ADULT ASTRONOMY COURSES

Fulfil your dreams and make 2012 the year you really engage with astronomy!

HSC Relativity (one night only)
6pm to 8pm
Tuesday 21 February 2012
OR
6pm to 8pm
Thursday 23 February 2012
Presented by Dr Paul Payne
It’s been over 100 years since Einstein released his special theory of relativity. Although a century old, this theory is our best description of the way space and time work together. Dr Paul Payne will demonstrate the concepts through entertaining multimedia animations and demonstrations especially for year 11 & 12 Physics students.
Cost: $15 per student; teachers accompanying two or more students are free
Bookings essential on 9921 3485.
Phone 9921 3485 if you would like to purchase a gift certificate for this course.

Astronomical concepts
6pm to 8pm
Tuesdays 24 April to 12 June 2012 (8 weeks)
Presented by Dr Paul Payne
Astronomical Concepts is an 8-week course that explores the concepts that underpin our understanding of the universe. From the planets, to the stars and the cosmos, a few simple concepts help explain much of what we observe in the universe today.

Astronomical Concepts also introduces some of the more elaborate theories, like quantum physics and relativity, and applies them to the latest discoveries in astronomy. Aided with the latest in 3D stereo graphics, the complex is made simple, and your understanding of the universe is given a new enlightened dimension.

When purchasing tickets to the Astronomical Concepts Education Course with Sydney Observatory, please be aware that there are two prices:
1) Adults – general admission for adults over 18 years of age.
2) Members – for Members, students, school teachers, Seniors.

Prepayment is required to secure your booking.
No refunds or cancellations within 1 week of start of the course.
Student and seniors concessions (at Members rates) apply to Australian card-holders only.
Cost: $250 (Powerhouse members, students, school teachers and Seniors $200)
Phone 9921 3485 to book. Online bookings will be available shortly.
Phone 9921 3485 if you would like to purchase a gift certificate for this course.

WEA: Hands-on night sky
6 to 8pm
From Wednesday 8 February, for 6 weeks
Presented by Melissa Hulbert BSc (Hons) (Coord), Des Barrett BSc MSc, and Andrew Jacob, PhD
How do you identify planets, stars and constellations? With the help of a suitable torch and a yearly sky guide that you will receive, in this practical course you will learn how to find your way around the night sky. Choosing and using your own own telescope will also be discussed. Sydney Observatory’s telescopes and other resources will be used to reveal the basics of astronomy. No prior knowledge is needed for the course.

The course is held at Sydney Observatory but bookings are directly through WEA. details and bookings Ph:9264 2781

Exploring the heavens
6pm to 8pm
Thursdays 17 May to 14 June 2012 (5 weeks)
Presented by Dr Paul Payne
This highly engaging introduction to astronomy provides a memorable understanding of the planets, stars and constellations of our night sky. A short history of astronomy gives context, and an exploration about different types of telescopes – some of which you’ll use (weather permitting) to explore the night sky. Paul uses 3-D virtual reality media to bring astronomy alive in a way that is not possible with a textbook or Powerpoint presentation.

When purchasing tickets to the Exploring the Heavens Education Course with Sydney Observatory, please be aware that there are two prices:
1) Adults – general admission for adults over 18 years of age.
2) Members – Members, students, school teachers, and seniors.

Prepayment is required to secure your booking.
No refunds or cancellations within 1 week of start of the course.
Student and seniors concessions (at Members rates) apply to Australian card-holders only
Cost: $160 adults (Powerhouse Members, students, school teachers and seniors $140)
Phone 9921 3485 to enquire. Online bookings will be available shortly.
Phone 9921 3485 if you would like to purchase a gift certificate for this course.

As one happy customer emailed Paul after doing one of his courses:
Hi Paul – My wife and I attended your HSC Relativity course last night. I want to thank you for providing a very interesting and well presented course on a complex subject, we both enjoyed it immensely…. Your 3D graphic presentation made it much easier to understand for both of us…. I look forward to attending some of your other related courses.
- Craig Lavender
(quoted with permission)