a telescope, you can bring it with you and they will help you set it up and get the most out of it. This practical content includes:

• Step-by-step assembly of different telescopes.

• Alignment and stationing of the telescope.

• Basic adjustments: Focusing, counterbalancing and collimation.

• Observation of the sky with the naked eye and with telescopes.

• Location and observation of astronomical objects.

who is this Introductory Astronomy Course for?

The course is designed so that you can learn everything you need to know about amateur astronomy from scratch. It is not necessary to have your own telescope to attend the course, we will bring several telescopes that you can try and use on your own. But if you have a telescope do not hesitate to bring it, we will help you to set it up and make your first astronomical observations.

where does this Introductory Astronomy Course take place?

The practical part of this course can be done in the Sierra de Madrid (in summer in Los Molinos and in winter in Colmenarejo) or in Toledo (Añover de Tajo). When you purchase this course we will send you by email the access to the theoretical part and we will indicate you the available dates for the practical part. You will be able to choose any date (of the multiple dates available every month) and if you prefer to do it in Madrid or Toledo.

Please note that AstroAfición does not provide transportation for this course. The practical part is done in the field so it is essential to attend by car.

Attention: In case of bad weather on the date chosen for the practical part, we will notify you to cancel it and you will be able to choose any other date. You will still have access to the theoretical part, which you will be able to consult whenever and wherever you want.

Introductory Astronomy Course in Madrid or Toledo