Our Universe   

Ever since people first wandered the planet Earth, great significance has been given to the celestial objects that were observed in the night sky. Many different names and mythical stories have been ascribed to the star patterns known as the constellations. This course will review in detail the 30 constellations that can be observed in the Northern Hemisphere, examining their Greek mythology dating back to 900 BC. Students will also be introduced to many of the celestial wonders that are contained within’ these constellations.

When most people think about the work of Albert Einstein they imagine exotic physics beyond our everyday experience. However, this is very far from the truth. We will be using the Teaching Company course by Chad Orzel of Union college to set the record straight. From toasters to Quantum Cryptography, we will learn how the work of the great sage has changed our world.

From the early days of the Space Race to today’s cutting-edge missions, America’s ventures into space have not only expanded the boundaries of science and technology but also shaped the nation’s global influence. In this engaging session, discover how NASA’s achievements have fueled innovation, strengthened national pride, and served as a powerful tool of “soft power” diplomacy—enhancing U.S. relationships around the world. Instructor Greg Clements, Associate Director of Research and Technology, in the Exploration Research and Technology Programs Directorate at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, will also provide a fascinating insider’s update on the latest milestones, projects, and discoveries coming out of NASA, offering a glimpse into the future of space exploration.

This course will review our place in the universe, starting with the constellations and the wonders they offer. We'll learn about galaxies, nebulas, star clusters and other deep-sky objects. We'll track the earth's orbital motion, the cause of season changes, the motions of our moon's lunar phases and the cause of solar and lunar eclipses. Great course for beginners!