Astronomy EVENING Courses 2008
Would you like to learn how to recognize the
constellations and navigate your way around the night sky? Have you
ever wondered how astronomers use radio waves to explore the Universe?
Would you like to learn more about cosmology, the solar system or how
space is being explored? The Science Centre is running 3 different
courses in 2008 to try and answer these questions – STAR SEARCH (spring
and autumn), RADIO ASTRONOMY, ASTRONOMY AND SPACE FOR BEGINNERS.
Booking is essential for all courses.Two 3 week courses for Spring and Autumn
These
courses are designed to look at the whole sky using the naked eye. They
will help you recognise the most prominent constellations and use them
to navigate your way around the night sky. In ancient times many
stories were attached to the constellations and we will explore some of
the mythology behind them. We will learn about the Moon and planets as
well as taking a brief glimpse into the more familiar deep sky objects
within the constellations. You will also learn how to use a planisphere
and star maps. We recommend that you bring a red light torch if you
have one. The Centre’s shop sells planispheres, red light torches
and many useful guides to the night sky and will be available on each
evening.
Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm
Spring: March 5, 12 & 19 (Wednesday)
Autumn: September 9, 16 & 23 (Tuesday)
Cost of one 3-week course is £38
Course lecturer Dr. Sandra Voss
Four week course
What
does the Universe look like outside of the range of visible light? This
is an introductory course on how astronomers use radio waves to explore
the heavens, focusing on our solar system and the role of the amateur
radio astronomer. The course includes a brief introduction to the
history and development of radio astronomy and how it has extended the
understanding of how the Universe works, together with a look at the
limitations on making observations. It will look at the work of some of
the major radio telescopes around the world and some of the major
discoveries. You will learn how a radio telescope works and how the
data is recorded including an insight into data analysis. A simple home
observatory will be set up to study Jupiter, the Sun, Meteoroids and
the effects of the Earth’s atmosphere. You will also be told how
amateur observations play a key role in the overall understanding of
our place in the Universe and be given an introduction to SETI (Search
for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).Monday evenings 7.30pm-9.30pm
June 2nd – 23rd
Cost for 4 lectures is £40
Course lecturer Stuart Constable BSC(Hons) MOCHW
Twelve week course for beginners
This
course is suitable for those with little or no knowledge of the
subject. During the course you will be introduced to the basic
techniques used in astronomy and construct your own simple telescope.
You will learn about the solar system, our place in the Universe,
comets and meteorites. You will be introduced to cosmology, life and
death of stars, learn about space exploration and discuss life in the
Universe. The course also includes a lecture on and visit to the Space
Geodesy Facility where they track satellites using powerful lasers.
This course is also designed so that you can take advantage of the
Centre’s historic telescopes. Viewing is of course weather permitting
and due to the nature of the course content it may also not be possible
because of time constraints. However, if the weather is good there
should be plenty of opportunities for you to look through a large
telescope.
Wednesday evenings 7pm – 9pm
September 17 – December 3
Cost for 12 lectures is £110
Course lecturers: Steve Pizzey, Dr. John Becklake, Dr. Sandra Voss, Dr. Roger Wood
We recommend warm clothing for all evening courses and a red light torch if you have one.
Booking is Essential for all courses
By telephone:
Bookings can be made using a credit or debit card over the phone 01323
832731.
Please note that credit or debit cards can only be accepted for transactions of
£10 or
over.
By Post:
A booking form can be downloaded
here.
However please telephone the centre before writing in order to check
availability.