NCPH 101: Introduction to the Night Sky

Every day, we interact with the sky in some way – from the rising and setting of the Sun, to the passage of the seasons, to the phase of the Moon at night, to the tides on the beach.  In this course, students discuss the organization of the night sky, its motions, and its influence on our calendar.  The course begins with a general introduction to the night sky, the stars and constellations, their names and their stories.  Over the following weeks, the class explores the celestial sphere, the seasons, the phases of the moon, tides, eclipses, and calendars.  On clear nights, the class spends some time outside observing the sky or using the historic 26-inch telescope to observe celestial objects.  Please dress warmly for the outdoor observing.

Instructor: Edward Murphy is an associate professor in the University of Virginia Department of Astronomy. He received both his MA and PhD in astronomy from the University of Virginia.

Tuesdays, 7-9pm, February 11 – April 8 (no class Mar 11) at the UVa McCormick Observatory.

NCPH 101 / 21142 / $198