Summer Astronomy
- Course Code: HS312
- Dates: 09/06/24 - 09/06/24
- Time: 11:00 - 16:00
- Taught: Sun, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Roger O'Brien
Course Code: HS312
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Apart from Vega, Deneb and Altair, the Summer Triangle has nebulae and star clusters and the beautiful double star – Albireo. Venus will be high and bright over the summer evenings into July. In August there is the prospect of the best meteor shower of the year. Lots to see! And we can help you pick your sights. All we need is clear skies, whether you plan to use just your eyes, binoculars or a telescope.
What will we cover?
What’s to see at sunset and before midnight
The amateur axis – Plough, Polaris and Cassiopeia
The early morning sky
The Summer Triangle and the constellations in and around it; find Albireo
Looking forward through summer towards autumn, including the Perseid meteor shower
Using telescopes and binoculars
Joining a local (or national) astronomical society
Where to find information
OPTIONAL (depending on timing and students’ responses)
Right Ascension and Declination.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Point out to anyone, who wants to know, where Venus is
Enjoy looking at the more familiar current night sky
Say what to look out for over the summer
Be more confident in using binoculars or a telescope
Decide whether to join an astronomical society
Know some of the sources of useful information available
OPTIONAL: understand Right Ascension and Declination.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The most important qualification is an interest in the night sky. It is an introductory course, and open to everyone, but may be of particular interest to those who have already attended Astronomy: a gentle introduction.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Most of the teaching will be through illustrated presentations, augmented by students’ questions and comments.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring a notepad and pen. There are no additional costs for the course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please explore our website for more astronomy/science courses on offer.
Roger has been an amateur astronomer for more than six decades. Professional involvement in astronomy waited until 1995, when he tried teaching. A serendipitous encounter at AstroFest led to enrolment at the University of Hertfordshire, which, in turn, led to graduation with a BSc in Astronomy (with computing) in 1995. Staff at UoH sponsored him as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (FRAS) in 1995. Tutoring appointments have included Workers’ Educational Association, Open University, City Lit and the Royal Observatory Greenwich so he teaches a very wide range from very basic (Astronomy a Gentle Introduction at City Lit) to second level undergraduate work for the OU. Roger finds the variety stimulating and still enjoys doing some actual observing. For instance, he is a volunteer Demonstrator at the Hampstead Observatory. On the more theoretical side, he is keen to talk about Cosmology (at the City Lit and for the OU).
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
