Introduction to Astronomy

Course details

About the program

Are you interested in learning the stories of the universe? Have you ever wondered what the purpose of the constellations, the zodiac, and the alignments of the sky means for those of us on Earth? Furthermore, would you like to acquire the skills necessary to translate the imprint of the night sky through adopting your own sky watching techniques and obtaining a greater understanding of the science of 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.
With the universe being roughly 13 billion years old, there is an endless amount of information one can gain about the activities of the galaxies. This course will work as a condensced, user-friendly, and applicable guide and blueprint to your own personal endeavors of exploring the night sky. Become trained in the basic concepts of Astronomy, impress your family and friends with your knowledge of the vast universe, and use your new expertise in stargazing at the beautiful night sky and all it has to offer. Sign up for our online course in Astronomy and Sky Watching today!

What you will learn

Students who complete this course in Astronomy and Sky Watching will be able to:

name and identify all of the planets and dwarf planets and their location in the solar system
distinguish among the various star formations in the night sky
understand the difference between astrology and astronomy and how the zodiac calendar and map interacts with the planets
identify how the Earth is affected by moon phases, how the calendar predicts the type of moon that will occur, and how to best view the lunar eclipses that take place in the sky
really tell if you are witnessing a shooting star, a comet, or some other structure from the Earth's atmosphere
gain a greater understanding and knowledge of Astronomical history and major events such as The Big Bang, Hailey's Comet, and if Black Holes and asteroids are truly a danger to life on Earth

Course for?

This course is for anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the stars! It doesn't matter if you've never seen a telescope, all you need is your curiosity to be able to start learning about the stars.

Requirements

International Open Academy courses are designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required to study with us. Our courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you're already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume.

Career path

After completing this course, you could:

Explore an exciting career in astronomy
Be able to look at the stars and know their names
Expand your scientific knowledge