Psalm 19.1

Posted on December 19th, 2006 by Admin. edit.
Categories: Bible Astronomy.

The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.

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Telescope Types

Posted on December 19th, 2006 by Admin. edit.
Categories: Telescopes.

Optical telescopes come in three types and these are further divided into more descriptive subgroups. Each type has it’s specific advantages and disadvantages and are used in different applications within the field of astronomy.

Refractors (Dioptrics)

  • Non-achromatic
  • Achromatic
  • Apochromatic
  • Superachromatic

Reflectors (Catoptrics)

  • Newtonian
  • Gregorian 
  • Classical Cassegrain
  • Dall-Kirkham
  • Large liquid mirror telescope
  • Pfund telescope
  • Ritchey-Chrétien
  • Schiefspiegler
  • Yolo
  • Herrig
  • Stevick-Paul

Combined Lens-Mirror Systems (Catadioptrics)

  • Maksutov telescope
  • Schmidt camera
  • Schmidt-Newton telescope
  • Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope
  • Houghton
  • Modified Dall-Kirkham
  • Klevtsov
  • Argunov

The telescope mounts vary as much as the types of telescopes. Here is a listing of the more common telescope mounts.

Altazimuth (ALT-AZ) Mounts

  • Altazimuth mount

Equatorial mounts

  • Equatorial mount
  • German equatorial mount
  • Fork mount
  • Springfield mount
  • Poncet table

Other mounts

  • Transit mount
  • Zenith mount

Telescopes with a unique design

  • Dobsonian telescope
  • The Turret telescope

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The Christian Astronomers Network

Posted on December 19th, 2006 by Admin. edit.
Categories: Organizations.

The Christian Astronomers Network was formed to be a resource to Christian camps, schools or home eduation associations who have a desire to add a Christian-based astronomy section to their current education offerings. Outdoor education in the Christian camp setting is fast becoming a new rage in Christian camps that gives students a new look at God’s universe and creation. Members of the Network will be able to use CAN curriculum to enhance and standardize the astronomical science offerings from camp to camp. We need more Christians in science, and we feel that this is a way to impress upon young minds that they can indeed pursue a career in science as a Christian.

Mission statement

The mission of the Christian Astronomers Network is to bring Christian education opportunities and Christian astronomers together so that science can be taught in a Christian environment through various outdoor education and astronomy-related sessions.

Ways we can help your camp, school or home education association

CAN will supply curriculum to local Christian amateur astronomers who will then come to your camp to set up their scopes and run a Christian-based astronomy session. These sessions comprise two areas. The first is in the classroom, where a short program with images on a projector can be presented to give the students an idea of what astronomy is about. This section can also be used in a longer version should inclement weather arrive at your site on the night of the program. The second section is an astronomy lesson in the field, or as we like to call it, in God’s laboratory! This section will allow your students to see God’s creation from a whole new perspective. Many students do not have telescopes or the knowledge to see some of the more unusual objects in the night sky, so CAN affiliates will bring their own equipment to use. All sessions include a debriefing in the end, which will aloow your students an opportunity to ask questions. For groups in areas where there are no CAN affiliate, we will gladly supply you with our curriculum so that you will have the opportunity to evaluate and use it in your own personal settings. Please realize that CAN does not necessarily adopt any position on the age of the universe or the method of creation. CAN affiliates will teach from a Biblically-centered perspective that will not necessarily bring up controversial topics as the age of the universe or the method that God used to create it.

Christian amateur astronomers in your area

CAN affiliates are constantly being added to our database. Currently we have CAN affiliates in 5 states and working in several camp settings. Please e-mail for information on CAN affiliates in your area.

How can I join?

If you are a Christian who has an interest in teaching amateur astronomy in Christian camp, school or home education settings in your area, please contact Patrick Carr, Executive Director, Christian Astronomers Network. CAN affiliates are asked to use the supplied curriculum and to bring their own scopes. Please read the guidelines for affiliates that are included in your packet when it arrives. Remember, you could be shaping the mind of a young person who could be the next big-time astronomer! 

I want more information

You can contact the Executive Director, Patrick Carr by mail at 1005 Hunter Ridge, Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761.

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