The Digital Age of Astronomy Panel Discussion: St. Louis Astronomical Society May Meeting

For 400 years, amateur astronomers have studied objects in the night sky using telescopes and their eyes alone. To observe dim objects like galaxies and nebulae, amateurs had to use large telescopes at remote and dark locations, away from city light-pollution. Amateurs could photograph faint objects to reveal details not visible to the eye, but this required expensive telescopes and cameras. Afterwards, hours were spent using special software to enhance the images. Imaging of this sort required years of practice to develop special skills. In recent years, digital telescopes have come on the market. This new type of telescope replaces the human eye with a camera chip and sophisticated image processing software. Software embedded in the telescope could perform advanced processing without the need for a highly skilled user. Entry-level digital telescopes cost less than $400 and can automatically capture and enhance almost any celestial object. Now anyone can observe the Sun, Moon, planets, galaxies, nebula, etc. on a computer or tablet from the comfort of their armchair.

A panel of SLAS members who have used these types of telescopes will share their experiences. They will discuss the types of telescopes currently available. They will also discuss telescope strengths and weaknesses based on actual experience.

The St. Louis Astronomical Society is an organization for individuals interested in astronomy and telescopes. The public is invited to attend its meetings, telescope observing sessions, and special events. For more information about Astronomical Society events, please visit www.slasonline.org.

Free parking will be available.