In Astronomy for Curious Engineers We invite you to explore the cosmos with an analytical and inquisitive eye – ideal for those who wish to broaden their horizons beyond Earth. The astronomy Not only does it reveal where we come from and where we are, but it also offers a booming field with growing demand for skilled workers. This course, designed for curious minds like yours, will enable you to discover the secrets of the Sun and the Moon, as well as the movements of our planet. You’ll learn how to carry out astronomical calculations classics, equipping you with skills that are highly valued across a range of technology sectors. Taking this course will open the door to a world of knowledge that will enrich both your professional and personal profile, turning you into an expert in a fascinating field brimming with opportunities.
Astronomy for Curious Engineers
Digital Skills
45 hours
Introduction
Objectives
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Understanding the origins of the universe and our place within it.
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To analyse the characteristics and importance of the Sun in our solar system.
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Explain the movements of rotation y translation of the Earth.
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Calculate basic astronomical parameters accurately.
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Identify the interactions between the Sun and the Earth.
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Describe the stages and the Moon’s main movements.
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Apply astronomical concepts to engineering problems.
Table of Contents
TEACHING UNIT 1. WHERE WE CAME FROM AND WHERE WE ARE NOW
VIDEOS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. WHERE WE CAME FROM AND WHERE WE ARE NOW
2.1. THE ORIGIN. WHERE WE COME FROM
2.2. WHERE WE ARE
TEACHING UNIT 2. THE SUN GIVES US LIGHT AND GUIDES US
VIDEOS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE CALENDAR
2.1. Calendar adjustments. Julian adjustment
2.2. Calendar adjustments. The Gregorian reform
3. THE ECLIPTIC
4. DECLINATION, HOURLY ANGLE, ALTITUDE AND AZIMUTH, MERIDIANS AND PARALLELS
4.1. The armillary sphere
5. HOW TO FIND OUR COORDINATES: LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE. AN INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMICAL NAVIGATION
TEACHING UNIT 3. EARTH MOVEMENTS
VIDEOS
1. FLATTENING OF THE EARTH
2. PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES
3. INACCURACIES IN HOROSCOPES
4. HOW TO DATE A DOCUMENT CONTAINING ASTRONOMICAL REFERENCES
5. HOW TO RECONCILE ASTRONOMICAL EVENTS WITH ANCIENT HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS
6. OTHER ORBITAL VARIATIONS: INCLINATION AND ECCENTRICITY
7. HOW TO DATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MONUMENT THAT FEATURES ASTRONOMICAL ALIGNMENTS. PRACTICAL EXERCISE
8. GLACIAL AND INTERGLACIAL PERIODS. THE MILANKOVITCH CYCLES
8.1. What does the future hold for us, taking the Milankovitch cycles into account?
8.2. Analysis of long-term climate change
TEACHING UNIT 4. CLASSICAL ASTRONOMICAL CALCULATIONS
VIDEOS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE GREAT GREEK PHILOSOPHERS
3. CALCULATION OF THE EARTH’S RADIUS BY ERATOSTHENES
4. CALCULATION OF THE OBLICUITY OF THE ECLIPTIC USING ERATOSTHENES’ METHOD
5. ARISTARCHUS OF SAMOS’ CALCULATION OF THE DISTANCE FROM THE EARTH TO THE SUN
6. CALCULATION OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE EARTH AND THE MOON BY HYPARCHUS OF NICEA
7. HYPARCHUS’ CALCULATION OF THE PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES
8. CALCULATING THE DISTANCE TO THE MOON USING PARALLAX
TEACHING UNIT 5. THE SUN AND THE EARTH
VIDEOS
1. THE SUN
1.1. The sun’s extraordinary journey through the galaxy
1.2. The sun’s heat output
2. THE EARTH
2.1. Energy received from the sun
2.2. The absorption and reflection of sunlight by the atmosphere
2.3. Thermal inertia.
2.4. Calculation of the actual temperature due to the greenhouse effect
2.5. Variations in the Earth’s albedo. The importance of clouds
2.6. The Earth’s atmosphere and the origin of life
2.7. Foucault’s pendulum. The demonstration that the Earth revolves round the Sun
2.8. General wind patterns on land
2.9. Other interesting astronomical phenomena observable from Earth
TEACHING UNIT 6. THE MOON
VIDEOS
1. THE FORMATION OF THE MOON
2. THE TIDES
3. THE MOON ALWAYS SHOWS US THE SAME SIDE
4. THE PHASES OF THE MOON
5. THE ASH-COLOURED LIGHT
6. OTHER EFFECTS OF THE MOON ON THE EARTH. THE DAY IS GETTING LONGER AND LONGER
7. LIVING CONDITIONS ON THE MOON
8. SOLAR AND LUNAR ECLIPSES
9. THE NATURAL PHENOMENON OF THE “BLOOD MOON”
10. SUPERMOON
11. SOLAR ECLIPSES
12. METHODS USED BY ANCIENT PEOPLES TO PREDICT ECLIPSES. THE SAROS CYCLE