Astronomy Fundamentals
Our monthly Astronomy Fundamentals presentations are given by members, and are focused on giving introductory information on specific topics of interest to amateurs.
Next Program
Making the Most of your Membership
Presenter: Drew Carhart
- When
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026 · 7:30–9:00 pm
Over the 50+ years of its existence, our club has developed a wide number of features geared to its main purpose: To create an environment that encourages everyone to enjoy the science of astronomy, the wonderful pastime of stargazing, and the pleasures of getting better connected to our universe. Indeed, the NAA has repeatedly been noted as being one of…
Coming Up
Since 2000
Our Fundamentals Programs
1999
Our club formed an Educational Services Committee to study how the NAA might facilitate having members who knew more about some particular aspects of astronomy share their knowledge with members who wanted to learn. Our Astronomy Fundamentals program series was the resulting product.
2000
February 2000 was the debut month for NAA’s Fundamentals Program that is presented on the third Tuesday of every month. The first program was titled “Getting Oriented to the Night Sky.”
2009
At our July Astronomy Fundamentals program, member John Abrahamian explained the process (and pleasures) of grinding one’s own telescope mirror, and making a ‘scope to put it in. At the December regular meeting, the membership approved amendments to the club constitution which create the new appointed board position of “Fundamentals program coordinator”, which “solidifies” our monthly Astronomy Fundamentals Program as a permanent feature for the NAA.
2017
Our July “Fundamentals for Families: The Solar System” event was a huge success: about 100 people (45 kids) attended. It has been an annual tradition for NAA to hold a family night during our Summer Fundamentals Programs.
2020
Fundamentals programs moved to live online streaming, including the April 21st live Fundamentals tour of the Astronomy Education Center.
Past Programs
We are looking for a volunteer to continue recording our programs. If you can help, please contact us.
2026
9 Programs · 1 Recording- The New Milky Way Jim Hopkins
- Ask the experts
- NINA, SeeStar and Beyond! Steve Sagerian
- Family Night
- Caring for Your Equipment
- Ask the experts
- Why I Like My Telescope Ron Ziss, Ed Armstrong, and Andy Salata
- A Discussion on Mounts Ed Armstrong Watch A Discussion on Mounts (YouTube)
- Introducing the Seestar Smart Telescopes Mark Kipperman and Bill Pardue
2025
12 Programs · 4 Recordings- Core Concepts About Telescopes Drew Carhart
- My Approach to Getting Started With Astrophotography Brian Leshin
- The Interstellar Medium and Star Formation Jim Hopkins
- A Few Tips For Preparing for an Observing Session Andy Salata Watch A Few Tips For Preparing for an Observing Session (YouTube)
- Family Night NAA members
- What Possessed You to Build Your Own Telescope Chris Almanza
- Family Night NAA members
- How Far Can You See? Ron Ziss Watch How Far Can You See? (YouTube)
- A Look at the History of Alvan Clark Telescopes Ed Armstrong Watch A Look at the History of Alvan Clark Telescopes (YouTube)
- What We Can Learn From Impact Craters Jim Hopkins
- The Last Trillionth of the Journey Drew Carhart Watch The Last Trillionth of the Journey (YouTube)
- Exploring the Winter Sky – Going Beyond the Usual Suspects Rick Gering
2024
12 Programs · 4 Recordings- Sparkling Winter Star Clusters Ron Ziss Watch Sparkling Winter Star Clusters (YouTube)
- Choosing a Telescope – Things to Consider Ron Ziss Watch Choosing a Telescope – Things to Consider (YouTube)
- Visual Journey to the Planets Ron Ziss Watch Visual Journey to the Planets (YouTube)
- Finding Good Targets in Twilight Rick Gering
- The Astronomer and the Seven Dwarfs Jim Hopkins
- Family Fun Night
- Yes You Can Get There From Here: Finding Your Targets by Star-Hopping Ron Ziss
- What We're Here For Drew Carhart
