Introduction to Astronomy

Our Astronomy and Sky Watching Online Course is for individuals who:

have a curiosity of the solar system and how the universe works
would like to be able to identify major star patterns such as The Big Dipper, Ursa Major, The Northern Cross, and more
demonstrate an interest in the history, theories, and topics in Astronomical studies
would like to look at the night sky and differentiate among the many mysterious structures of comets, planets, asteroids, and more
want to become further educated in how the acts of the universe impact life on Earth
It is very easy for humans to feel that our space and time on Earth’s surface is limited and fairly simple, with our own world feeling small and enclosed to the place in which we were born, raised, and travel. However, one instance of looking up at the night’s sky will remind any one of us that beyond our planet, there is a greater, more expansive, and tumultuous universe in existence. An interest and thirst for knowledge about the solar system is not restricted to age, location, race, or religion. Anyone who has ever experienced the beauty of the night sky is reminded that there is an entire history of the universe within the blueprint that the stars, planets, and various rock formations have outlined for us.

For novice stargazers, making sense of how the moon, constellations, planets, and zodiac all interact can seem quite confusing and overwhelming. This online course, however, is designed with the non professional, amateur astronomer in mind. Upon completion of this course, students can enjoy the sky at night with a greater understanding of how the universe impacts us all, be able to tell engaging stories about the history of the planets, and easily be able to identify, some with the naked eye and some with astronomers equipment, the various structures of the solar system.