ASTRONOMY FOR BEGINNERS

Colin Johnston (Armagh Planetarium)

This is a simple introduction to the wonders of our amazing Universe. The course is aimed at beginners and is completely non-mathematical. No prior knowledge is required.

If you have ever wanted to take a first step into the world of astronomy, this course is for you.

The course content which will be offered here at Tara is exactly the same as what Colin presents at Queens University Belfast.

Over the ten weeks the class will discover fascinating topics including:

• What can we see in the sky tonight?
• Our neighbours in space, the Moon, planets and the Sun
• Space junk: meteors, comets and asteroids
• The lives of the stars
• Black holes, pulsars and other strange objects
• The origins of the Universe and Solar System
• Stargazing through history from Newgrange / Stonehenge to space probes
• "Are we alone in the Universe?" and other big unanswered questions

Towards the end of the course there will be an optional session held in Armagh Planetarium at a cost of £6 per head paid at the door.

Date:

Wednesday Evenings

19th September 2007 – 21st November 2007 (inclusive)

Time:

7.30 pm to 9.30 pm

This course comes free of charge from Armagh Planetarium a gift for which we, at the Centre, are very grateful.

A contribution of £2 - £5 per night would, however, be appreciated towards Tara Centre running costs.

Visit the Armagh Planetarium website - www.armaghplanet.com