Back to Basics Astronomy: a practical approach

Image credit: NASA

The course 'Back to Basics Astronomy: a practical approach' is designed to be just that! A basic introduction to astronomy for beginners. Astronomy is a complex subject and this course aims to strip that back. However, while aimed at beginners, astronomy by its very nature involves physics (you cannot teach it without introducing some basic physics). Therefore, in order to introduce each topic in an understanadable way and answer questions that are thrown up in the process, it does assume a basic knowledge/understanding of some science. It will be a mixture of slides and dialogue but there will be props and demonstrations to help you visualise the information. There will be time to ask questions and comprehensive notes accompany the course.

The course is presented on 4 Thursday evenings: 7 November, 14 November, 28 November, 5 December. Please note there will be a break between week 2 and week 3.

Over the 4 weeks you will be given a basic guide on a variety of topics including:

• Sun, Earth & Moon: including their interactions
• Our Solar System: including planets and their moons 
• Our galaxy and other galaxies: including what they are 
• A practical guide to using telescopes and binoculars 

While the course is classroom based there will be demonstrations and, if the weather and course content permits, we may even get a chance to look through one of the historic telescopes. Please note that this course does not cover looking at the constellations and navigating the night sky. There is a separate course for this called Star Search.

This course is aimed at adults. If you wish to enquire about booking an under 18 (with an accompanying adult) onto the course then please phone The Centre on 01323 832731. We cannot accept under 18s onto the course without an accompanying adult.

Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Course lecturer: Dr Sandra Voss

Cost: £88

Booking essential

You can book online using Paypal and depending on the device you are booking with there should be an option to book online without using Paypal (check out as a guest using your debit or credit card). Please telephone The Centre on 01323 832731 to secure your place(s) if you are unable to book online.

If you are looking for a present then you can purchase a Gift Ticket package for this courses. Please visit our Gift Ticket page to purchase and see the terms and conditions. For Gift Ticket terms and conditions please see our FAQs page.

Please note that the Gift Ticket package includes a notebook and pen and therefore the price is different to the one shown on this page.

Student Feedback

"The course content and facilitation were excellent.......the use of props was helpful in developing our understanding."

"Overall - absolutely loved it. Thank you so much!"

......"great course, thoroughly enjoyed it.  And the notes have been first-rate."

"I had an excellent time on this course - was the highlight of my week for a month! So glad I signed up."

We recommend that you bring a red light torch if you have one and please wear warm clothing and sensible, warm footwear.

There is a break half way through the lecture and hot/cold drinks and snacks can be purchased rom our cafe.

The course takes place in one of our observatory domes on the first floor which is accessed by 2 flights of stairs.

If using Sat Nav, please use ‘Wartling Road’ and NOT our postcode.
PARKING: There is ample free parking on the grassed car park in front of The Centre. 

By booking this course you agree to abide by our refund/cancellation policy.