Suitable for beginners.  If you are a non member we will automatically enroll you as a member for a year.  The classes will be delivered on the Zoom platform.

The classes begin on Tuesday October 3rd and are running for 8 consecutive weeks for 2 hours starting at 7PM. 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. Logon details/link for zoom will be sent to you before 12pm on Tuesday 3rd October, the day the classes start. 

 

Astronomy Ireland is the world’s most popular astronomy society.

It has been running evening courses for beginners for many years. Thousands of people have taken these courses since then, making them by far Ireland’s most popular astronomy classes.

Everyone is welcome to the course 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.

 

Course Content

The course is given over a period of 8 weeks and covers the following topics.

1. Introduction to the Night Sky

Find out about the night sky and many amazing sights such as the Milky Way

It iis 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.

2. 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 2008 solar eclipse that was visible over Russia.

3. The Planets and Stars

Learn about the planets that make up our Solar System, and how other stars compare to the Sun

 

4. 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.

5. Telescopes

Learn how to set up and use a telescope yourself