- Comets: Past, Present, and Future Ron Ziss
- Observing Off the Beaten Track Rick Gering Watch Observing Off the Beaten Track (YouTube)
- Building an All Sky Camera: Introduction and Overview Steve Sagerian
- The Coming Total Eclipse Rick Gering
2023
12 Programs · 4 Recordings
- Eyepieces and Filters Ron Ziss
- Findings from the James Webb Space Telescope's First Year Jim Sweitzer
- Fall Constellations Jim Hopkins
- Basic Astrophotography Chris Almanza
- October's Annular Eclipse
- Family Friendly Fundamentals, part 2
- Family Night
- Observing Galaxies Ron Ziss Watch Observing Galaxies (YouTube)
- Preparing for and Attending the Nebraska Star Party Jim Hopkins
- Great-Grandpa's Astronomy Drew Carhart Watch Great-Grandpa's Astronomy (YouTube)
- "It's About Time" Larry Jahn Watch "It's About Time" (YouTube)
- A Brief History of Chinese Astronomy Chris Almanza Watch A Brief History of Chinese Astronomy (YouTube)
2022
12 Programs · 7 Recordings
- Stellarium Steve Sagerian Watch Stellarium (YouTube)
- Mars Jim Sweitzer Watch Mars (YouTube)
- Planetarium Presentation Stephanie Rybka
- Autumn Observing Highlights Rick Gering
- NAA's newest observatory and what it can do Drew Carhart Watch NAA's newest observatory and what it can do (YouTube)
- Planning Your Observation Sessions with Atmospheric Software Jim Hopkins
- Members Only caravan to site RR
- Telescope mounts Ed Armstrong
- How Far the Stars? Larry Jahn Watch How Far the Stars? (YouTube)
- RASC Handbook Steve Segarian Watch RASC Handbook (YouTube)
- Introduction to the eVscope Jim Sweitzer Watch Introduction to the eVscope (YouTube)
- Allsky cameras Linda Thomas-Fowler Watch Allsky cameras (YouTube)
2021
12 Programs · 12 Recordings
- The Lights of Earth's Atmosphere Rick Gering Watch The Lights of Earth's Atmosphere (YouTube)
- The Nature of Satcons and the Risks they Pose Charles Mudd Watch The Nature of Satcons and the Risks they Pose (YouTube)
- Planetary Imaging using PIPP, Autostakkert, and Registax Ron Masters Watch Planetary Imaging using PIPP, Autostakkert, and Registax (YouTube)
- What to consider when building a remote observatory Eric Claeys Watch What to consider when building a remote observatory (YouTube)
- An Introduction to Lunar Observing. Rick Gering Watch An Introduction to Lunar Observing. (YouTube)
- Family Friendly – Answering kids' questions Watch Family Friendly – Answering kids' questions (YouTube)
- Astrophotography – simplified pre and post processing Chris Almanza Watch Astrophotography – simplified pre and post processing (YouTube)
- Dark Site Protocols and Etiquette Rick Gering Watch Dark Site Protocols and Etiquette (YouTube)
- Celestial Navigation Vincent Tiseo Watch Celestial Navigation (YouTube)
- Basic Astrophotography Andrew Salata Watch Basic Astrophotography (YouTube)
- Messier Marathon – What is it, How to do one? Steve Segarian Watch Messier Marathon – What is it, How to do one? (YouTube)
- Setting up a new telescope Drew Carhart and Jim Erwin Watch Setting up a new telescope (YouTube)
2020
11 Programs · 8 Recordings
- Astrophotography 101 Chris Almanza Watch Astrophotography 101 (YouTube)
- Observing Asteroids Rick Gering Watch Observing Asteroids (YouTube)
- Choosing your first telescope Drew Carhart Watch Choosing your first telescope (YouTube)
- Filters for Visual Observing Drew Carhart Watch Filters for Visual Observing (YouTube)
- Family Friendly Night — Star Stories Drew Carhart & Adrienne Stroup Watch Family Friendly Night — Star Stories (YouTube)
- Comets! Rick Gering Watch Comets! (YouTube)
- Family Friendly Night
- Asterisms Rick Gering Watch Asterisms (YouTube)
- Virtual tour of our observatories Drew Carhart, NAA Watch Virtual tour of our observatories (YouTube)
- Solar Observing Rick Gering
- An Astronomer and the Seven Dwarfs Jim Hopkins
2019
10 Programs
- Cleaning optics and mirrors Drew Carhart
- How to make your own dew heater Steve Segarian
- Eyepieces John Abrahamian
- Telescope Mounts Ed Armstrong
- Hands-on Help with your Astronomy!
