Those interested in learning the hobby of amateur astronomy are invited to the Seagrave Memorial Observatory, 47 Peep Toad Road, Scituate for a series of workshops beginning May 6.

Skyscrapers, Inc., the Amateur Astronomical Society of Rhode Island, is offering workshops on topics in astronomy. Also, sky permitting, each program will be followed by observing with the historic eight-inch refracting telescope. All programs are free and open to the public. The following workshops are planned:

May 6, 6:00 p.m

. – For many, the beauty of the nighttime sky, and learning the constellations, looks almost hopeless; however, with a free computer program, Stellarium, and some of the seasonal star myths, you can easily learn the stars present at this time of year.

Francine Jackson has been associated with planetariums throughout the years, and loves introducing the sky.

May 13, 6:00 p.m

. – Although the Moon is always with us, and the seasons occur every year, understanding the reasons for the seasons and the changing phases of our Moon is not always obvious. This session will be both a lively presentation and discussion of these two natural phenomena.

Kathy Siok is 2nd Vice President of Skyscrapers, Inc., and has been an amateur astronomer for many years.

May 20, 6:00 p.m.

– Today will be all about our nearest star, the Sun. You will learn what we know about the Sun, be advised how to observe it very safely, and prepare for one of the most beautiful of our natural events, the total solar eclipse of August 21. Ian Dell-Antonio is an astrophysics professor at Brown University.

June 17, 9:00 – 11:00 p.m.

– Members of Skyscrapers, Inc., have been taking beautiful astronomical images for many years. In observing them you might have believed it is too hard or too difficult to do yourself. This evening will introduce you to taking images with a CCD camera, but you can bring with you any photographic equipment. Note: Space is limited, and this workshop is weather dependent. If cloudy it will be rescheduled. If interested contact Bob Horton at shootingsta98@gmail.com.