We hope your semester is off to a stellar start! It is that time of year again — STAHR’s telescope class application for the spring semester is now open! You can find the application here. It is due by 11:59pm Saturday, February 8th.
If you would like to stargaze outside our Open Houses and other astronomy events, we encourage you to apply! Our classes teach you about telescopes, observational astronomy, and how to operate the Loomis-Michael Observatory at the Harvard Science Center. They culminate in you gaining the awesome power of HUID swipe access to the observatory (as well as all the epic knowledge of how to use a telescope)! 😎
If you have previously applied, please apply again! The more times you apply, the more weight is given to your application. All current Harvard undergraduate and graduate students (as well as staff and faculty) are welcome to apply, especially those new to astronomy!
As a reminder, here are some important details about the application and class:
- The form will allow you to indicate which nights of the week you are free to attend a 1.5 hour class (7:30-9 PM, 9-10:30 PM, and 10:30 PM-12 AM). Please keep in mind the vast majority of our classes occur between 7:30 and 10:30 PM, so if you are only available after 10:30 PM there might not be a class that aligns with your availability.
- If accepted, you will be placed in a telescope instructor’s class. Each instructor will hold regular weekly classes depending on the weather, but an instructor might also hold additional sessions in order to expedite completion before the semester ends.
- You will need to attend 2 sessions of the class.
- Once you have attended 2 sessions, you must demonstrate your knowledge in a test-out session and short quiz, after which you will be given HUID swipe access to the observatory. 🌠
- Attendance at all class sessions is required unless otherwise excused by your telescope class instructor.
We can’t wait to read your responses!! The observatory is an amazing place and we are excited to share it with you!