- Astronomy Fundamentals
- Beginning Astrophotography Eric Claeys, NAA
- Observing Our Solar System Rick Gering, NAA
- Tackling a Messier Marathon Steve Sagarian, NAA
- Sketching Astronomical Objects Ron Ziss, NAA
2018
12 Programs
- An Introduction to Refracting Telescopes Rick Gering, NAA
- Observing the "Deep Sky" Ron Ziss, NAA
- Our October Fundamentals program will be announced soon!
- Observing Session Prep Rick Gering, NAA
- Hands-on help with your stargazing equipment! Members of the NAA
- Summer Family Night #2
- Summer Family Night #1 Members of the NAA
- Observing The Planets Rick Gering, NAA
- Weather forecasting for amateur astronomers Drew Carhart, NAA
- Constellations & Sights of the Spring Skies Jim Hopkins, NAA
- Accessories for Stargazers NAA Members
- Beginners' Guide to Telescope Mounts Rick Gering, NAA
2017
12 Programs
- Selecting Telescope Eyepieces Martin King, NAA
- Choosing & Using Refracting Telescopes Micheal Regan, NAA
- Choosing & Using Reflector Telescopes Mark Kipperman
- Recapping the Total Solar Eclipse
- Solar Eclipse Observing Rick Gering, NAA
- Summer Family Program #2: The Interactive Solar System NAA members
- Astronomy Basics: Our Family Night Introduces the Constellations Drew Carhart (club Internet Services Officer)
- Telescope Workshop this month
- Observing in Darker Skies: Visiting our dark sites Rick Gering (club public outreach officer)
- Observing the Galaxies of Spring Jim Erwin (club vice-president)
- Observing Double Stars Tyler Hunt (club registrar)
- I got this telescope for Christmas. How do I find things? Drew Carhart (past-president; Internet services officer)
2016
12 Programs
- Astrophotography Basics Eric Claeys (media relations officer)
- Why are there seasons? Stephanie Rybka (Planetarium Director)
- Planetarium Software: The Basics Experienced club members
- Binocular Basics John Abrahamian and Tom Mesich (NAA members)
- Why This Telescope? Experienced club members
- Astronomy Fundamentals: Mirror Cleaning Drew Carhart (member)
- Astronomy Fundamentals: Star Parties Panel incl. Eric Claeys, Jim Hopkins, and Gordon Schaefering
- how to observe a total eclipse without wishing you had it to do over Rick Gering (club public outreach officer)
- Look at the Moon! Micheal Regan (club secretary)
- Swap Meet
- The Story of the AEC: A Video Tour of our Astronomy Education Center Jim Erwin (club vice president), with footage by Ken Cotter and Eric Claeys
- Collimation Workshop: Bring your scope! Drew Carhart
2015
12 Programs
- Our Top Tips List Panel of experienced observers led by Drew Carhart
- The Stars of the Southern Hemisphere Stephanie Rybka (astronomy teacher)
- The Fundamentals of Go-To Jim Erwin (club vice-president)
- Autumn Constellations Jim Hopkins (club president)
- Hands-on Telescope Clinic and Advice on Accessories
- How We Do Public Outreach Jim Erwin (club vice-president)
- Telescope Mounts: What They Do And How To Make Them Do It Rick Gering
- What are Deep Sky Objects and How Do I Find Them? Jim Hopkins
- Eyepieces: Selection and the Trade-Offs in Choosing the Right Ones for Your Telescope Martin King
- Refractors: Buying and Using Them Micheal Regan
- Reflectors: Buying and Using Advice Mark Kipperman
- Hands-on Telescope Clinic
2014
10 Programs
- common astronomy misconceptions Stephanie Rybka (astronomy teacher)
- Do-It-Yourself Weather Forecasting Drew Carhart (club president)
- The Things We Carry Ashoo Dhingra
- Autumn Constellations Jim Hopkins (club vice-president)
