Whats on at the Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux

[events]

Adult Learners

Evening Courses for 2010

Would you like to learn how to recognize the constellations and navigate your way around the night sky? Have you ever wondered how astronomers use radio waves to explore the Universe? Would you like to learn more about cosmology, the solar system or how space is being explored? The Science Centre is running 3 different courses in 2009 to try and answer these questions STAR SEARCH (spring and autumn), RADIO ASTRONOMY, ASTRONOMY AND SPACE FOR BEGINNERS.

Star Search

Two four week courses held in Spring and Autumn

These courses are designed to look at the whole sky using the naked eye. They will help you recognise the most prominent constellations so you can use them to navigate your way around the night sky. In ancient times many stories were attached to the constellations and we will explore some of the mythologies behind them. We will learn about the Moon and planets as well as taking a brief glimpse into the more familiar deep sky objects within the constellations. You will also learn how to use a planisphere and star maps. We recommend that you bring a red light torch if you have one.

The Centres shop sells planispheres, red light torches and many useful guides to the night sky and will be open on each evening.

Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm
Spring: March 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th (Wednesdays)
Autumn: September 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th (Tuesdays)

Radio Astronomy
A Five Week Course

What does the Universe look like outside of the range of visible light? This is an introductory course on how astronomers use radio waves to explore the heavens, focusing on our solar system and the role of the amateur radio astronomer. The course includes a brief introduction to the history and development of radio astronomy and how it has extended the understanding of how the Universe works, together with a look at the limitations on making observations. It will look at the work of some of the major radio telescopes around the world and some of the major discoveries. You will learn how a radio telescope works and how the data is recorded including an insight into data analysis. A simple home observatory will be set up to study Jupiter, the Sun, Meteoroids and the effects of the Earths atmosphere. You will also be told how amateur observations play a key role in the overall understanding of our place in the Universe and be given an introduction to SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).

Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm
Dates: May 19th and 26th June 2nd, 9th and 16th (Wednesdays)

Cost for 5 lectures is GBP60

Astronomy and Space

A Twelve or thirteen week course for beginners (with the option of one extra week on 9 December)

This course is suitable for those with little or no knowledge of the subject. During the course you will be introduced to the basic techniques used in astronomy and construct your own simple telescope. You will learn about the solar system, our place in the Universe, comets and meteorites. You will be introduced to cosmology, life and death of stars, learn about space exploration and discuss life in the Universe. The course also includes a lecture on and visit to the Space Geodesy Facility where they track satellites using powerful lasers. This course is also designed so that you can take advantage of the Centre's historic telescopes. Viewing is of course weather permitting and due to the nature of the course content it may also not be possible because of time constraints. However, if the weather is good there should be plenty of opportunities for you to look through a large telescope.

Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Dates: September 16th - December 2nd (Thursdays)

Cost for 12 lectures is GBP120 (NO extra charge for the 13th lecture)


Booking is essential for all courses. 01323 832731 www.the-observatory.org