www.Christian-Astronomers.org

Astronomy Picture of The Day

Posted on August 3rd, 2007 by Admin.
Categories: Astronomy Picture.

Coming Soon

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History of Astronomy

Posted on August 2nd, 2007 by Admin.
Categories: History of Astronomy.

Coming Soon

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Jeremiah 10:12

Posted on July 23rd, 2007 by Admin.
Categories: Biblical Astronomy.

“He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.”

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Psalm 102:25

Posted on July 23rd, 2007 by Admin.
Categories: Biblical Astronomy.

“Of old has thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.”

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Christian Astronomy Articles

Posted on July 23rd, 2007 by Admin.
Categories: Astronomy Articles.

Here’s a list of astronomy articles releated to christianity from the site: http://www.nwcreation.net/astronomylinks.html

Top Telescope Keywords

Posted on June 4th, 2007 by Admin.
Categories: Telescopes.

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Martin Luther on Astronomy and Astrology

Posted on December 19th, 2006 by Admin.
Categories: Astronomy Thoughts.

An excerpt from “Table Talk” by Martin Luther

OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROLOGY

Astronomy is the most ancient of all sciences, and has been the introducer of vast knowledge; it was familiarly known to the Hebrews, for they diligently noted the course of the heavens, as God said to Abraham: “Behold the heavens; canst thou number the stars?” etc. Haven’s motions are threefold; the first is, that the whole firmament moves swiftly around, every moment thousands of leagues, which, doubtless, is done by some angel. `Tis wonderful so great a vault should go about in so short a time. If the sun and stars were composed of iron, steel, silver, or gold, they must needs suddenly melt in so swift a course, for one star is greater than the whole earth, and yet they are innumerable. The second motion is, of the planets, which have their particular and proper motions. The third is, a quaking or a trembling motion, lately discovered, but uncertain. I like astronomy and mathematics, which rely upon demonstrations and sure proofs. As to astrology, `tis nothing.

Astronomy deals with the matter, and with what is general, not with manner of form. God himself will be alone the Master and Creator, Lord and Governor, though he has ordained the stars for signs. And so long as astronomy remains in her circle, whereunto God has ordained her, so is she a fair gift of God; but when she will step out of her bounds—that is, when she will prophecy and speak of future things, how it will go with one, or what fortune or misfortune another shall have, then she is not to be justified. Chiromancy we should utterly reject. In the stars is neither strength nor operation; they are but signs, and have, therefore, just cause to complain of the astrologers, who attribute unto them what they have not. The astrologers commonly ascribe that to the stars, which they ought to attribute to the planets, that announce only evil events, except that star which appeared to the wise men in the east, and which showed that the revelation of the Gospel was at the door.

In the year 1538, the Seigneur Von Minckwitz made a public oration in honor of astrology, wherein he sought to prove that the sentence in Jeremiah, chap. x: “Be not dismayed at the signs of heaven,” applied not to astrology, but to the images of the Gentiles. Luther said hereupon: These passages may be quibbled with, but not overthrown. Jeremiah speaks as Moses did of all the signs of heaven, earth, and sea; the heathen were not so silly as to be afraid of the sun or moon, but they feared and adored prodigies and miraculous signs. Astrology is no art; it has no principle, no demonstration, whereupon we may take sure footing; `tis all haphazard work; Philip Melancthon, against his will, admits unto me, that though, as he says, the art is extant, there are none that understand it rightly. They set forth, in their almanacs, that we shall have no snow in summer time, nor thunder in winter; and this the country clowns know as well as the astrologers. Philip Melancthon says: That such people as are born in ascendant Libra, in the ascension of Liber towards the south, are unfortunate people. Whereupon I said: The astrologers are silly creatures, to dream that their crosses and mishaps proceed not from God, but from the stars; `tis hence, they are not patient in their troubles and adversities. Astrology is uncertain; and as the predicamenta are feigned words in Dialectica, even so astronomy has feigned astrology; as the ancient and true divines knew nothing of the fantasies and divinity of the school teachers, so the ancient astronomers knew nothing of astrology. The nativities of Cicero and of others were shown me. I said: I hold nothing thereof, nor attribute anything unto them. I would gladly have the astrologers answer me this: Esau and Jacob were born together, of one father and one mother, at one time, and under equal planets, yet they were wholly of contrary natures, kinds, and minds. What is done by God, ought not to be ascribed to the stars. The upright and true Christian religion opposes and confutes all such fables. The way of casting nativities is like the proceedings in popedom, whose outward ceremonies and pompous ordinances are pleasing to human wit and wisdom, as the consecrated water, torches, organs, cymbals, singing, ringing, but withal there’s no certain knowledge. An astrologer, or horoscope monger, is like one that sells dice, and bawls: Behold, here I have dice that always come up twelve. If once or twice their conjectures tell, they cannot sufficiently extol the art; but as to the infinite cases where they fail, they are altogether silent. Astronomy, on the contrary, I like; it pleases me by reason of her manifold benefits.

General prophecies and declarations, which declare generally what in future shall happen accord not upon individuals and particular things.

When at one time many are slain together in a battle, no man can affirm they were all born under one planet, yet they die altogether in one hour, yea, in one moment.

