Astronomy Basics Course

Have you ever wondered... "how far away are the stars compared with the distance to the Moon?", "what is the difference between a star and a planet?", "how do professional astronomers measure redshift?", "why are some stars red?", or "what is the best telescope for me?"

During 2003, it was suggested that the ASNSW might organise special talks for those who have just started out in astronomy, or who want to learn some basics in a formal setting. This idea is gradually taking shape in the form of a course that may run for 8 to 10 weeks, with talks on various topics presented by ASNSW members.

The course would be aimed at a level that requires no experience and no background knowledge of astronomy, mathematics or physics. You may have only just decided you want to know a bit more about the night sky, or you may have been an amateur for many years, but still be wondering about some of the basics.

Topics that may be covered in some of the sessions include:

• An Introduction to Astronomy – definitions of celestial objects (e.g. stars, planets, nebulae, clusters, galaxies), other terms (e.g. apparent and absolute magnitude, luminosity) and how to read basic maps and sky atlases;
• Earth, Sun, Moon - seasons, tides, phases of the Moon, eclipses;
• The Solar System – planets and moons, orbits, relative sizes and distances, asteroids, comets, surfaces and atmospheres;
• The Southern Skies – how the constellations we can see change through the year and why, which are the easy-to-see objects for nakedeye, binoculars and telescopes;
• Telescope Basics – telescope types (reflectors, refractors, Schmidt-Cassegrains) and mounts (equatorial, alt-azimuth, Dobsonian) and the pros and cons of each combination for people with different interests; magnification, lightgathering and resolution;
• Stellar Evolution – the theory of stars, how they make their energy, how they progress through different stages in their life cycle and why they look the way they do;
• The Electromagnetic Spectrum – about light, infrared, radio, gamma rays and x-rays and how they are used in astronomy;
• Cosmology – the Big Bang,galaxy formation, cosmic microwave background, the expanding universe and cosmological redshift;
• Recording Observations – sketching and imaging, basic photography with a camera and tripod, and deepsky imaging with a CCD;
• Astrocomputing – what different software packages can do and how to get the most out of them.

Whilst the information would be aimed at a general level, presenters will respond to the level of questions offered by participants. The presenters will have enough experience in their area to be able to answer more penetrating or technical questions as they arise. It is intended that, at each of the sessions in the course, there will be something for everyone - from the most basic beginners to those with a deeper interest. Participants will also receive a set of notes at commencement and a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the course. The format for each session might include talks (using overhead transparencies or computer presentations), slide shows, video material (subject to copyright and availability of equipment), practical demonstrations and hand-out exercises.

At this stage, the level of interest amongst members is unknown. Before developing a complete course, organising the meeting room and drafting hand-out notes, we would like to get some idea of numbers and a preferred format. Initially it is proposed to hold the course on Monday nights at the Astro-Imaging meeting room in Lane Cove. Each session would start at 7.30pm and last approximately 2 hours. The room holds 20 people, and if demand is sufficient, the course may run several times each year. The cost of the course would be around $90 for nonmembers and $80 for members of the ASNSW.

Are you interested in attending such a course?

Which topics are you most interested in (pick from above or suggest your own)?

Would you like to volunteer to be one of the presenters? (Note 1: You do not need two hours' worth of material - one two-hour session could be shared between two presenters. Note 2: Prospective presenters will be interviewed.)

Please consider these questions and send replies, comments, your name and preferred method of contact to me: (please include “ASNSW course” in subject line) or phone: 0427 433 388.

NOTE: Replying to this survey does not obligate respondents to participate in the course.