Science Friday Lates with Radmila Topalovic: Navigating the Night Sky: Spring/Summer
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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What is the course about?
In this astronomy course for beginners you will learn how to find your way around the night sky using the constellations. You’ll learn how to use a stargazing app to track the Moon and find stars, planets and even a galaxy.
What will we cover?
• First Steps - Discover free apps that will help you to plan your own stargazing sessions and start your exploration of the bright stars and easy-to-spot constellations in any direction, even if you’re looking through your windows.
• The Sky Tonight - Explore what’s shining overhead right now, how can you find it and what are you really looking at? This segment covers the urban night sky, highlighting what can actually be seen and how to appreciate it despite the light-pollution.
• Going Further - Learn how to capture photos of the stars, planets and more using the camera you keep in your pocket, and get advice on choosing and using binoculars and telescopes.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
You will learn more about urban astronomy and how to use the tools at your disposal.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The lecture will be aimed at a general audience with no specific background knowledge. You would benefit from having a smart phone or tablet if you wish to download stargazing apps.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The lecture will be illustrated with a following Q & A session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. You would benefit from having a smart phone or tablet if you wish to download stargazing apps.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Rad's Term 3 Friday Late will be:
Science Friday Lates with Radmila Topalovic: Going back to the Moon: NASA's Artemis mission
We also run seasonal astronomy weekend workshops with Roger O'Brien:
HS309 Spring Astronomy
HS312 Summer Astronomy
HS005 Astronomy: a gentle introduction.