GI/M/PX021 ASTRONOMY 1 – EXPLORING THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Course fee: £86
Centre: Waingels Adult Centre
Start date: 3 Nov 2016 – End date: 8 Dec 2016 – Start time: 19:00 – End time: 21:00
Day(s): Thurs – Duration: 6 Weeks
Description:
The course provides an introduction to the main objects in the solar system and explains how they were formed. The course uses some of the latest images and data available from planetary spacecraft and uses the images to show what the conditions are like on the planets. The three main chances for life (apart from the Earth) in the Solar System are discussed.
Experience and/or Qualifications Required:
None, just a curiosity to understand what is out there in our local backyard.
Course Objectives:
Know the main astronomical objects in the solar system.
Understand how the sun is powered and how the solar system was formed.
Discuss the latest images of the planets and why our understanding of the planets has changed in the last decade.
Homework:
Look at the original images on the web.
Materials:
Notebook and pen.
Teaching Methods:
Audio visual. Discussion. Formal instruction. Practical demonstration if clear sky.
Assessment Method:
Ongoing Monitoring of Learner’s Work/Progress
Progression on Completion:
Join the follow on course Astronomy – To the Stars and Back GI/M/PX022
Areas of Study:
What are the main objects in the Solar System and how were they formed?
What is the sun and why is it essential to everything in the solar system including our well-being and weather on Earth?
What are the inner planets and why are they all made of rock? Do the recent space missions answer the question: Is there life on Mars? Is Venus a close analogue of Earth and what does it teach us about the greenhouse effect?
Why are the outer planets gaseous? Is Jupiter a failed star and why are its satellites so important to Earth?
Why does Saturn have rings and what life is likely on its satellite Titan?
Is Pluto a planet and why did the Europeans change its status? What is the new mission telling us about Pluto?
What are comets and where did they come from and did they give us all our water and start life?
What are meteors, meteorites and asteroids and can I see them?
What can I see with a small telescope of the planets? Why do some planets show phases like the moon and others don’t?
Contact Name: Waingels Adult Centre
Contact No: 0118 969 5301
Contact Email: office.waingels@bracknell.ac.uk
Bracknell and Wokingham College Church Road, Bracknell, RG12 1 DJ – Tel:01344 868600 – Fax: 01344 766698
GI/M/PX022 ASTRONOMY 2 – TO THE STARS AND BACK
Course fee: £86
Centre: Waingels Adult Centre
Start date: 2 Feb 2017 – End date: 16 Mar 2017 – Start time: 19:00 – End time: 21:00
Day(s): Thurs- Duration: 6 Weeks
Description:
Explore the stars, our galaxy and the universe. How stars are formed, their lives and how they eventually die. What are the main objects in our and other galaxies and how did these objects evolve from the Big Bang and how will the Universe end? We will examine what typical amateurs can see from their gardens by discussing different telescopes and what can be done with the naked eye. If clear we will identify at least 10 constellations. We will discuss all the different types of astronomical objects than can be seen with binoculars including double stars, star clusters, globular cluster, nebula and galaxies.
Experience and/or Qualifications Required:
None, just a curiosity to understand what is out there.
Course Objectives:
Know the full life cycle of stars, galaxies and the universe.
Identify different types of telescopes and the best suited to your needs.
Know all the objects in our galaxy: what can be seen and what they look like.
If the sky is clear observe some of these objects.
Homework:
Find the constellations discussed.
Materials:
Notebook and pen.
Teaching Methods:
Audio visual. Formal instruction. Practical demonstration.
Assessment Method:
Ongoing Monitoring of Learner’s Work/Progress
Areas of Study:
Where did the universe come from, what was the Big Bang, how was everything formed, how will the universe evolve and how will it end? How big is the universe and how old is it?
What is beyond the Solar system? What are stars, what are the different objects in our galaxy, how do we know what they are made of? Why are the stars different colours, why do some last a few million years yet others last billions of years like our sun? Are there any other planets out there and is there life in space?
What binoculars/telescope do I need to see some of these objects? What size and power of telescope do I need? What will I see of the different types of stars, star clusters and galaxies?
If it is clear we will identify the main constellations visible and the main objects using a small telescope (come well wrapped up).
If the universe is so big can we ever hope to travel to nearby stars? How? How can we travel through time? Really? Is there other intelligent life in the universe? What makes you so certain?
Contact Name: Waingels Adult Centre
Contact No: 0118 969 5301
Contact Email: office.waingels@bracknell.ac.uk
Bracknell and Wokingham College Church Road, Bracknell, RG12 1 DJ – Tel:01344 868600 – Fax: 01344 766698