Stargazer Steve: Steve Dodson (Getting Started In Astronomy) became interested in astronomy at age seven, and educated himself by reading books and magazines. His love for astronomy and his desire to share this with others has shown itself in many ways through his varied careers. First, he was a high school science teacher, in North Bay, where he incorporated astronomy into the classroom. Then he worked as the Physical Science Planner responsible for setting up the astronomy wing at Science North in Sudbury. Now, he is known as "Stargazer Steve" entrepreneur, the manufacturer of telescope kits that you can assemble in less than a day with only a screwdriver. More information on his products can be found at: http://ww2.isys.ca/stargazer

Steve will talk about getting started in astronomy. In this workshop, he will begin by exploring what it means to be an amateur astronomer. What is the attraction? What's out there for us to see and experience? After that, he will describe the first steps you should take on your exploration of the universe, and some of the tools that can help you do that. He will cover subjects from very basic naked eye observing, such as how to use a planisphere to find constellations, to deep sky observing with a large telescope.