Introduction to Astronomy

 

This is a basic course, in two parts which is aimed at people who want to know what they are looking at in the night sky and maybe take it a step further. Firstly: have you ever asked yourself what is that constellation? Where do we sit in the solar system and in the Universe? What else can I see? Do I need a telescope and what type of telescope is the best for me? How much do I need to spend? Learn how to use your telescope if you already have one. What planets can I see and when? How can I take photos of the night sky? Not just a theoretical approach but with practical examples and observation sessions, leading the way to improve your knowledge of our solar system and your enjoyment of the night sky.
The second part of this course takes you on a theatrical and pictorial tour of the universe in space and time, to set the stage and introduce the characters, some familiar, from the first part  and others quite obscure but still vital to the play. One word of warning: a lot of numbers and facts will be presented but do not try to remember them. What is important is that you get a sense of the relative scale and size and understanding of what is out there, using pictures and video.