Astronomy Lectures - Presented with PowerPoint
Cosmology Lectures
The Hubble Space Telescope - An Eye Above the Sky
The Hubble Space Telescope has made some of the most dramatic discoveries in the history of astronomy. From its vantage point above the earth’s atmosphere it is able to capture images and data that would be difficult or impossible to obtain from the ground. The Hubble telescope also brought a glimpse of the Universe to millions of households worldwide, inspiring an unprecedented public curiosity and interest in science. However, it has not been without controversy; from major manufacturing faults to funding problems. This lecture looks at the history of the telescope and its contributions to modern astronomy and our current understanding of the Universe.
Measuring the Universe – How do we know its such a big place?
From the Ancient Greeks to today, understanding the size of the Universe has been an enduring quest. How can astronomers calculate the huge distances involved without leaving earth? Learn how attempts to measure the size of the Universe resulted in Captain Cook landing in Australia and how observing distant stars and galaxies allows us to look back down the corridors of time.
Analysing Starlight – Understanding the Stars
Measuring and analysing starlight provides incredible information about the stars and galaxies that populate the Universe. Studying the colours of star light and it's brightness provides huge amounts of detailed information about their chemical make up, size and age. This lecture looks at the many techniques that astronomers use to look at starlight and how this leads them to develop ideas on the way the Universe works.
The Milky Way – Across Our Galaxy
The band of light that can often be seen on a clear dark night is our view through the local galaxy of which the solar system is a part. This lecture looks at its appearance, size, age, composition and structure. Understanding “The Galaxy” tells us a great deal about the rest of the Universe.
Solar System Lectures
Spots on the Sun – Blemishes on its perfect face
Sunspots have intrigued man since the Ancient Chinese. We now know that their patterns follow a complex 11 year cycle and they indicate cataclysmic events within the sun’s body. This lecture discusses how man has discovered why these curious solar phenomena occur, explains the serious effects they can have here on earth and looks at why the sun was recently at is most dormant in over 100 years.
Mapping the Moon – Head North from the Sea of Tranquility
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, celebrating how 400 years ago in 1609, astronomers made the first ever astronomical observation with a telescope, looking at the moon. They immediately drew simple moon maps. Ever since, man has created more and more intricate maps of its surface and features - 19th century maps of the moon were more accurate than maps of Africa and South America of the time. The lecture shows how the fascinating and complex markings on the moon’s surface have intrigued us for centuries.
Animals in Space - Paving the Way for Human Spaceflight
From the earliest space flights just after the Second World War to today, animals, insects and other organisms have been sent into space. They provide the background research that helps scientists predict and understand the effects of being in space. The data gathered from these pioneer travelers makes safe human spaceflight a practical reality. From understanding the short term effect of weightlessness to assessing the long term risks of exposure to cosmic radiation, this lecture looks at the contribution these mainly unknown animals make to our understanding of the hazards of space travel.
Historical Lectures
Kosmos - Early Greek Astronomy
The development of astronomy by Greek and Hellenistic philosophers was an important phase in the history of the science. Greek astronomers attempted to explain the observable universe using a a rational, physical explanation for celestial phenomena. This lecture explores this period of history and looks at the influence ancient Greeks took from the Babylonians and Egyptians and discusses how it led to the developments in Arab, Indian and Western astronomy. This lecture can be complimentary to the Practical lecture looking at the procession of Greek named constellations we can see in tonight's sky.
Mapping the Heavens - Star Charts - History, Art and Cartography
People have always looked for ways to map the night sky. The results are often beautiful works of art, drawing on the sources of mythology, legend and science. This lecture looks at the development of star charts and atlases from the earliest times to the present day. Using superb illustrations from some of the finest chart makers, the art of "Mapping the Heavens" is vividly described.
Astronomy of the Pyramids - The Ancient Egyptians and Astronomical Alignment
How did ancient Egyptians precisely align their colossal structures to the cardinal points? From the 17th century onwards, many well respected astronomers have devoted their time to understanding the astronomical significance of the pyramids and their alignment. This lecture looks at the history of this aspect of pyramid study and the ongoing research to understand the significance of astronomy in their construction.
Islamic Astronomy - Middle Eastern Astronomy in the Golden Age
Nearly all the named stars in the northern hemisphere, such as Aldebaran and Altair, and astronomical terms such as altitude, azimuth, and zenith, are Arabic names. While Europe languished in the "Dark Ages" the "Golden Age" of Islamic science saw huge developments in astronomy and mathematics. This lecture looks at the significant contributions Islamic astronomers made to the development of astronomy and their important role in preserving and enhancing ancient Greek astronomical theory. This lecture can be complimentary to the Practical lecture looking at the procession of Islamic named stars we can see in tonight's sky.
Calculator of the Heavens - The Antikytherea Mechanism of Ancient Greece
At the beginning of the 20th century, two sponge divers recovered an archeological specimen from a wreck off the coast of the island of Antikytherea in Greece. They had found the oldest known astronomical computer, although it was not appreciated until decades later. Using technology not seen again until the 14th and 15th centuries, the Greeks in the early 1st century BC had produced a complex, sophisticated device. The lecture looks at the studies that have been carried out on the relic and current thoughts on what the full calculator would have looked like and how it was used. It has been described as "...just extraordinary, the only thing of its kind."
Galileo Galilei - Physicist, Mathematician and Astronomer
A physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher who played a major role in the Scientific Revolution, his achievements include improvements to the telescope and consequent astronomical observations and support for Copernicanism, a sun centered universe. Galileo has been called the "father of modern observational astronomy", the "father of modern physics" and the "father of science". This lecture looks at his life, achievements and legacies.
Beneath the Southern Cross - A History of Astronomy in Australia
Australian Aborigines have passed down from generation to generation their knowledge of the night sky and how it came to exist. In the last two and a half centuries, modern Australian astronomers have made important contributions to our knowledge of the Universe. The lecture shows how astronomy has shaped Australian history and the significant research Australia has made and continues to make to astronomy.
Practical Lectures
Observing The Night Sky - What you can see tonight.
A tour of the objects visible in the night sky including observable planets, the moon, stars, nebula and galaxies. A history of the constellations that can be seen and the myths and legends associated with them. This lecture can be customised for any location in the world including the Southern Hemisphere. It can be accompanied by an outdoor presentation showing how to find all the best objects visible that night.
Sky-Skan Planetarium Lectures
I am a qualified and experienced Sky-Skan digital planetarium show presenter. Creating planetarium shows to review tonight's sky anywhere in the world is my specialty.