astronomy training
please contact us for pricing
Registered FGASA Service Delivery Partner
Author of FGASA's Advanced Astronomy Qualification.
Training Goals​
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Enable guides to confidently use stargazing as a part of a holistic safari experience.
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Train guides to locate and discuss prominent constellations, stars and celestial objects.
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Teach guides about cultural astronomy & how ancient tribes used the stars to understand their world.
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Enable guides to discuss cultural mythology & starlore.
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Assist guides in understanding the basic mechanisms of the night sky.
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Help guides explain astronomy concepts to guests in an entertaining & relatable fashion.
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Train guides to competently use binoculars or a small telescope.
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3 Day Course
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Day 1 Astrotourism, Light Pollution & Guiding Skills
Day 2 Cultural History, Mythology & Starlore, Constellations
Day 3 Stars, Evolution, Properties, Star Clusters, Supernovae, Black Holes
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Night 1 Constellation ID, Mythology, Deep Sky Objects, Celestial Navigation
Night 2 Recap, Visual & Photographic Telescope Views
Night 3 Practice Presentations & Group Discussion
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5 Day Course
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Day 1 Astrotourism, Light Pollution & Guiding Skills
Day 2 Cultural History, Mythology & Starlore, Constellations
Day 3 Stars, Evolution, Properties, Star Clusters, Supernovae, Black Holes
Day 3 The Moon, Surface Features, Geology, Mythology, Eclipses
Day 5 The Planets, Meteors, Meteor Showers, Meteorites, Comets​​
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Night 1 Constellation ID, Celestial Navigation
Night 2 Recap, Cultural Mythology & Starlore
Night 3 Deep Sky Objects & Visual Telescope Use
Night 4 Recap & Photographic Telescope Use
Night 5 Practice Presentations & Group Discussion​​​​​
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Minimum 4 people
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Astronomy Training Presentations approx 2 hours each.
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Practical Sessions approx 90mins each and include use of our professional telescopic equipment.
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Constellations and Deep Sky Objects observed will be dependent on the date, time and Moon phase.
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Includes Certificate, PDF Lecture Notes & Charts of constellations covered, 50kms Travel
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Excludes: Food, Accommodation, Gate Fees, Additional Travel (R7/km)
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Full payment is required to secure the booking.
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testimonials
"Over the past few years we have had Ben Coley from Celestial events come out and train our guides here at Makanyi lodge. Our Guides have grown a deeper passion and knowledge for astronomy through Bens teachings, which has enhanced our guests’ experience and is always a favourite with guests. We have gone as far as even purchasing our own telescope for the lodge."
Rico Dimetriou, GM, Makanyi Lodge