Courses

Join astronomer Paul Curnow for a 10-week introductory astronomy  course at the Adelaide Planetarium.

Ever wondered how astronomers find their way around the night sky? Come and learn how to find the different constellations (patterns) in the sky and learn about the mythology related to them. Learn about the nine planets (including Pluto) in our solar system and some of the moons orbiting them. Discover the history behind astronomy and how early astronomers worked out the distances to stars, the magnitude of stars and more about the deep sky wonders of our galaxy.

Learn about purchasing your first telescope and the best places to view the night sky. This is one of the few courses in the world that has access to a planetarium as a teaching tool.

*This course is aimed at the adult beginner.

The two earliest civilisations to provide us with writing and recording were those in Mesopotamia and Egypt.  It is through these writings that we have been able to gain insights, into the early minds of humankind, and how they believed the world and wider cosmos came into being.  What was the Ancient Egyptian view of the cosmos and how the world came into existence?  What do we know about Egyptian constellations?  In this talk I will introduce you to some of the cosmogony of Ancient Egypt.  In addition, I will look at the significance of the night sky and what we know about it from an Ancient Egyptian perspective.

*This course is aimed at the adult beginner

So you want a telescope for astronomy?

This two hour course will cover the basics you need to know?

• brief history of astronomical telescopes
• how the different kinds of telescopes work
• where to find objects in the sky
• what you can see with different types of telescopes
• what to look for when buying a telescope
• how to use it correctly
• and where to get more information

Ever wondered what you're looking at when you look up at the night sky?  Have you ever wanted someone to take you on a general tour of what we can see beneath Australian skies?  Do all cultures see the same, or are there differences?  Australia has some of the darkest skies in the world - that are well suited for those who like to ponder as they gaze skyward.  The celestial ballet of stars above is rich in story, myth and science.  Come on a general tour of the night sky with popular astronomer Paul Curnow - who has been taking audiences on cosmic journeys at the Adelaide Planetarium for nearly 30 years!  This session will also feature the full dome movie entitled 'Hot and Energetic Universe'.  

* This course is aimed at the adult beginner - children under 16 not permitted.

Aboriginal Australians have been looking at the night sky for thousands of years. During this time they have been able to build up a complex knowledge of the stars and their movements. Come and learn how to find the different constellations (stellar patterns) as seen by indigenous groups throughout Australia. Hear about the Dreaming stories that relate to the night sky, and learn about how constellations like the Southern Cross and Orion are seen by Aboriginal Australians. The evening is strictly designed for the adult beginner, with little or no astronomical knowledge who would like to know more about the night sky and the constellations, as seen by the Aboriginal Peoples of Australia.

Discover where to find planets, how they move in the sky and the history behind their discovery.  Find out the best way to observe the planets and the stars, as well as how to use binoculars and digital cameras to capture star scapes.  Learn how to use star maps and identify constellations, why different stars only appear during certain seasons and much, much more! 

Each week will cover a different topic:

• Week 1: Introduction to Astronomy
• Week 2: Discover the Planets
• Week 3: Tour of the Solar System
• Week 4: Mapping the Sky
• Week 5: Discover the Stars
• Week 6: Backyard Astronomy
• Week 7: The Great Telescopes
• Week 8: The Universe and Beyond

*Please note Thursday 5 September there will be no class due to another lecture being held at the Planetarium.

In our sky, we have 88-constellations that are recognised by the governing body in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union.  In particular, the constellations of the zodiac have fascinated people for eons.  Come to the Adelaide Planetarium and join astronomers Paul Curnow and Martin Lewicki to find out why.  Hear about the mythology behind the constellations of the zodiac, learn about the names of the stars and learn more about the science behind the stars and constellations.

*This course is aimed at the adult beginner.

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the constellations in the night sky?  Who first named them and where do they come from?  Do all cultures see the sky the same way?  In this six-week course on ‘ethnoastronomy’, you will learn about the stories and mythologies behind the constellations and how to identify some of them in the night sky.  Moreover, this course will focus on how Aboriginal Australians; Ancient Egyptians, American Indians and others view the sky in addition to examining their cosmogonies, stories, legends and myths relating to their patterns in the sky.  This is the only ethnoastronomy course in the world that uses a planetarium to teach you more about the world’s cultural astronomy.