Category: Ask an Amateur Astronomer

Hello, and welcome to “Ask An Amateur Astronomer”.

Ask An Amateur Astronomer is an idea we have developed in our association in order to answer questions from the general public. Wether you are an expert or just getting started, no question is too big or too small. If we don’t know the answer, we will work to find the right source to answer your question. If you are a student, a teacher or simply curious about astronomy, send us your questions. We will make our best effort to return to you with an answer in a short period of time.

Best of all, it’s completely free!

Note
Just remember, we are a club where people who share a passion for the universe get together to have a good time. We are not a professional organization, we do not represent NASA or any educational institution, scientific organization or any professional astronomy group.

Want to ask a question? Just click here!

Bruce Nebens Asks: How do I aim my telescope (shielded by a mylar filter) at the sun? I obviously can’t use the Tetrad that I use to aim my telescope at night sky objects? How much magnification will I need to look at sun spots?

Bruce Neben Asks: How do I aim my telescope (shielded by a mylar filter) at the sun? I obviously can’t use the Tetrad that I use to aim my telescope at night sky objects? Now much magnification will I need to look at Sunspots? Thanks Bruce for contacting us. There are two ways of pointing […]

Ted Delcima Asks: This is about the rumors going around about an astroid that will soon hit the earth. Especially Florida and cause a massive Tsunami and whip out the state. Have you seen anything in the sky that big or on its path to Earth?

Ted Delcima Asks: This is about the rumors going around about an astroid that will soon hit the earth. Especially Florida and cause a massive Tsunami and whip out the state. Have you seen anything in the sky that big or on its path to Earth? Ted thanks for contacting us. First things First. […]

Maria Martinez Asks:My question is as a new member (I’m getting it this week) with no telescope (yet) and just the sheer hunger for more knowledge could I come in on Thursday night to the member’s meeting and would someone let me see through their or do I

Maria Martinez Asks:My question is as a new member (I’m getting it this week) with no telescope (yet) and just the sheer hunger for more knowledge could I come in on Thursday night to the member’s meeting and would someone let me see through their or do I wait until Saturday? Maria you can […]

Joe Sal Asks:Where is a good place in South Florida to get really dark skies with not a lot of bugs?

Joe Sal Asks:Where is a good place in South Florida to get really dark skies with not a lot of bugs? Hello Joe With respect to bugs, unfortunately this is Florida so it depends a lot on how much it rains. Regarding dark sites, at SFAAA we have a few sites that we go […]

Gary Murphy Asks: Do you have any scopes or mount to rent so that people can try it form there house to see what they can see from their backyard before purchasing?

Gary Murhpy Asks: Do you have any scopes or mount to rent so that people can try it form there house to see what they can see from their backyard before purchasing? Gary thank you for contacting us. Unfortunately we do not have a rental program. What we do have for members only is a […]

Pamela McKeown asks :What telescope should I purchase for my eight year old son and my husband? I’m looking for something that’s not too complicated but something they can grow into as well so I’m not having to run out and get a better one too soon. Pri

Pamela McKeown asks:Pamela McKeown asks: What telescope should I purchase for my eight year old son and my husband? I’m looking for something that’s not too complicated but something they can grow into as well so I’m not having to run out and get a better one too soon. Price range maybe 100-200 dollars Pamela thank […]

Tom Zetty Asks:How accessible (as in “unpowered wheelchair accessible”) is the Observatory at Markham Park? Normally, near darkness is a disaster. (Latin pun intended). Clear skies!

Tom Zetty Asks: How accessible (as in “unpowered wheelchair accessible”) is the Observatory at Markham Park? Normally, near darkness is a disaster. (Latin pun intended). Clear skies! Thanks for contacting us Tom. The ramp entrance to the Observatory was refurbished and redone a couple years ago to comply with ADA standards. If you come please […]

Sean Bartholomew asks: I need to interview an astronomer for a school project is there some one there that I can speak to?

Sean Bartholomew Asks: I need to interview an astronomer for a school project is there some one there that I can speak to? Thank you Hello Sean and thank you for contacting us. Usually we do not have direct contact with our visitors via the internet. Especially since you are in Middle School. But since you […]

Sudip Ringwala Asks:I am interested in viewing the meteor shower taking place tomorrow. Is there a place I could meet some amateur astronomers to get a better view than just with my naked eye? Thanks. I tried calling the observatory but couldn’t talk to a

Sudip Ringwala asks: I am interested in viewing the meteor shower taking place tomorrow. Is there a place I could meet some amateur astronomers to get a better view than just with my naked eye? Thanks. I tried calling the observatory but couldn’t talk to anyone. Sudip thanks for contacting us. We have not made […]

Rafael Motta Asks:If you had $450 bucks, which telescope would you buy? equatorial mount or electronic ? also, would you adapt it to your professional photographic camera or a CCD imaging for taking astrophotography?

If you had $450 bucks, which telescope would you buy? equatorial mount or electronic ? Also, would you adapt it to your professional photographic camera or a CCD imaging for taking astrophotography? Dear Rafael thanks for contacting us. This is ones of the most difficult questions to respond in Amateur Astronomy. It all depends on […]