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Courses For All

	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.

Astronomy is the oldest science and throughout the ages mankind has had a fascination for the night sky. This twenty-week course, on Monday evenings from 7.15pm to 9.15pm at Clanfield Observatory, starting on 15th September 2008, 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 /Beck refractors, all housed in domes. There are also two tripod mounted giant pairs of binoculars. The course will include use of these instruments when the 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 (which has recently been refurbished) is available and, whenever applicable, illustrated slides, video/DVD and computer generated projection will be employed to assist with the description of the topic under consideration. The course notes will be provided on CD-R.

An on-site car park is available.

The course manager, Robin Gorman, is Past President of the Hampshire Astronomical Group, having been involved in astronomy education for over 25 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 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. The course is open to anyone 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 : 2009 is the First International Year of Astronomy.

FEE: £60 for each ten-week term (can be paid separately in August 2008 and January 2009). This fee includes associate membership of the Hampshire Astronomical Group for that quarter of the year. Senior Citizens and persons under the age of 18 years 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.

A minimum deposit of £10 reserves your place on the course on a first come basis.

Book early for the 2008-9 course!

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

If you are interest in doing this course, starting September 2008 (dates to be confirmed), then please contact Robin and we can reserve your place on this popular astronomy course. robin.gorman@hantsatro.org.uk

PLEASE NOTE IN YOUR DIARY
The full fee is required by 31 August 2008 to complete your postal enrolment.
(A postdated cheque, 31 August 2008, 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.

This site and it's contents are copyright © 2007 Hampshire Astronomical Group.

Any opinions and views expressed in this site are not necessarily those of the Webmaster, Committee or Group.
Where Links take you to other sites, the Committee and Webmaster cannot be held responsible for the content of those sites.

Last updates:
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