The Northern Sky - Course Leader

From 7th Oct 2013 to 6th Dec 2013

Unit 1 - Observing The Night Sky

Selecting the best time and place to observe the night sky, with notes on the equipment you may need.

Unit 2 - Observing The Moon

Observing and understanding the Moon as it waxes and wanes. You will probably want to study it through a full cycle, but it really doesn't matter where in the cycle you start.

Unit 3 - Observing The Planets

The planets come and go, and you will need to check your newspaper or an almanac or visit a website to find out which ones are visible on any specific night. You will learn to distinguish them from stars and from each other.

Unit 4 - The Stars Of A Winter Evening

Here you will learn to identify the bright stars that are visible around 7.00 pm in early November, i.e., just after nightfall. The same pattern can also be seen in the preceding months but about two hours later for every month you move back.

Unit 5 - The Stars Of A Winter Morning

This unit covers the stars that are visible around 6.00 am in November, i.e., just before dawn. Between them, Units 4 and 5 cover most of the bright stars that are observable in the Northern Hemisphere.

Unit 6 - The Orion-Taurus Region

Another interesting region containing many bright stars and stars in the process of forming from the spectacular clouds of dust and gas present here, such as the Great Orion Nebula.

Unit 7 - The Cygnus Region

This region is located in the midst of the Milky Way and contains many nebulae, including a supernova remnant.

Unit 8 - The Leo Region

Although devoid of nebulae, this region contains some of the brightest galaxies in the sky, as well as a colourful double star.

Unit 9 - [ERROR?]

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"ONE WORD WILL DESCRIBE THIS COURSE AND THE WAY IT IS PRESENTED = EXCELLENT!"
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  • Picture of Susanne Blaschka
    Susanne Blaschka - 12 May, 17:15
    What course are you doing?
    This Technology is wonderful for people who want to 'get out' without physically going through the door.

  • Picture of Joy Wheatland
    Joy Wheatland - 5 Jun, 16:56
    am fairly new to u3a online, but as I am getting to a more advanced age, and unable to get out much, I think this will be a godsend to me, and keep the old brain matter moving. Joy W
  • Picture of lois stacey
    lois stacey - 11 Jun, 14:39
    This course is great fun and very informative, did not think I could do storytelling but have found information supplied very good.Lois S