Course Synopsis - This practical course is intended for the novice sky gazer who wishes to learn more about the night sky, including what exactly can be seen and how to locate and identify celestial objects. Key astronomical concepts will be explained and put into practice by observing the sky with unaided eyes, binoculars and telescopes.
Course Programme -We will endeavour to cover the following topics over the course of the ten sessions, but not necessarily in the order listed here. We may also have to take observing opportunities as they present themselves and this may also impact the programme sequence.
• Key
Concepts – The Celestial Sphere, Co-ordinate Systems, Magnitude Scale,
Solar Time & Star Time, The Seasons etc;
• Our Local Neighbourhood – The Solar System comprising, The Sun,
Planets, Moons, Comets, Asteroids, Meteors etc;
• Beyond the Solar System - Our own Galaxy, Stars, Nebulae, Star
Clusters, Celestial Explosions, Deep Space, Galaxies beyond our own;
• Observing Equipment – The Eye, Binoculars, Telescopes, Mounts and
accessories - types, pitfalls, selection, setup and use;
• Observing Aids – Star Charts, Planispheres, Publications, Online
Resources, Software (Observing Planning, Logging, Planetarium, Telescope
Control;
• Practical Observing – Preparation & Planning, Dark Site selection,
Safety,
• Astrophotography – The Digital Phenomena, Camera Types, Techniques,
Image Capture and Processing, Online telescope/imaging access;
• What Next – Local Astronomical Societies, Journals/Magazines, Star
Parties, TV Programmes, www/Internet resources (Forums), Advanced
astronomy courses, OU/Distance Learning etc.
Planned
Learning Outcomes - (these may be modified in the light
of course members interests)
By the end of the course you should be able to:
• Explain the apparent motion of the night sky and define the main
components of the Celestial Sphere;
• Name and identify three common telescope designs and describe their
main elements and controls;
• List three types of resource that can be used to help locate celestial
objects and describe the pros and cons of each resource;
• Define the apparent brightness relationship between stars within the
Magnitude Scale and calculate the difference in brightness for any two
magnitudes;
• Identify when a specific celestial object is best placed for
observing/photographing, on the observer’s local Meridian, using a tool
or resource of your choice.
Teaching Methods - This is very much a practical hands on course and participatory teaching methods will be used. Although primarily ‘classroom’ based we will also endeavour, weather permitting, to conduct one or more observing sessions using unaided eyes, binoculars and telescopes from the venue. Course members with their own equipment will be encouraged to bring this along. Should bad weather during the ten sessions prevent observing then it may be possible to arrange for an extra session for this purpose, subject to agreement and payment of a small fee.
The tutor will present the course material using a mix of ‘technologies’, e.g. flip charts and computer presentations. There will also be group activities for some of the major topics covered. Examples of different telescopes and mounts will be provided from the very basic to computer controlled and members will be instructed on their setup, features and use. Various astronomical software used for observation planning, locating celestial objects, telescope control and astro photography will be demonstrated. There will be opportunity for group discussion of individual astronomical experiences and aspirations. The tutor welcomes questions at all times. Although astronomy is a science based topic the tutor will not be introducing any ‘heavy’ mathematics and only average levels of numeracy and literacy are required.
Entry Requirements - This is a Level 1 introductory course for the complete novice and no prior knowledge is required. You do NOT need to own a telescope or computer to attend this course; however a pair of binoculars will be useful if already owned. Please do not purchase binoculars specifically for this course before speaking with the tutor. Only elementary mathematics will be used, where necessary, during the course but this will be minimal and it's mention should certainly not dissuade anyone from attending. Average levels of adult numeracy and literacy will be applicable to this course content.
The
tutor will provide telescopes for use by the group when the weather
permits observing outside [the venue has access to both hard standing
and grassed areas of the school's playground ]. If you already own a portable telescope you
will be encouraged to bring this along to the observing session(s).
Handouts for most sessions will be provided, via email, but you may wish to take
notes during the sessions so bring extra paper and pens. For those who
may wish to purchase a 'planisphere' tool during the course then these can
be obtained for about £15 or less.
Further
study and progression - The tutor will discuss the
possible routes for further study during the course. These will
include:- a) Joining a local Astronomical Society; b) Enrolling for a
more advanced course; c) Attending a ‘Star Party’; d) Reading Material;
e) www and Internet resources etc.
Additional essential costs to learners - Although the course venue does have access to areas for observing this may only be suitable for only impromptu observing. If found unsuitable we may arrange to observe from a local public ‘dark site’ [to be determined] and this may incur extra travel costs. Some learners may consider the purchase of books and equipment during the course - the tutor can advise on such at the time. The cost of a reasonable pair of binoculars, suitable for observing, when required, will cost between £40 - £80 and anyone considering such a purchase should discuss this with the tutor before hand.
Some information about your tutor - Your tutor is a retired electrical engineer and has developed his interest in Astronomy over about the past 10 years since attending an Adult Education course at East Grinstead. He is an active member of the Horsham Astronomy Group and a keen participant in their local schools outreach programme. Your tutor has completed various astronomy modules via ‘Distance Learning’ with the University of Lancashire. On those few perfect UK dark nights your tutor can be found imaging and/or observing the night sky either from his garden in Horsham or from a suitable dark observing site.
Further Reading
- The tutor will provide copies of Astronomy magazines and a large
selection of reading material for perusal and discussion during the
course.
Relevant
Online Resources - The tutor will provide details of
relevant and useful web sites together with astronomical
software/equipment details during the course. A basic list of astro
links can be found here.
Enrolment -
There are a few ways to enrol for this course,
as shown below, however by far the easiest
is to download the Application Form
found
here and return as per details on the form.
a) By phone, quoting course ref C3726857, call WEA free on
0800 328 1060;
b) Online at WEA website, click on this link
http://southern.wea.org.uk/index.asp?view=search and type C3726857 into the 'keyword'
search box.
c) By post - obtain a copy of the WEA's Courses for Adults
Surrey publication; and complete the application form contained ;
d) In person on the first evening/session of the course.
If in the mean time if you have any queries or would like to discuss any aspect of the course then please email me using the following link here astro_tutor@tmpullen.org.uk.
Terry Pullen -