Astronomer David Fong and Steve Ruhl, president of the Battle Point Astronomical Association, will lead “Learn Your Way Around the Night Sky: Introduction to Amateur Astronomy Classes” in a series of classes at Ritchie Observatory.

The introductory course breaks the universe into manageable chunks, and includes astronomy lectures, working with telescopes, and learning about the night sky.

Topics include the art of observing, solar system objects, constellations, star hopping, planets, nebulas, galaxies, strange sky phenomena, astrophotography and computer programs.

The course will be offered in six sessions from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, beginning April 25. The final class is May 30.

The course is open to the public (minimum age is 14). Sign up through the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District at www.biparks.org (course code 131860-01), or call 206- 842-2306.

Tuition is $59 and includes all six sessions.

The Battle Point Astronomical Association is a nonprofit amateur astronomy organization that operates the Edwin E. Ritchie Observatory and John H. Rudolph Planetarium in the Helix House at Battle Point Park. For more information about the association, call 206-842-9152 or visit http://www.bpastro.org/.