Description
The advent of affordable smart telescopes has the opportunity to revolutionize astronomy education by enabling accessible, hands-on observation experiences. This presentation explores the use of the ZWO Seestar S30, an automated smart telescope controlled via a smart device, as a powerful tool for teaching astronomy. Capable of alt-azimuth or equatorial alignment, the S30 automatically targets and images celestial objects, including the Sun (with a solar filter), Moon, wide double stars, open and globular clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and even quasars. Its alignment process provides a practical lesson on Earth’s rotation and axial tilt, while its ability to capture stars down to a theoretical limiting magnitude of 12–18 (depending on sky conditions) supports observations from moderately light-polluted areas (Bortle 5). The built-in H-alpha filter enables narrowband imaging, even in severe light pollution. While the S30’s resolution limits detailed double-star observations, alternatives like the ZWO Seestar S50, Dwarflab Dwarf III, Vaonis Vespera, or Celestron Origin offer enhanced capabilities. By facilitating variable star and deep-sky observations, the S30 fosters citizen science through organizations like the AAVSO. This presentation highlights practical experiences using the S30 to engage students and amateurs, demonstrating how smart telescopes bridge accessibility and scientific discovery in astronomy education.