God has appointed a certain and sure end for all things, otherwise Babylon might have said: I will remain and continue; and Rome: To me is the government and rule given without ceasing. To Alexander and others were given empires and kingdoms, yet astrology taught not that such great kingdoms were to be raised, nor how long they were to last.

Astrology is framed by the devil, to the end people may be scared from entering into the state of matrimony, and from every divine and human office and calling; for the star-peepers presage nothing that is good out of the planets; they affright people’s consciences, in regard of misfortunes to come, which all stand in God’s hand, and through such mischievous and unprofitable cogitations vex and torment the whole life.

Great wrong is done to God’s creatures by the star-expounders. God has created and placed the stars in the firmament, to the end they might give light to the kingdoms of the earth, make people glad and joyful in the Lord, and be good signs of years and seasons. But the star-peepers feign that those creatures, of God created, darken and trouble the earth, and are hurtful; whereas all creatures of God are good, and by God created only for good, though mankind makes them evil, by abusing them. Eclipses, indeed, are monsters, and like to strange and untimely births. Lastly, to believe in the stars, or to trust thereon, or to be affrighted thereat, is idolatry, and against the first commandment.

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Psalm 19.1

Posted on December 19th, 2006 by Admin.
Categories: Biblical Astronomy.

“The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

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Telescope Types

Posted on December 19th, 2006 by Admin.
Categories: Telescopes.

Optical telescopes come in three types and these are further divided into more descriptive subgroups. Each type has it’s specific advantages and disadvantages and are used in different applications within the field of astronomy.

Refractors (Dioptrics)

• Non-achromatic
• Achromatic
• Apochromatic
• Superachromatic

Reflectors (Catoptrics)

• Newtonian
• Gregorian 
• Classical Cassegrain
• Dall-Kirkham
• Large liquid mirror telescope
• Pfund telescope
• Ritchey-Chrétien
• Schiefspiegler
• Yolo
• Herrig
• Stevick-Paul

Combined Lens-Mirror Systems (Catadioptrics)

• Maksutov telescope
• Schmidt camera
• Schmidt-Newton telescope
• Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope
• Houghton
• Modified Dall-Kirkham
• Klevtsov
• Argunov

The telescope mounts vary as much as the types of telescopes. Here is a listing of the more common telescope mounts.

Altazimuth (ALT-AZ) Mounts

• Altazimuth mount

Equatorial mounts

• Equatorial mount
• German equatorial mount
• Fork mount
• Springfield mount
• Poncet table

Other mounts

• Transit mount
• Zenith mount

Telescopes with a unique design

• Dobsonian telescope
• The Turret telescope

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The Christian Astronomers Network

Posted on December 19th, 2006 by Admin.
Categories: Organizations.

The Christian Astronomers Network was formed to be a resource to Christian camps, schools or home eduation associations who have a desire to add a Christian-based astronomy section to their current education offerings. Outdoor education in the Christian camp setting is fast becoming a new rage in Christian camps that gives students a new look at God’s universe and creation. Members of the Network will be able to use CAN curriculum to enhance and standardize the astronomical science offerings from camp to camp. We need more Christians in science, and we feel that this is a way to impress upon young minds that they can indeed pursue a career in science as a Christian.

Mission statement

The mission of the Christian Astronomers Network is to bring Christian education opportunities and Christian astronomers together so that science can be taught in a Christian environment through various outdoor education and astronomy-related sessions.

Ways we can help your camp, school or home education association

CAN will supply curriculum to local Christian amateur astronomers who will then come to your camp to set up their scopes and run a Christian-based astronomy session. These sessions comprise two areas. The first is in the classroom, where a short program with images on a projector can be presented to give the students an idea of what astronomy is about. This section can also be used in a longer version should inclement weather arrive at your site on the night of the program. The second section is an astronomy lesson in the field, or as we like to call it, in God’s laboratory! This section will allow your students to see God’s creation from a whole new perspective. Many students do not have telescopes or the knowledge to see some of the more unusual objects in the night sky, so CAN affiliates will bring their own equipment to use. All sessions include a debriefing in the end, which will aloow your students an opportunity to ask questions. For groups in areas where there are no CAN affiliate, we will gladly supply you with our curriculum so that you will have the opportunity to evaluate and use it in your own personal settings. Please realize that CAN does not necessarily adopt any position on the age of the universe or the method of creation. CAN affiliates will teach from a Biblically-centered perspective that will not necessarily bring up controversial topics as the age of the universe or the method that God used to create it.

Christian amateur astronomers in your area

CAN affiliates are constantly being added to our database. Currently we have CAN affiliates in 5 states and working in several camp settings. Please e-mail for information on CAN affiliates in your area.

How can I join?

If you are a Christian who has an interest in teaching amateur astronomy in Christian camp, school or home education settings in your area, please contact Patrick Carr, Executive Director, Christian Astronomers Network. CAN affiliates are asked to use the supplied curriculum and to bring their own scopes. Please read the guidelines for affiliates that are included in your packet when it arrives. Remember, you could be shaping the mind of a young person who could be the next big-time astronomer! 

I want more information

You can contact the Executive Director, Patrick Carr by mail at 1005 Hunter Ridge, Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761.

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