The MoonshotMastery Academy
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SHELF II · TELESCOPE

“I found Jupiter, saw a bright dot with four specks, and wondered why it looks nothing like the photos.”

Planets at the Eyepiece

When each planet is worth looking at, what the atmosphere does to the view, and how to tease detail out of Jupiter's belts, Saturn's rings, the phases of Venus and Mars at opposition.

A telescope on a tripod in silhouette against a deep blue twilight sky

What you will be able to do

  1. Know when each planet is worth observing and where to find it
  2. See and recognise belts, the Great Red Spot, Cassini’s Division and polar caps
  3. Get the most from short moments of steady air

Night log: the units

  1. UNIT 01 Where the planets are, and when 6 lessons · 1 h
  2. UNIT 02 The atmosphere and seeing 5 lessons · 50 min
  3. UNIT 03 Jupiter and its moons 7 lessons · 1 h 10 min
  4. UNIT 04 Saturn and its rings 6 lessons · 1 h
  5. UNIT 05 Mars at opposition 5 lessons · 50 min
  6. UNIT 06 Venus, Mercury and the outer planets 6 lessons · 1 h

What is included

  • How to find out when each planet is well placed in any year, with free tools
  • Seeing and patience: what a steady moment at the eyepiece looks like
  • Filters, magnification and cooling for planetary detail
  • Questions at the end of every unit, answered on screen
  • 18 months of streaming access

Who it suits

Telescope owners who can find a planet and want to see more of it.

Questions about this course

What do I need before I start?

A telescope. Nothing has to be bought in advance: the course opens with what to choose and why.

How long will it take me?

There are 35 lessons, 5 h 50 min of video in all. At about 2 hours a week that is roughly 3 weeks, but the pace is yours: clear nights decide more than the calendar.

How long can I watch it, and is there a tutor?

You can stream every lesson for 18 months from when access starts. The lessons are recorded: there is no live tutor and no marking, and the videos cannot be downloaded.

Pairs well with