Advanced Master Class:
Become an Expert in Stargazing
Get 12 Months of systematic, online instruction to become a world class stargazer
Start your Journey Today.
Discover the Secrets to becoming a Master Stargazer.
My name is Janine Bonham, and I want to share my stargazing experience and knowledge with you.
This year-long, on-demand course will give you everything you need to become a world class stargazer.
Explore the details behind star patterns with me, including the following topics:
- Celestial Objects
- Bright Stars
- Star Legends and Mythologies
The Benefits of Stargazing
Reconnect with Nature
Being in nature is known to aid in health, happiness and general well-being. Immerse yourself in the wonders of outdoors.
Scientific Literacy
Knowing and understanding science is valuable to all human life. Basic observation is the first step towards greater scientific comprehension.
Enhance your Perspective
The Universe is an incredibly mysterious place! Discover the worlds that exist beyond our home and get a sense of your own place in the cosmos.
Silence and Stillness
Today's busy lifestyle can be constantly chaotic. Give yourself the gift of the stars and allow the noise of the world to fade away.
Environmental Consciousness
Our natural world is a precious resource. Spending time outside creates a sense of preservation within ourselves and community.
Self Discovery and Awareness
Observing the patterns of nature provides a pathway towards a better sense of self. The starry sky provides the perfect canvas to look outward and inward.
Connection to Others
No matter where you come from, the sky connects us all. When viewing the star with others, it enhances authentic connection and communication
Reconnect with the Past
Astronomy is the oldest science. The sky was our calendar and the mythologies of the stars hold the wisdom and knowledge of many cultures around the world.
The Advanced Master Class Program
12 Months of Step-by-Step Training
This program is specifically designed NOT to overwhelm you with ideas or techniques. Instead, it will give you the learning tools you need to understand the sky no matter how busy you are.
On-Demand Instructional Videos
Get weekly, on-demand video lessons taught by me, Janine. These videos can be accessed from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Live Video Conferences
Gain access to TWO live classes per month. Get your questions answered live and experience learning in a group dynamic. Join through your computer, laptop, tablet or phone. No webcam required. Watch the replay if you miss the live broadcast.
Classes are typically held on Saturdays at 1pm Eastern Time, making them accessible to many time zones.
2021 LIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
Stargazing Skill Mastery
Be confident with knowing what you see when you look up into the night sky. Master the following stargazing skill set:
- Learn which constellations appear in each season
- Learn how to use constellations to find celestial objects
- Learn the various celestial events that occur and why
- How to spot the planets
- Learn how to use basic tools (star wheel, online planetariums) to help you stargaze
- Learn why stars are different colors and their life cycle
Group Learning Dynamics
You can go at your own pace, but we'll all be going through the program together. This adds a wonderful aspect to the class that makes learning much more fun.
Connect with peers through a private Facebook Group to share your stargazing experiences to enhance your own learning. Directly connect with me, no matter where you live!
Look up at the stars and not down at your feet.
Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist.
Be curious.
Stephen Hawking
The Curriculum
Wondering what is taught in the 12-month Master Class: Advanced Stargazer? Here's the curriculum:
- Module 1: Getting Started with the Advanced Stargazer Master Class
- Module 2: Night Sky Basics
- What is a Constellation?
