The usual rate for the submission of assignments will be approximately one per month. This must be paid before the start of the course. Fee remission may be available for UK resident students who are in receipt of benefits. If the course is not appropriate please return the course materials within 14 days and you will be entitled to a full refund. The following is an outline of the course.
Contents are subject to change.
Information is also provided on testing telescope equipment for pointing accuracy and limiting resolution under different conditions. Introduction to Astronomy also covers the co-ordinate system of the celestial sphere with an introduction to positional astronomy, angular sizes and distances, time zones and details how the changing of the seasons affects what we can observe. This part of the course is accompanied by a detailed tour of the night sky to introduce beginners to the constellations and the many and varied objects of interest contained within them that are observable with a small telescope. The Earth's nearest neighbour is easily the brightest object in the night sky and one that everyone is familiar with. This section discusses the geology and topography of the Moon and details the many theories that have arisen concerning its origin.