The Astronomy Course for Curious Engineers II invites you to explore the wonders of the cosmos from the comfort of your own home. At a time when the astronomy is experiencing an unprecedented boom; understanding the How the Solar System works and the mysteries of the planets It is a valuable and sought-after skill. This course will guide you in observing the night sky with precision, from identifying planets and their movements to understanding the astronomical models that have challenged human thought, such as those of Copernicus and Galileo. What’s more, you’ll discover the secrets of comets and the fascinating the search for new planets. With a a theoretical approach and an engaging methodology, You’ll develop key skills for interpreting the universe, enhancing your professional profile in a sector with growing demand for skilled workers. Let your curiosity guide you and join us on this cosmic adventure.
Astronomy for Curious Engineers II
Digital Skills
45 hours
Introduction
Objectives
- To identify planets in the night sky and understand their movements accurately.
- Analyse planetary cycles and phases to predict their future positions.
- Distinguish between and evaluate historical models of the Universe and their scientific impact.
- To recognise comets and understand the process of discovering new planets.
- Interpret the starry sky and use stellar declination to determine precise locations.
- Apply astronomical knowledge to solve technical problems in engineering.
Table of Contents
TEACHING UNIT 1. THE SOLAR SYSTEM
The planets of the Solar System
How to learn to tell the planets apart
Where in the starry sky can we find each planet, and when?
The movements of the planets. Precision clocks in the sky
TEACHING UNIT 2. CYCLES AND PHASES OF THE PLANETS
Mercury
Cycles and phases of Venus
Cycles and phases of Mars
The asteroid belt
Jupiter and its moons
Saturn’s rings
TEACHING UNIT 3. THE DIFFERENT MODELS OF THE UNIVERSE
The Ptolemaic-Aristotelian model that prevailed for two thousand years
The model of Copernicus and Galileo. A “revolution”
Tycho Brahe’s model. The last bastion of geocentrism
Kepler’s model. The planets that know maths
Newton’s model. The pinnacle of scientific knowledge
TEACHING UNIT 4. THE ADVENTURE OF DISCOVERY. COMETS AND NEW PLANETS
Comets
Discovering new planets
TEACHING UNIT 5. THE STARRY SKY
The first star charts
The view of the night sky
The declinations of the stars
Using the telescope