Presenter - Karl Schmidt

Choosing and Using Your First Telescope

The program will concentrate on visual observing only (not astrophotography). This is a guide to understanding the two essentials of any type of telescope: the quality of the optics and a steady mount. Storage, portability, and ease of use are other key factors when choosing a telescope. This program will also cover topics such as: the performance and limitations of telescopes, understanding atmospheric conditions and choosing the right eyepieces for your telescope.

This meeting will also be livestreamed on the LAS YouTube channel for the benefit of members who cannot attend the meeting in person.

Here is the YouTube link  https://youtube.com/live/cP286pekVFY?feature=share

You can ask questions via the YouTube chat feature.

Bio

Karl Schmidt has been an amateur astronomer for over 40 years. His interest in astronomy began as a child in the early 80’s when he noticed something bright shining in the summer night sky. He later learned it was the bright star Vega. As a member of his high school Science Club, while observing at a dark site in Lebanon Ky, his passion for astronomy grew and from there he built his first telescope a 3-inch refractor. In 1991 he joined the LAS and has served as Vice President, Historian, Secretary/ Alcor and Telescope Equipment Chairperson. Karl has spent many nights under the stars with the LAS, sharing his love for the night sky during public outreach programs, as well as with scout groups, Elderhostel program participants and college students as a Park Programmer for Otter Creek Park and volunteer staff astronomer for Jefferson Community College.