Better known as "NAG" this acronym stands for the New Astronomers' Group. This is a 12month Amateur Astronomy course for members of the ASV. The main objectives of NAG are to encourage new ASV members to learn the basics of Amateur Astronomy, get more out the ASV by discovering the many other Sections & activities of the Society, and provide a face to face forum where new ASV members can meet.
Visit the dedicated NAG web-site for more detailed info.
Visit the NAG discussion group. Start with your ASV login, select the "Members Area" on the left, and head to the Discussion Groups. This is where we keep in contact between meetings. If you are considering joining NAG then this is a good place to troll through our ramblings and find out what we chat about. Make your own post, or add your reply or opinion to what's already there.
How does NAG work? Like most other ASV Sections NAG is a monthly meeting held at the ASV Lodge (clubrooms) in Burwood.
Astronomy is a huge subject (the whole Universe) which is why NAG was transformed into a year long course. By breaking Astronomy down into 12 easier to digest monthly topics (see NAG calendar) we try to introduce members to a little bit of everything.
As NAG uses ASV facilities, has occasional guest speakers, and is an official ASV section, then everyone joining must be a current member when joining. For those waiting on their membership to be processed I can confirm your details with the Membership Secretary.
This is NOT a University type course (Swinburne does an on-line course). We try to be quite the opposite by focusing on the basics and giving the Amateur Astronomers viewpoint rather than pure academic Astronomy. The course has been designed to be fun and educational with “optional” homework that won’t require hours of assignment work. By completing some simple observing (clear night tasks), combined with some self-paced study (cloudy night tasks) you can start building your Amateur Astronomy skills.
Most of all NAG has become a place to meet other new members who just like yourself are on their own quest to learn what Amateur Astronomy is about, how the ASV works, and find their own path in the Cosmos.
NAG is suitable for all ages, and there has always been a mix of Male and Female in the group. I recommend any members under 16 attend the Junior Section as the handful of teens that came through NAG have all ended up there anyway.
You do NOT need a computer to participate but will probably want one to access the NAG Discussion Group, receive NAG news e-mails, and visit the web-site to keep up with ASV activities. A visit the local library should be sufficient if you don't have your own PC or broadband connection. Note:- I can mark e-mail addresses not to receive large attachments.
You do NOT have to own a telescope, or expensive equipment. The ASV do have a loan telescope scheme (3 month loan). Binoculars are a simple and highly recommended 1st step that will get you started on the NAG observing programme.
You do not even have to have a prior understanding of Astronomy, or be a maths whiz. What you MUST have is an interest in Astronomy and a desire to learn. Neither of which can be brought, sold, or found with a web search engine.
A once only $30 course fee does apply when joining NAG to covers material costs. Payment is usually done at the NAG Intake meeting. Here's what you get in return:
Official 3 ring NAG folder with sections for monthly Course notes, Intake notes, a NAG CD, observing programme sheets, pen and note pages etc...
At most meetings (not all) 10-15 pages of Course Notes are handed out. By adding a few study pages and observing notes of your own each month (optional homework) your folder could total 200+ pages by year end. I encourage everyone to build themselves a personal record of their time with NAG. This is a great way to keep track of your own progress. Watch how the folder grows as you start understanding more of this "stuff" called Astronomy.
The NAG loan CD was launched with incredible success and there is some development still to go in this space. Included are a links page, freebie software for your home PC, essential items to get you started, a multimedia section, and more. Most of this is freely available on the net. The purpose of the CD is to show new members what is out there and some starting out places to go.
I need to buy presentation materials from time to time, like:- books, classroom pointer, USB key, occasional Astronomy DVDs, and I am always buying paper/ink/and other consumables. All these items are used to enrich your experience of the NAG. While $30 usually not getting you much these days. I hope you can see there is value for money here.
Hope to see you at NAG one day, all members are most welcome to join us.
Thanks... Ken LeMarquand Section Director - New Astronomers Group for the Astronomical Society of Victoria E-mail...
