The Junior Section is designed for young astronomers to find our about the Universe. The age range is from 6 to 16 and Juniors are expected to be able to take some notes and normally have an adult with them.

We meet at 7-30pm on the second Friday of each month at the Ellery suite in the Melbourne Observatory. The talks last between 1 to 11/2 hours. After the talk, if the sky is clear there is opportunity to view the sky through the Observatory Telescopes.

Subjects vary from finding your way round the Night Sky, Astro-photography, how to choose a telescope, Black holes, the size of the Universe, the solar system, how do stars work, to Atomic Physics & Cosmology.  We also  talk about Space News and current events in space

The overall objective will be to encourage Junior Members in their study of Astronomy, and to support and foster individual interests within the discipline. An important aspect will be the acquiring of practical skills of observation based on the fundamental understanding of the motion of the stars, moon and planets across the sky. Recording of your observations in a logbook is encouraged.

Program

The program will involve the following:

Very basic starting point of getting to know the Bright Stars and the Constellations.

Motion of the Stars in the sky. Exoplanets

The colour and life cycle of stars.

Types of Telescopes, what not to buy. 

Learning the basics of Cosmology.  What powers the Stars, how atoms are built up in

Stars. Black Holes

The Solar System including our local Star and the Fabulous Moon:

What is X-ray & Radio-Astronomy?  How do they differ from visual astronomy?

Basic Astro-photography.

Identification of the Messier Objects, Galaxies, Nebulae, Double Stars, Meteor showers,

Comets

Have talks from Professional Astronomers

Keeping up to date with Space Exploration. "Space News"

Emphasis will be given to practical observations using the naked eye, binoculars and telescopes. Observation of the Sun will be done in conjunction with the Solar Section. It is most important to emphasise the potential hazards and how instruments are fitted with special solar filters to make viewing safe.

IMPORTANT: NEVER EVER look at the Sun with your naked eyes or through binoculars or telescope