Essential Information
| Type | Courses |
|---|---|
| Location |
Royal Observatory
|
| Date and Times | 10-week modules held on Tuesday evenings | See page for full dates |
| Prices | £205 per module |
This comprehensive course provides an opportunity for those who are keen to acquire a rigorous scientific understanding of the Universe.
Intermediate Astronomy at the Royal Observatory Greenwich offers a firm grounding in the study of the Sun-Earth-Moon system, the Solar System, the Milky Way Galaxy and the wider Universe.
Students get to study in a unique environment supported by a range of equally unique resources, including expert tutors, a state-of-the-art digital planetarium, and the country’s largest lensed telescope.
The course consists of three 10-week modules on Tuesday evenings. It follows the GCSE Astronomy syllabus, but it is not an accredited course and cannot be used as the basis for a GCSE Astronomy exam. Students are assessed through coursework and receive a certificate of achievement from the Royal Observatory on the completion of all modules.
This course is an excellent follow-on from Introduction to Astronomy and Introduction to Astrophysics.
Ages: 18+
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When do courses run?
The full course dates for the 2024/25 academic year are below. Lessons take place on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm-9pm, with gaps for the holidays. When making your booking, simply select the start date of the module you'd like to join.
Module 1: From our Planet to the Night Sky
17 September - 26 November 2024 | 6.30-9pm | Holiday on 29 October
This module provides a foundation on the Earth and the night sky. The module begins with an introduction to the Earth as a planet and coordinate systems on the Earth. The course then covers the night sky and constellations and how astronomers keep track of objects in the night sky. The course also discusses more practical topics about observing, including optical telescopes as well as observing tasks. Lastly, the course explores the Moon and how the night sky has been used to help with navigation on Earth.
Module 2: Solar System Dynamics
3 December 2024 - 4 March 2025 | 6.30-9pm | Holidays from 17-31 December and on 18 February
This module provides an introduction to solar systems as well as the objects in our own solar system. The course starts with a focus on the Sun-Earth-Moon system. The module then moves on to planets in our solar system and how the planets and Sun seem to move in the sky from Earth. There is an introduction to historical models of the Solar System as well as an understanding of Solar System dynamics using Kepler’s three laws. Additionally, the module explores the objects in our solar system, including the Sun. Lastly, the module touches on the formation of solar systems as well as planets outside our solar system, or exoplanets.
Module 3: Our Galaxy and Beyond
11 March - 27 May 2025 | 6.30-9pm | Holidays from 8-15 April
This module provides an introduction to our Milky Way Galaxy as well as other galaxies throughout the Universe. It starts by focusing on stars and their properties, including magnitudes, distances and variability. The course introduces radio telescopes and how telescopes can be used to observe wavelengths of light outside the visible spectrum. There is also material about nebulae and star formation as well as the evolution of stars. The syllabus moves on to galaxies, including the Milky Way, and the distribution of galaxies in the Universe. The course finishes by discussing the Big Bang and the mysterious nature of dark matter and dark energy.
What else do I need to know?
Each module is intended to be run on-site at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, although occasional online sessions may become necessary in rare circumstances. Please only book if you are certain you will be able to attend an on-site course.
Intermediate Astronomy follows the textbook GCSE (9-1) Astronomy: A Guide for Pupils and Teachers. This is included in the price of the course and need not be purchased separately.
Studying this course requires good scientific and mathematical knowledge and computer literacy. While it is intended for adults, students aged 16 and upwards will be considered for enrolment on a case-by-case basis. We encourage all our prospective students to try the Maths quiz below before deciding to do the course.
This is not an exhaustive list of the types of mathematical concepts you will encounter, but is indicative of the level of understanding required.
After completing this course, students may wish to consider joining our two-year Foundation Astrophysics course, which is our most advanced course in astronomy focusing on topics at a university foundation degree level.
Everyone taking a course is also entitled to a 10% discount on books purchased from Royal Museums Greenwich - please check with your course tutor for more details!
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Main image courtesy of NASA/SDO/AIA/LMSAL