- Q & A With Our experts Jim Hopkins; Martin Hrdlicka; Martin King; John Abrahamian; Drew Carhart
- Astro-Tourism: A Slide Show Drew Carhart; Jim Hopkins; Ed Armstrong
- Enhancing Astronomy Outreach via Low-Cost Methods Tim Nunes (member)
- Spring Constellations Jim Hopkins (club vice president)
- Daytime Star Observing! Rick Gering (NAA member)
- An Amateur's View of the Pros Drew Carhart (club president)
2013
10 Programs
- Cold Weather Observing Jim Hopkins (club vice-president)
- Planetarium Software: The Basics Experienced club members
- the history and types of satellites, the “build-your-own” satellite movement, as well as how to find and observe them Dave Buikema (club member and secretary)
- eyepiece questions, including various designs, optics, focal lengths, and eye relief Marty King
- modern book atlases Jim Hopkins (club vice-president)
- Astrophotography for Beginners Martin Hrdlicka
- An Introduction to Telescope Types Mark Kipperman
- overview of the process of making one's own telescope mirror; astro-help session John Abrahamian
- collimation Howard Trudo
- techniques for cleaning telescope optics and eyepieces Drew Carhart
2012
12 Programs
- an introduction to astronomy at some area elementary schools Mitch Gerdisch
- inside the telescope … how using a little math can help us select eyepieces and observing techniques Drew Carhart, NAA president
- The Telescope Show
- binocular astronomy Rick Betuker
- his latest adventures at the 2012 Nebraska Star Party Jim Hopkins
- synopsis of the January 2012 Alt-Az Initiative Conference – Meter-Class Astronomy: Telescopes, Instruments, and Observational Programs Dave Buikema
- Making the most of your dark-site visit
- safe solar observing methods; solar filter workshop
- hands-on workshop
- a tour of the springtime evening skies Jim Hopkins
- Do-It-Yourself Weather Forecasting Drew Carhart
- a guide to visual observing of double stars Tyler Hunt
2011
12 Programs
- Space Stations Rick Gering (Solar Observing, emcee); Jim Gould (Cellphone Apps); Howard Trudo & Steve Miller (Comparing Telescope Types); Drew Carhart (Eyepiece Case); Jim Hopkins (Star Charts)
- the wide variety of resources available to the Web-enabled astronomer Kurt McNamara, NAA Internet Services Officer
- cloud watching and storm spotting Jeffrey Gahris
- amateur telescope making: woodworking in telescope making; construction of an equatorial platform Marjester "Magic" Rucker; John Abrahamian
- the wide world of telescope eyepieces Martin King
- the basics of astronomical drawing; drawing "workshop" Ron Ziss
- Telescope Care and Maintenance: mirror cleaning; collimation Laura Stokes-Gray; Howard Trudo
- a road trip to the annual Nebraska Star Party Jim Hopkins
- Amateur Telescope Making — A New Review John Abrahamian
- virtual tour of the constellations visible from the southern hemisphere; celestial coordinate systems Stephanie Rybka, WVHS Planetarium Director
- Optics Workshop Jeff Stillman, Fundamentals coordinator
- Setting up, configuring, and using a computerized GO TO telescope Jim Hopkins
2010
11 Programs
- an overview of 50 years of robotic exploration of our solar system Joel Knapper, NAA member and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador
- Astronomy Fundamentals
- his recent trek to Lake Titicaca, Bolivia, for the Southern Skies Star Party Dave Buikema
- NAA ATM project: building the rest of their telescopes' assemblies John Abrahamian
- one-on-one assistance … related to observational astronomy
