A Tour of the Night Sky: Astronomy

with Dr. Nathan Miller (0.8 CEUs)

 Dr. Miller is so passionate and enthusiastic about astronomy.
His demonstrations made a difficult subject understandable and fun-- I thoroughly enjoyed his course!"
          - Past Participant

How often have you marveled at the immense beauty of the night sky and wished that you knew more about what you were witnessing?  In this introductory astronomy course you will discover how to track the celestial motions of the moon, stars and planets.  You'll learn how to use a planisphere to locate stars, constellations and planets year round from your very own backyard.  The basics of how a telescope operates will be covered, also.  Additionally, you’ll gain insight into how past explorers used the stars to guide themselves (sometimes with astonishing accuracy) on featureless oceans or in uncharted wildernesses. You will be guided through hands-on activities by an instructor who has taught adults for many years.  Stunning PowerPoint slides will illustrate the splendor and mystery of the solar system in which we reside. The course will include a visit to the UWEC L.E. Phillips Planetarium for a show developed especially for this class.

Date/Time/Location

Thursdays, September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, 2009
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
UW-Eau Claire Campus

Presenter

Nathan Miller: Connecting Campus and Community

Dr. Nathan Miller is a UW-Eau Claire Professor of Physics and Astronomy.  He believes strongly in making the night sky accessible to the casual observer.  He's presented at UW-Madison's "Space Place" public outreach center and the Chippewa Valley's own Hobbs Observatory.  Additionally, Dr. Miller has presented astronomy programs throughout the Wisconsin state park system as part of UW-Madison's "Universe in the Park" program.  In 2005, Dr. Miller received the Cottrell College Science Award for his research on X-ray emission from hot stars using data from NASA's orbiting Chandra X-ray Observatory (X-ray astronomy is his area of expertise).     

Fee

$95 per person

Brochure - [PDF] -

Transfers/Cancellations:
You may cancel your registration up to 5 business days before a program’s start date, and we will refund your payment less a $25 administrative fee.  If you cancel fewer than 5 business days prior to the program start date, no refund will be given.  Full refund will be given if a program is cancelled or filled. You may substitute another person for your registration at any time.  Call the Continuing Education Office (715-836-3636/toll free 866-893-2423) for assistance.