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Archived course - Course not available

Please check the 2011 listings for available courses

ASTRONOMY – CITIZENS OF THE UNIVERSE

Armagh Planetarium Team: Colin Johnston, Tom Morrow
and Nigel Farrell
Our interest in Astronomy at the Centre here arises from a deep respect for the
potential for personal and community growth, for enrichment of life and for the
healing of life’s hurts that lies at the heart of cosmic awareness.
Many of you who have participated in other Astronomy programmes at the Centre
have testified to the fact that, the more we grow in an awareness of ourselves as
“citizens of the universe”, the more awesome the whole experience becomes.
This one day seminar has the capacity to delight the total beginner – of whatever
age – and the experienced lover of Astronomy alike.
The topics for the day are:
• The Star Dome Experience This approximates to having the Armagh
Planetarium’s own Star Dome here in the Conference Hall at Tara for a
45-60 mins. Live show!
• Einstein’s Universe
• Life on Other Planets
• Mars – Past, Present and Future
The titles speak for themselves and loudly proclaim that this is a day not to be missed.
The extra special dimension to the day is that, not only will we have our truly
inspirational guide, Colin Johnston, with us for the day but he will be flanked by
two other enthusiasts for their subject from the Planetarium, Dr. Tom Morrow,
Director of the Planetarium, and Nigel Farrell.
Astronomy is particularly relevant in 2009, the year that has been proclaimed
“World Astronomy Year”.

Date: Saturday 21st February 2009
Time: 11.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: £45.00 Concessions on request – limited number.

Archived course - Course not available

Please check the 2011 listings for available courses

ASTRONOMY FOR BEGINNERS

Colin Johnston (Armagh Planetarium)

This course will cover our knowledge of the Universe and the amazing objects it contains. The course is aimed at those new to the field and will be descriptive rather

The course content which will be offered here at Tara is exactly the same as what

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

than mathematical. It will follow human understanding from prehistoric times to the latest discoveries from spacecraft. 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.Colin presents at Queen’s University Belfast.

Though essentially the same as what was presented at Tara in Autumn 2007, there are significant updatings and variations on that material.• 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

At the end of the course there will be an optional session held in Armagh Planetarium on Wednesday 3rd December 2008.

Date: Wednesday Evenings

24th September 2008 – 26th November 2008 (inclusive)

Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Cost: £50.00 (10 weeks) or £5.00 per night