Telescope Workshop (Thursday, October 16, 2025)

This is a combined Beginner + Intermediate level workshop! Join us at Ryan Observatory by attending one or both sessions and learn everything you need to start observing the night sky!

Bring your own telescope, or if you don’t have your own telescope, reserve a loaner scope for this session.

Only one reservation is needed per telescope. Friends and family are welcome to join and assist you!

Best for ages 13+.

This session will be held at Ryan Observatory: 172 Bethesda Church Rd W, Holtwood, PA 17532

Beginner Session: 6:30 - 7:30pm - Learn how to set up and operate your telescope.

• Telescope Hardware: Review telescope parts and learn how to set up the tripod/base and mount the telescope.

• Optics: Understand aperture, focal length, and eyepieces and their impact on observation.

• Telescope Operation: Practice scope movement, adjusting and achieving focus, utilizing finder tools, and changing magnification.

• Orientation Practice: Work together and practice locating targets with your telescope.

Intermediate Session: 7:30 - 9:00pm - Guided observing of different astronomical objects under the night sky.

• Locating Astronomical Objects: Practice orienting your telescope to find astronomical objects.

• Navigating the Night Sky: Introduction to star maps and review the basics of the night sky.

• Star Hopping & Target Tracking: Learn star-hopping techniques to assist in finding deep-sky objects.

• Seasonal Night Sky Targets: Follow along as we observe a curated list of seasonal astronomical objects!