Week 2

Now the student actually gets to use the telescope itself. Only an eyepiece is used. Students are given four targets to find. They start with a first magnitude star. This can be difficult even for graduate students if they have never used a telescope before. Secondly, a bright planet or easy double star such as Alcor is given. The third assignment is any Messier object, and the last is a non discript eighth or ninth magnitude star. The projects are designed to be of increasing difficulty and to get the student to an adequate level at which they can point the telescope comfortably. The last week's reading is reviewed and relevant sections of the telescope manuals are handed out.