- Types of Constellations
- Motion of the Earth and Sky
- Timing of Stars Rising Each Night
- Polaris: The North Star
- Magnitude (Brightness) Scale of Stars
- Asterisms
- Astronomy Terms to Know
- Module 3: Star Basics
- Electromagnetic Radiation
- Gravity and Fusion Inside a Star
- Types of Spectra
- Color of Stars and HR Diagram
- Birth and Life of a Star
- Death of Smaller Stars
- Death of Larger Stars
- The Sun - Our Star
- Module 4: Celestial Objects
- The Moon
- Planets seen in the Sky
- Planets invisible in the Sky
- Exoplanets - Planets outside of our Solar System
- Artificial Satellites
- Types of Nebula
- Types of Star Clusters
- Types of Galaxies
- Module 5: Circumpolar Constellations
- Ursa Major the Great Bear
- Ursa Minor the Lesser Bear
- Draco the Dragon
- Cassiopeia the Queen
- Cepheus the King
- Module 6: Winter Constellations
- Orion the Hunter
- Taurus the Bull
- Canis Major the Great Dog
- Canis Minor the Lesser Dog
- Gemini the Twins
- Auriga the Charioteer
- Monoceros the Unicorn
- Lepus the Hare
- Winter Asterisms
- Module 7: Spring Constellations
- Cancer the Crab
- Leo the Lion
- Virgo the Virgin
- Bootes the Herdsman
- Corona Borealis the Northern Crown
- Hercules the Hero
- Coma Berenices, Berenices Hair
- Crux the Southern Cross
- Other Faint Spring Constellations
- Spring Asterisms
- Module 8: Summer Constellations
- Lyra the Harp
- Cygnus the Swan
- Aquila the Eagle
- Libra the Scales
- Scorpius the Scorpion
- Sagittarius the Archer
- Ophiuchus the Serpent-Bearer
- Corona Australis the Southern Crown
- Module 9: Autumn Constellations
- Pegasus the Winged Horse
- Andromeda the Chained Woman
- Delphinus the Dolphin
- Capricornus the Sea-Goat
- Aquarius the Water-Bearer
- Triangulum the Triangle
- Pisces the Fish
- Aries the Ram
- Perseus the Hero
- Cetus the Sea Monster
- Autumn Asterisms
- Module 10: Celestial Events
- Phases of the Moon
- Lunar Eclipse
- Solar Eclipse
- Planetary Conjunctions
- Transits
- Meteors, Meteorites, and Meteor Showers
- Aurora - Polar Lights
- Zodiacal Light
- Comets
- Solstices and Equinoxes
- Module 11: Practice and Review
- Review Activities - Practice, Practice, Practice!
- Expanding your Knowledge - Resource Review
- Citizen Science - Be an active participant in astronomy-related research
- Module 12: Seeds of Mastery
- Course Exam - SHOW what you know
- Course Projects - SHARE what you know, Student’s choice, examples listed below
- Host your own Star Party
- Create Artwork
- Journal Reflection
- Stargazing Journey - Travel to Dark Sky Sanctuary
- Write Poetry
- Astrophotography
Class Bonuses
Bonus #1: Lifetime Access
Once you’ve completed your payments, you automatically get lifetime access to the program. This means that the program will be there whenever you need it, in case you need more than 12 months to complete the program, or in case you want to do the course again in the future
Bonus #2: Download Everything
All of the videos, recording of live classes, star charts, and documents can be downloaded directly to your computer. This is an amazing bonus that allows you to keep everything offline (as well as online).
Bonus #3: Access to Private Facebook Group
Facebook is fantastic for building community. Connect with peers to share your stargazing experiences to enhance your own learning. Directly connect with me, no matter where you live!
Bonus #4: Accountability Support
In the age of digital online learning, set yourself up for success. With this bonus, you'll receive an email reminder if you don't log in for 7 days. And if you don't log in for 30 days, then you'll not only get another email, but I'll get one as well! And then you'll be hearing from me directly!
2021 Live Class Schedule
All live classes will be held on Saturdays at 1:00 PM EST
New Moon Class
January 16
February 13
March 13
April 10
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 7
September 4
October 2
November 6
December 4
Full Moon Class
January 30
February 27
March 27
April 24
May 22
June 26
July 24
August 21
September 18
October 23
November 20
December 18
*Live classes do not always coincide with the exact new and full moon calendar dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my smartphone or tablet?
Do you have a guarantee?
Can I download the materials?
What if I fall behind?
Can I take this course if I live in _____ [insert country]?
My Risk Free Guarantee
My mission is to help you fall in love with the stars and constellations. But if you don't love this course for some reason, then just email me within 30 days of purchase and I'll give you a full refund. No hard feelings, but you'll be missed.
