Observing the Universe
Portrait of Newton
Details: Observing the Universe [pdf] / Science programme leaflet [pdf]
Key Stage: 3 and 4
Length: 1-2 hours (adaptable)
Maximum number: See Planning a visit
Suitable for 21st Century Science GCSE unit Observing the Universe
This session offers students the opportunity to gain insight into the problems of astronomical observation and the significance of the telescope in astronomy.
Students will be shown a range of early astronomical instruments from medieval astrolabes through to the telescopes of the eighteenth century.
A hands-on session will enable students to experience and compare different designs of telescope such as the Galilean refracting and the Newtonian reflecting telescopes.
The session includes some elementary optical theory about lenses and ray diagrams. There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss observations and gain insight into how science works.
Observing the Universe (1)
Observing the Universe (2)
