Where can the program be used?
StarTalker® is designed to be used anywhere from southern Canada to latitude 35 degrees north or a line drawn across the United States from San Francisco to Washington DC. The program can certainly be used below this latitude but some references as to "Over Head" will seem to be incorrect but your east and west directions will be correct. The program can be used worldwide using similar latitudes.
What is the recommended age for using the program?
For anyone interested is stargazing from children to adults.
What skill level is required to use the program?
No previous Astronomy education required. StarTalker® is designed for the beginner to amateur stargazer, or anyone who has ever wondered about the night skies and who wants to learn about the constellations.
How is the program used?
By selecting the Seasonal CD and associated Star Charts you can begin using and learning the next clear night. As times goes on you will want study the program indoors and begin the Self-Teaching Curriculum to advance your knowledge for enjoying many years of stargazing to come.
How is the program designed?
The program is based on the use of 21 easily found stars that make up 4 star patterns as your starting or reference point. From this starting position in the sky you are guided throughout the sky with the aid of the associated star charts for that season of the year, returning to your starting position often, making the evening sky less confusing.
What will I learn?
To identify 52 of the 88 constellations and the designations of the major stars within these constellations along with over 200 stars by their proper names. Also ancient legends behind these star patterns, interesting facts about some of the stars and where to search for Galaxies, Nebulas and Star Clusters using binoculars or a small telescope.
Is there a particular time of the night I need to use the program?
The most optimum time is 9pm to Midnight. But seeing that the program is based on 4 easily found star patterns, one for each season of the year, the program can be used anytime of night and day of the year that a particular Seasonal Reference Pattern is visible in the sky.
What is included in the program?
4-one hour CDs, 20 Star Charts, 4-Sky Maps showing the stars and constellations visible in the northern hemisphere. And a Teaching Tutorial for individual learning and for creating a Homeschooling Student Curriculum or the Classroom.
What is included in the Teaching Tutorial?
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Concepts and Definitions about Stargazing
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Glossary to Terms
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200 Seasonal Questions and Answers
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Section on How to Teach and use as a Curriculum
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Various Teaching Activities:
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Constellation Trace
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Word Match Games
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Observing Check List
