The Universe Through A Small Telescope

This astronomy course uses interactive CD-ROM material, but can also be supplied on paper for those without a computer. The course is delivered in one module lasting approximately four months. In addition to a detailed knowledge of astronomy, the course will enable you to become familiar with using a small telescope to make your own observations, and then using your observations to determine the properties of celestial objects.

Qualification gained:

A Certificate of Professional Development in Astronomy will be awarded for the successful completion of this module. This module is assigned 12 credit points which can be used to build up credits towards other academic qualifications at Liverpool John Moores University and other Universities.

We provide:

CD-ROM and necessary course software, relevant sky charts, full tutor support for the duration of the course (by post, email, telephone and fax), news group for student discussion and course website.

You need:

Good access to a telescope of at least 3½" aperture (either reflector or refractor). If you require the course on CD-ROM you will also need a computer with CD-ROM player (preferably running Windows). The computer needs to be able to run an Internet browser although you do not need to be connected to the Internet to take the course.

Commitment:

The course lasts for four months. Over the duration of the course we expect that during a typical week you will need to spend 2 to 3 hours making observations and analysing your data and 10 minutes or so in correspondence with your tutor. Due to the unreliable nature of the weather the workload will not be consistent and you will need to take advantage of any clear nights that occur. In addition, over the duration of the course you are expected to produce a two page 'popular article'. Overall we expect that you will put around 120 hours of time into the course.

Assessment:

You will need to email, post or fax us your work for the course. The weighting for the assessed work will be as follows: Observational projects (70%), Popular Article (30%). The usual rate for the submission of assignments will be approximately one per month.
Cost for module:
The Universe Through A Small Telescope is a single module course, and hence is worth 12 level one credits. Please see the main page here for the current prices.

Course Contents:

1: Introduction to Astronomy
What should you expect to see through an amateur telescope? This section details the types of telescope available (refractors and reflectors) and the associated advantages and disadvantages with each type. Information is also provided on testing telescope equipment for pointing accuracy and limiting resolution under different conditions.

Introduction to Astronomy also covers the co-ordinate system of the celestial sphere with an introduction to positional astronomy, angular sizes and distances, time zones and details how the changing of the seasons affects what we can observe. This part of the course is accompanied by a detailed tour of the night sky to introduce beginners to the constellations and the many and varied objects of interest contained within them that are observable with a small telescope.

2: The Moon
The Earth's nearest neighbour is easily the brightest object in the night sky and one that everyone is familiar with. This section discusses the geology and topography of the Moon and details the many theories that have arisen concerning its origin. Also included is information on the phases of the Moon and the effects of libration on what we can observe.

The practical exercise associated with this section involves measuring the heights of the mountains on the Moon from your observations. In addition this section contains information on eclipses (both solar and lunar) and details observation of the Sun and what features you can expect to see e.g. flares, prominences and sunspots.

3: Observing the Planets
The eight other known planets in our solar system provide an interesting and varied collection of targets for observations. This section details what you can expect to see with a small telescope on each of the planets and their major satellites along with the best times to observe them. Information is given on how the orbits of the planets affect their visibility and discussion is given to topics such as retrograde motion and timings of favourable oppositions.

The practical section of this chapter will involve using your observations of the Moons of Jupiter to calculate the planet's mass using simple physical laws. In addition this section includes information on observing asteroids and comets and details some of the meteor showers you may be able to see.

4: Variable Stars
Not all of the stars in the night sky have a constant brightness. There are many types of variable stars ranging from pulsating Cepheid variables to eclipsing binaries. This chapter covers the types of variable stars and gives the best examples of each type.

The practical assignment involves using your observations of certain variable stars to produce light curves and thus determine the type of variable. This chapter also provides detailed information on the spectral classification and magnitude system and advice on comparing magnitudes and measuring angular separations of multiple stars.

5: Deep Sky Objects
This section covers objects such as globular clusters, nebulae, the Milky Way and distant galaxies. Details are given on how to observe the Andromeda galaxy and what you should expect to see. The practical part of this section will involve you making your own observations of favourably positioned star clusters and nebulae such as the Hyades, Pleiades and the Orion Nebula, then comparing and classifying the objects you have seen via a multitude of criteria such as colour, nebulosity, star density and the presence of dust bands.