Courses at the Centre of the Universe

Seasonal Courses

Expand your universe with seasonal astronomy courses at the Centre of the Universe. Our 9–12-hour courses are designed to give you a basic introduction to practical astronomy, with emphasis on the constellations, planets and deep sky objects of the season. Designed to be both recreational and educational, our courses will be taught by astronomers working at the Centre and will give you a unique opportunity to tour the Plaskett 1.8m telescope, work in the Skylab planetarium, and observe with research-grade telescopes. As well, each course will focus on a specific topic in astronomy.

	Planets January 24, 26, 31 and February 2, 2006 Take a tour of our Solar System and explore all its orbiting bodies (planets, asteroids and comets) including the newly discovered and possible 10th planet 2003 UB313.
	Stars March 21, 23, 28 and 30, 2006 Find out how stars are born, how they die, and what they do in the meantime.
	Galaxies April 18, 20, 25 and 27, 2006 Explore galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and other deep sky delights.
	And Beyond… June 13, 15, 20 and 22, 2006 Discover the answers to the big questions - where'd it all come from? How's it going to end? And are we really alone?

Seasonal courses run from 7–10 p.m. each night. Course fees will be $120+GST for the four evenings, or $105+GST for season’s pass holders. The first evening of each course will offer a general introduction to astronomy. If students have taken previous courses, this first evening is optional and the course fee will be reduced to $90+GST for three evenings ($80+GST for season’s pass holders).

Astrophotography

Did you ever see an amazing photograph of the night sky and think, “Gee, I wish I could do that!” In fact, you can get started in astrophotography with relatively simple gear. This course introduces you to the possibilities of night sky photography, both film and digital, starting at the most basic level and examining what is possible with more advanced equipment. The course will be a combination of informal lectures, multimedia presentation, question-and-answer, and, weather permitting, night-sky observing at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory.

Your instructor will be David Lee, well-known in Victoria as an amateur astrophotographer. He is an advocate of public outreach in Astronomy and the Sciences and is currently the National Representative of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Victoria Centre. His photographs have been published in Skynews, Sky & Telescope and various space related websites.

This course is informative for those who have little or no equipment and are interested in the possibilities of astrophotography. However, students with an SLR camera or advanced digital model may bring them (and telescopes, too) for consultation and experimentation after class.

Dates, times and course fees to be determined – please phone or check back for details.

Registration