Astronomy for Beginners
Commencing on Wednesday January 23rd 2019
Astronomy Ireland is the world's most popular astronomy club.
It has been running evening classes for beginners for many years. Thousands of people have taken these classes since then making them, by far Ireland's most popular astronomy classes.
Everyone is welcome to the classes whether you are a member of Astronomy Ireland or not, in fact if you are not a member we will make you a member by including a subscription to Astronomy Ireland magazine so that you will be kept up to date after the classes with all the latest developments in space.
The classes begin on Wednesday January 2rd and run for 8 consecutive weeks for 2 hours starting at 7:30 with a break in the middle. The classes are suitable for young and old alike. No knowledge of astronomy, science or maths is needed. You can just sit back and enjoy the 8 classes.
Course Content
The course is given over a period of 8 weeks and covers the following topics
Introduction to the Night Sky
Find out about the night sky and many amazing sights such as the Milky Way
The image to the right shows the Milky Way, the galaxy that the Sun is a part of. It's so large it takes light about 100,000 years to cross it. Earth is about 25,000 light-years from the centre of the Milky Way.
The Sun and the Moon
Learn about the Sun and the Moon; their history, how they affect us here on Earth and how they interact during an eclipse
The image to the right was taken during the 2006 solar eclipse that was visible over Siberia, Russia.
The Planets and Stars
Learn about the planets that make up our Solar System, and how other stars compare to the Sun
The image to the right shows the Sun, the eight planets and the five of the largest dwarf planets. The sizes of the planets and Sun are scaled although distance is not.
Click the image to see full size
The History of Astronomy
Learn how astronomy has been studied through history by people including the builders of Newgrange
Newgrange is over 5,000 years old, making it older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza! Every winter, on the morning of the shortest day, the rising sun shines directly into the passage leading to the tomb in the centre.
Telescopes
Learn how to set up and use a telescope yourself
Deep Sky Objects
Space is big. Really big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind- bogglingly big it is.
- Douglas Adams
Take the chance to find out for yourself just how much Douglas Adams got things right when he said that.
The image to the right is the Hubble Telescope Ultra Deep Field. Every dot of light is an entire galaxy of stars!
Cosmology
Learn about cosmology, the history and the fate of the universe
Click the image to see full size
Exoplanets and the search for life beyond Earth
Learn about the search for new planets beyond our Solar Systems and the life that we might find there.
Booking Details
Members €150
Non Members €200 (includes subscription to Astronomy Ireland magazine)
(Parent/Guardian & Child Package: If your child has an interest in astronomy and you have t o attend with them because they are under 16 there is a highly reduced rate available. Please call for further details or email office@astronomy.ie)
Courses must be booked in advance as places at each venue are limited.
| CLICK TO BOOK | LOCATIONS AND MAPS |
BOOK DUBLIN
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Trinity College: Fitzgerald Building (map of campus) |
You can also pay by Laser or credit card by calling (086) 06 46 555 Monday to Saturday until 5:30pm. Any enquiries regarding the classes should be sent to classes@astronomy.ie
Printable Booking Form (Word Document downloadable from HERE) should be accompanied by a cheque/postal order/bank draft and posted to Astronomy Ireland, PO Box 2888, Dublin 5., or fax with credit card details to (086) 06 46 555 Mon-Fri 9:30am to 5:30pm.
PLEASE NOTE: If there is interest (20+ people) we would look into organising a venue, qualified and trained teacher, publicity and promotion for another location in Ireland. If you cannot attend the Leinster class please register your interest by emailing office@astronomy.ie with "Evening Class" and your location in the subject line.
