Adult astronomy courses

2010 ADULT ASTRONOMY COURSES
Fulfill your dreams and make 2010 the year you really engage with astronomy! Sydney Observatory offers a range of courses, held throughout the year, on easily accessible Observatory Hill.

Focus on physics — Einstein for years 11 & 12
Tuesdays or Thursdays throughout 2010 by appointment only
Minimum 20 students
6–8pm
Instructor: 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 suitable for all those interested, especially years 11/12 Physics. A short break with celestial viewing of stars, the Moon and planets where possible, and light refreshment complete the evening.
Cost: $20 students. A maximum of two teachers accompanying students are free.
Bookings essential on 9921 3485

ASTRONOMICAL CONCEPTS
Tuesdays, 27 April - 15 June
6pm to 8:30pm for 8 weeks
Instructor: Dr Paul Payne
Covering advanced concepts in astronomy, this course follows on from 'Exploring the Heavens' and will delve deeper into our understanding of how the Universe works. Some advanced topics in physics will be covered in a descriptive and non-mathematical fashion, including quantum mechanics and relativity, both necessary for a contemporary description of the Universe.
$240 adults, $190 members & school teachers
book online
Or phone 9921 3485 between 10am–5pm to book.

UNDERSTANDING RELATIVITY
Thursdays, 6 May – 3 June,
6pm to 8:30pm, for 5 weeks
Instructor: Dr Paul Payne

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of relativity, without the aid of mathematics. Created by Dr Paul Payne, the presentation uses computer graphics to develop a strong understanding of how time and space affect the physical Universe. It will look at the theories at the foundation of what is called modern physics — Einstein's development of the special and general Theory of Relativity.
$150 adults, $130 members & school teachers
book online
Or phone 9921 3485 between 10am–5pm to book.

Exploring the heavens
Tuesday 3 August - 31 August, 6pm to 8pm
Thursday 5 August - 2 September, 6pm to 8pm
Instructor: 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.
$150 adults, $130 members & school teachers
Phone 9921 3485 between 10am–5pm to book.

All courses must be booked by pre-payment. Purchase a course for yourself or as a gift, by phoning Sydney Observatory between 10am–5pm on 9921 3485 (except for the WEA course, 'Hands-on night sky' which needs to be booked through WEA, see above).