Past

Astronomy and Star Gazing: Night Sky Safari with Andrew

This class has passed
This class has passed

What’s it all about?

Have you ever wanted to make more sense of the night sky? Or see the rings of Saturn for yourself? Whether you’re completely new to astronomy or have some experience, exploring and learning about the night sky is something everyone can enjoy.
This class will help you to know your way around the night sky and identify various constellations without any need for fancy equipment. The stories behind various constellations will be discussed as well as how to use the constellations to find south.

What will we cover?

The class will provide an introduction to the constellations and how they change over time. Four major constellations will be identified and explored, including the various stories and important stars associated with each one. The class will also cover topics including:

  • Identifying the closest star system to Earth
  • Double star systems
  • Planets orbiting other stars
  • How a telescope works

The key features of these planets will be discussed including Jupiter’s great red spot and Saturn’s extensive ring system. Additionally, the potential for life to be found on particular moons of these planets will be examined. Kids are welcome, if accompanied by a paying adult.

Who will be teaching?

Andrew Jackling completed a Master of Astronomy at Swinburne University in 2017. He has had a passion for astronomy and astrophotography from a young age and grew up observing the night sky. The telescope Andrew will bring is a 10-inch Newtonian telescope, the base of which was constructed by himself and his father. He has used the telescope to observe distant galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, comets, the planets as well as the Moon. Andrew’s astrophotography images have previously been published in Australian Sky and Telescope magazine. You can find him on Twitter