NEON Course Guide

I: Introductory Remote Telescope Operation

  • Core operational skills, including optical and mechanical setup, understanding celestial coordinates, and using software for general object finding

  • 4 sessions, 2 hours each (7pm - 9pm)

  • $300/person + telescope rental fee ($100)

II: Intermediate Remote Telescope Operation

  • Transitioning from visual observation to astroimaging, teaching camera control, image acquisition techniques, and precise tracking of smaller, non-sidereal objects like asteroids

  • 4 sessions, 2 hours each (7:30pm - 9:30pm)

  • $300/person + telescope rental fee ($100)

III: Advanced Remote Telescope Operation: Asteroid Occultations

  • Specializing in high-precision, time-sensitive observation by mastering the techniques required to successfully observe and record asteroid occultations and contribute meaningful data to the astronomical community

  • Weekly sessions, 2 hours each

  • $200/quarter+ telescope rental fee ($80 per month)

Lake with a mountain and the night sky full of stars in the background

  • "Learning how to use the telescopes was very useful and fun, especially looking for stars in the sky... I also got a better understanding of what occultations are, and the experience furthered my interest in learning more." ★★★★★

    — NEON Student

  • "I loved all of it. I think it was so much fun and I learned so much [from] everybody. Everyone there was so nice and such a welcoming community." ★★★★★

    — NEON Student