Summer 2009
Backyard Astronomy (Grades 6-9)
Learn to unlock the mysteries of the night sky. Become an "expert" astronomer as you observe the heavens and investigate our place in the universe. Find particular stars, planets, clusters, nebulae and galaxies using the unaided eye, binoculars or small telescopes. Learn how the sky is divided up into constellations and recognize the dance of the sun and the moon as you explore solar and lunar eclipses. UNESCO has declared 2009 the International Year of Astronomy (the 400th year since Galileo first pointed a telescope at the heavens). Find out about important discoveries in astronomy, who made them and how our view of the universe has changed over time. The week would not be complete without a discussion about black holes, and of course, are we alone? Is there life on other planets? There will be daytime observations of the moon and safe filter viewing of the sun. You are encouraged to go out during the early morning and evenings with your family to make observations of the moon, stars, planets and other celestial objects. Highlights include a field trip to the SSU Observatory on campus.
Prerequisite(s):(Grades 6-9)
EXEDNC; noncredit; $167
Instructor: Lynn Anderson
Lynn Anderson, B.A., taught physical science to middle and high school students for the Cloverdale Unified School District for thirty-three years. He is a member of the Sonoma County Astronomical Society and has been a docent at the Robert Ferguson Observatory since 1998. His passion for viewing solar eclipses has taken him to the Caribbean, Germany, Zambia, Spain, Egypt, and most recently China.
- June 22-26, 9am-12pm
- Art 102
- EXEDNC; noncredit; $167
- class# 1222