Introduction to Astronomy (I2A) Course

After another successful I2A course, and the introduction of a new winter school in 2011 - both hosted by TARA Anglican School for Girls at North Parramatta - Lesa Moore has agreed to give a further series of lectures in 2012 on topics requested by I2A participants. The course will run in three parts:

• Part 1 - 22 Feb to 14 Mar 2012 - Introduction, Observing the Southern Sky, Earth-Sun-Moon, Solar System (Part 1 has now completed)
• Part 2 - Tuesdays 15 May to 5 Jun 2012 - topics will be Telescopes, Stellar Evolution, the Electromagnetic Spectrum and Cosmology (details below)
• Part 3 - Thursdays 2 Aug to 23 Aug 2012 - topics will be Optics, Physics of Space Travel, Relativity, Astrobiology

There are no prerequisites for any of these courses (although Part 3 does work through some basic maths and algebra in baby steps). The courses are suitable for people with no scientific or mathematical background. A short observing session may be included, weather permitting, at the end of each week’s class.

I2A Part 2

You will look at great telescopes of the world and learn how telescopes work, including a hands-on session to demonstrate different types of telescopes and mounts suitable for amateur observing. Gain an understanding of the life cycles of different types of stars and how to make a black hole. Find out about light and how astronomers use the entire electromagnetic spectrum to learn everything we know about stars. Our final venture will be into the wider universe to see how it has evolved since the beginning of time.

We are now accepting enrolment for Part 2. Please enrol here.

Our Presenter

Lesa Moore (BSc, MPhil) (aka Starry Lady), a life member of the ASNSW and a Macquarie University astronomy graduate is a specialist in public outreach. Previous students have said that Lesa’s style is straightforward and helpful. 

Fees

$60 for ASNSW members and $80 for non members. Included in your fees are: colour course notes, light supper and a certificate on completion of the course.

When and Where

I2A Part 2:  Tuesdays 15 May to 5 Jun 2012 inclusive (4 weeks in total) 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Tara Anglican School for Girls, Masons Drive, North Parramatta NSW 2151.
Tara has a high quality lecture theatre with state of the art facilities and free car parking.

Enrolment numbers are limited and your place is not guaranteed until confirmed.

Enrolment

Enrolments for I2A Part 2 are open. Enrol by completing the clicking the link above.