This course is for anyone with an interest in the night sky, astronomy, and space. If you have ever wondered about the stars, or how to find Venus and the planets, this course is for you. The World Wide Web contains a wealth of information about Astronomy - both leading edge professional research and observations by amateurs. We make no assumptions about computer use, and you will come away from the course knowing how to use a Web browser and search engines, as well as how to find Polaris and recognise Cassiopiea. Weather permitting, we will also demonstrate how to set up and use a simple astronomical telescope of the kind you might get for the grandchildren. We will also have a display of books and magazines suitable for capturing the interest of young minds of all ages.
Astronomy is the study of the physics of the solar system, outer space and star systems. Astronomy is not the same as Astrology which is a superstitious use of planet positions to make predictions about the future.
You will learn about the constellations and how to find them in the sky, and how to find North and recognise planets and other solar system objects. In addition to this, you will learn how to use the Web and search engines to find information and software about topics of interest to you. By the end of the course, you will have a working knowledge of the Celestial Sphere, the Solar System, the stars of the Galaxy and the various objects in the night sky such as dark nebulae, emission nebulae, star clusters, variable stars and double stars and the galaxies in our local cluster.
In addition, you will learn how to make and use a planisphere (a simple device for predicting what stars can be seen in the sky for a given date and time) and how to use a star chart. We will also discuss the safety aspects regarding organising and running a family stargazing session.
We assume that you have no previous knowledge of astronomy or the night sky other than an interest in knowing more. As the title of the course suggests, you will be using computers and the World Wide Web to gather further information. We will assume that you can use a mouse and have switched a computer on before.
If you have never used a computer before, I would recommend that you take the Silver Surfers or Computers for the Terrified courses as a solid grounding. Please contact us for more details.
As part of the course, we demonstrate the use of a simple astronomical telescope. To get the best from this demonstration, you should have eyesight that (with or without glasses) operates in the 'normal' range. We can support students with moderate eyesight impairment on all aspects of the course other than the telescope demontration and these demonstrations do not form part of the assessed work. Astigmatism of a moderate nature will not affect your ability to use a telescope.
Yes - on successful completion of the five practical activities, you will have 'passed' the course. Some weeks after the end of the course NcFE Certificates will be available. Astronomy on the Web is a level 1 course.
Over to you, Douglas. Is this a complete freebie?
Your work is assessed through the completion of five practical activities over the period of the course. The activities are summarised below. The tutor will 'sign off' each activity when it is completed. No test necessary (although I have some online tests to try your knowledge against if you want to).
| Activity 1: Asterisms | Over the period of the course, you will learn to recognise at least 6 constellations on the sky and on star charts. |
| Activity 2: Make a planisphere | Blue Peter time - cut out and make a planisphere, then use the device to estimate the Sun rise and set times and predict the stars visible on a given date. |
| Activity 3: Solar system model | Research some information about the Solar System and then devise an approximate scale model of one aspect. |
| Activity 4: Web search | Use the Web to find three Web pages on an aspect of astronomy that takes your interest. |
| Activity 5: Safety checklist | Devise a safety plan for holding a family stargazing session in a rural setting. |
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Last modified: 11th June 02