ASTR CE01 - Astronomy for Beginners

Embark on a Lifetime Adventure as an Amateur Astronomer in the Yukon!

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the cosmos! This course will introduce you to celestial motions, helping you understand the movements of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. You’ll learn about the Zodiac, constellations, and how to identify key objects in the night sky. With hands-on instruction, you’ll explore star maps, learn to read them, and locate celestial objects using your naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes.

As part of this immersive experience, two evenings will take place offsite at the Gucciardo Astronomical Observatory of the Yukon Astronomical Society (YAS). During these nights, you’ll enjoy interactive astronomy presentations and use high-quality telescopes to observe fascinating celestial objects, including Jupiter, Mars, star clusters, and distant galaxies.

The course combines theory with practical observation, with events tailored to weather conditions. Observation evenings may be rescheduled if necessary to ensure optimal viewing conditions. Prepare for an exciting, hands-on adventure in astronomy under the stunning Yukon sky!

Please note that transportation to the Observatory is the responsibility of the student. Plan accordingly to arrive on time for these special offsite sessions.

Who should enroll

This course is ideal for: 

  • Aspiring astronomers
  • Star enthusiasts
  • Nature lovers
  • Local residents and visitors

The blend of theory and observation, along with the opportunity to visit an observatory, makes this course an exciting and educational experience for anyone interested in the wonders of the universe.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

  • Learn about Earth's movements, the Sun's motion, and astronomical seasons.
  • Understand space weather, solar activity, and their impact on Earth. Discover sunspots and how to observe them. Describe the Sun-Earth-Moon system, Moon phases, and eclipses. Identify surface features of the Moon.
  • Understand the Equinoxes, solstices, constellations, asterisms, the Zodiac and circumpolarity.
  • Gain a better understanding of the life of stars and the Hertzsprung-Russel Diagram, variable stars, novae, and supernovae.
  • Know how to use star maps and know the main celestial coordinate systems.
  • Recognize stars and know the Magnitude scale.
  • Be skilled to identify and use different types of astronomical telescopes
  • Be skilled to observe with naked eyes and binoculars
  • Know how to use important accessories: astronomical eyepieces and other astro-gadgets
Getting to the Gucciardo Astronomical Observatory

Two evenings will take place offsite at the Gucciardo Astronomical Observatory:

Directions to Observatory can be found here.

Observation evenings may be rescheduled if necessary to ensure optimal viewing conditions. 

Please note that transportation to the Observatory is the responsibility of the student. Plan accordingly to arrive on time for these special offsite sessions.

Duration and format

Duration     16 hours

Format        Face-to-face, synchronous

Withdrawals and refunds
NON-CREDIT COURSE REFUND POLICY


Withdrawal 7 days prior to course start time: Full Refund
Withdrawal after 7 days: No Refund

Please refer to the Tuition Refund policy.

This policy applies to all students taking credit courses at Yukon University and all noncredit students taking courses through the Continuing Studies division with Yukon University.

ASTR CE01
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