50 Years logo for Hampshire Astronomical Group. Celebrating 50 Years A picture of Saturn against the starfield.
Friday 30th of July 2010 - 6:11 am BST   

 
 
  

Courses For All

ASTRONOMY FOR BEGINNERS COURSE

STARTING MONDAY SEPT. 13th 2010

Probably the best astronomy course in Hampshire....


"Evening class observing with Giant Binoculars"
 

Astronomy affects our lives in many ways: -

  • The Sun provides our energy to live.
  • The Earth’s spin gives us day and night.
  • The Earth’s axial tilt gives us the seasons.
  • The Earth’s orbit gives us our calendar.
  • The Moon causes tides and eclipses.
  • The Moon plays a vital role for life on Earth.

Astronomy is the oldest science and throughout the ages mankind has had a fascination for the night sky. This twenty-week course for adults over two terms, on Monday evenings from 7.15pm to 9.15pm at Clanfield Observatory, starting on 13th September 2010, is intended to introduce a basic understanding of astronomy with an emphasis on activities carried out by amateurs.

The Observatory is one of the best equipped in the country, comprising 24, 16 and 12 inch Newtonian reflectors; superb 7 inch StarFire , 5 inch Cooke combined with a Beck refractor, all housed in domes. There are also two tripod mounted giant pairs of binoculars.

The course will include observations with some of these instruments, when weather conditions permit. The Group also has CCD (special digital) cameras, H Alpha and calcium filters for solar observations - which will enable class members to see prominences.

A well-equipped support building is available and whenever applicable, illustrated slides, DVD and computer generated projection will be employed to assist with the description of the topic under consideration. The course notes/slides (in PowerPoint) will be provided electronically by copying to your personal memory stick at intervals during the course, which you should bring on the first night. An on-site car park is available.

The course manager, Dr Robin Gorman FRAS, is Past President of the Hampshire Astronomical Group, having been involved in astronomy education for over 30 years. This very popular and successful course has developed during this time to meet the needs of beginners wishing to know more of this fascinating subject. Whenever possible appropriate certain topics will be covered by specialist member(s).

The Course Curriculum

Topics covered include:

First Term

  • The Origins and Development of Astronomy.
  • The Celestial Sphere - Locating Constellations.
  • Instruments for Observing - Binoculars and Telescopes.
  • The Sun, the Moon and Eclipses.
  • The Inner and Outer Planets.
  • Comets, Asteroids and Meteors.

Second Term

  • Types of Stars, Variable Stars, Double Stars.
  • Star Clusters and Nebulae, Novae and Supernovae.
  • The Milky Way and types of Galaxies.
  • Black Holes, Pulsars and Quasars.
  • The Universe

Frequent reference will be made to the current week by week astronomical happenings to encourage observation of these events. It is hoped to observe all the planets of the solar system during the course, which is open to any adult (minimum 18 years) who has an interest in the subject, even if they have little or no previous knowledge of astronomy.

To obtain full benefit from the course, continuation in the second term is highly recommended, if not essential.
 

Note : The course will start during the Group's 50th Anniversary Year.

FEE: £65 for each ten-week term (can be paid separately in August 2010 and January 2011). This fee includes associate membership of the Hampshire Astronomical Group for that quarter of the year. Senior Citizens pay 90% of the fee. Existing HAG Members, already paying an annual subscription, are entitled to a 25% reduction of their subscription off the fee.

Early enrolment is recommended. A minimum deposit of £10 reserves your place on a first come basis.

A PDF document containing details and a booking form can be downloaded here.

If you are interest in doing this course, starting September 2010, then please contact Robin and we can reserve your place on this popular astronomy course. robin.gorman@hantsastro.org.uk

PLEASE NOTE IN YOUR DIARY
The full fee is required by 31 August 2010 to complete your postal enrolment. A postdated cheque, 31 August 2010, for your balance, can be sent separately in advance, with your deposit. Late enrolments after this date will require the full fee to be paid.

Please make cheques payable to the Hampshire Astronomical Group.

Note:  Acknowledgement receipts will only be sent on request with a SAE or by providing your e-mail

Contact:

Dr. Robin Gorman
17 The Curve, Lovedean,
Waterlooville, Hants PO8 9SE
Telephone (023) 92595142

E-mail: robin.gorman@hantsastro.org.uk

 

  
A view of the domes at the observatory.

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