ASTR CE01 - Astronomy for Beginners

Embark on a lifetime adventure as an amateur astronomer in the Yukon!

You'll begin to understand celestial motions by learning about the movements of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Discover the Zodiac and constellations, and identify and explore the night sky's objects under the Yukon night sky. Explore star maps and learn how to read them, and locate celestial objects with the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes.

Tour the Gucciardo Astronomical Observatory of the Yukon Astronomical Society (YAS) and enjoy interactive astronomy presentations. Engage in night sky exploration using high-quality telescopes to observe Jupiter, Mars, star clusters, and galaxies.

Students will have a blended theory and observation session experience. Observation events will be subject to weather and may be rescheduled as needed.

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
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
CRN Instructional method Instructor Location Start date Seats available* Cost
90058 Face-to-face Synchronous Viktor Zsohar Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
12
Cost: $449.00
Tax: $22.45
Class schedule
Start date End date Room Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Classroom - Face to Face T1083 - - - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM - - -
Classroom - Face to Face - - - - - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM -

* seats available are updated nightly

Note regarding courses with listed prerequisites: Depending on the circumstances, students may be granted permission from a program advisor or the course instructor to enrol for courses in which they do not have the specified prerequisites.

Please quote the Course Reference Number (CRN) when contacting registration.