- organic molecules in interstellar space Janet Ferroni
- beginner-level digital astrophotography Jeff Stillman
- why we should be heading "out into the country" to observe … trips to the "dark sites" Drew Carhart
- designing and constructing the rest of the telescope (ATM project) John Abrahamian
- Accessorizing Your Telescope Jeff Stillman
- testing of the telescope primary mirrors (ATM project) John Abrahamian
2009
11 Programs
- WVHS Planetarium presentations and "on the fly" operation Stephanie Rybka, WVHS Planetarium Director
- Epsilon Aurigae Roger Kolman
- NAA ATM Course: initial phases of glass working John Abrahamian
- a review of what it is like to travel to … the Nebraska Star Party Jim Hopkins
- Telescope Making Workshops: introduction to the project John Abrahamian
- Observing equipment (AKA "toys")
- overview of the primary software packages commonly used in astrophotography Jack Koziol
- one-on-one help in the field with telescopes and equipment
- software astro-applications
- cold weather observing Rick Betuker
- Best Of 2009 Drew Carhart
2008
12 Programs
- Cold weather observing Rick Betuker
- Astronomy Fundamentals
- Nebulas – The Birthplace of Stars Jim Hopkins
- Help Is On the Way experienced members
- Preparing for a dark-site observing visit Rick Betuker; Matthew Sherman
- Collimation Howard Trudo (NAA observatory director)
- Scope Show telescope owners (members)
- Fundamental Hands On
- Space Stations
- Naperastro.org Steve Miller
- Teaching Astronomy to Kids Mitch Gerdisch
- The Year in Preview Matthew Sherman
2007
12 Programs
- Planetarium Night
- Weather for Astronomers Drew Carhart (club president)
- The electromagnetic spectrum Janet Ferroni
- Moonwatch (021-040-088) Ken Timmons
- Learn Star Hopping Matthew Sherman
- Observing double stars Tyler Hunt
- Globular clusters and planetary nebulae Mitch Gerdisch
- Observing the gas giant planets Drew Carhart
- Hands-on observing help experienced members
- Building your own reflecting telescope John Abrahamian
- The Best of 2007 Drew Carhart
- Stargazing accessories Steve Miller; Rick Betuker
2006
11 Programs
- Desktop planetarium software Jim Hopkins
- Starlight learning session with your own telescope experienced members
- Astronomy Fundamentals
- Filters for the amateur astronomer Maryl Freestone
- Practical methods for locating celestial objects with telescopes Drew Carhart
- Understanding eyepieces Jim Brand
- Choosing a Telescope Jim Hopkins
- Learning the constellations: spring and summer evening skies Karen Kulzer
- Space Stations (open evening of displays and swap table)
- Stellar evolution, from formation to finale Jim Hopkins
- The Best of 2006 Drew Carhart
2005
12 Programs
- Planetarium show (Fundamentals field trip)
- First-hand Telescope Tales telescope owners (members)
- Finding your way around the fall and winter constellations Karen Kulzer
- Observing Mars Matthew Sherman
- Spectroscopy and the Search for Ancient Life on Mars Janet Ferroni
- Lunar observing essentials Tom Mesich
- How the Sky Works, An Introduction to Learning the Night Sky Jim Hopkins
- Astronomy on the Internet Maryl Freestone (NAA Internet Services Officer)
- Constellations of the spring and summer skies Karen Kulzer
- Making the Most of Your Observing Time: Tips to Becoming a Better Observer – Taking Notes Mike Nebelsick
- Inexpensive CCD and CMOS cameras for astrophotography; CCD Astrophotography Doug David
- Video/Webcam Astrophotography; Digital Camera Astrophotography Doug David; Murray Carlson