Discover the wonders of the universe – in lay terms
The series of 12 mini-lectures are designed to be understood by everybody, regardless of age or education.
ASK an astronomer about astronomy and you usually will receive a barrage of technical terms and mathematical formulae that will drive away even the keenest enquirer.
Yet the heavens are there to view for anyone equipped with just a simple pair of binoculars making astronomy an inexpensive pastime. The Astronomical Society of SA in Durban is on a campaign to remove the mysteries of the heavens and make astronomy readily available to everyone.
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They have devised a series of 12 mini-lectures that are designed to be understood by everybody regardless of age or education. The lectures will be held weekly on a Tuesday evening at the St Henry’s Marist College in Durban, starting March 12 and will enable participants to navigate their way through the skies at night.
The course will take you on a journey from the earth through the atmosphere into the solar system and beyond; first into space and the nearest stars and onwards to the edge of the galaxy into intergalactic space.
All celestial objects that you would encounter on the journey such as meteors, asteroids and comets, the moon and other satellites, neighbouring planets, nebulae, constellations and galaxies will be laid bare to unravel the seemingly mysterious universe.
Logan Govender, media director for the society, said: “We teach rank amateurs a method of identifying 200 celestial objects in just 40 minutes. That is just the first step to discovering the universe. We also teach people how to make a simple home-made telescope making using materials available from a local hardware store.”
All are welcome, but seats are limited to the first 50 applicants in order to ensure personal attention. If you are interested, contact Claire Odhav at 083-3955160.
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