how introduce astronomy to people?

Question

in a way that it will change their point of view in astronomy.especially for people between 17-22

in 2 or 3 hours...
for people between 17-22
& in a way that they will know astronomy better & it will be exciting for them...

Answer 1

Oh if only you had more time! I

I am hardly an expert in these matters. I am however a college student studying astrophysics, so I will use my experience in two ways to offer whatever advice I have.

Whatever you do: allow much time for questions.

In my intro astronomy class we had time to go into good detail on the topic-the Milky Way Galaxy and the history behind what is known about it- you are however limited by time. So rather than being brief about everything, choose some things to mention. Planetarium shows do this amazingly well which is why they have been recommended. Most people have ideas about astronomy. you don't want to give a detailed lecture unless that is what they have come for, but you also don't want to say what they might know.

If planetariums or professors aren't in the plan, you can look to them for advice. Ask a physics or astronomy professor in the area what resources are available. A great movie that does a short but detailed introduction is Cosmic Voyage, an IMAX that is also on DVD (maybe also tape) its probably at a library in your area. It actually does what I said not to do, mention many things, but it does so in a way that opens questions. It is short on history though. Another great source is the series Cosmos by Carl Sagan, you'll be lucky if you can find tapes of it, but maybe a library has them, it was on over 20 years ago I believe. There is also a book by Sagan by the same name.

Having brought about 12 different of my friends to the planetarium at my university over the course of a school year, what I have observed is that once they get about an hour intro, they want questions answered. SO LET THEM ASK QUESTIONS and be ready to answer.

AND, if you can give them a good view of the stars, by all means , do this. If you do this, show them things that are good in decent scopes, planets that are visible (Jupiter and Saturn are the good ones for this and at least one will probably be out when you are doing this, check a star chart), star clusters, and nebulae. If you can, show them the Andromeda Galaxy (M35 I believe). But if you do this also teach them things, they need to know there is more to astronomy than looking at the stars. Introduce them to the science and the passion because for those who know both the connection makes the wonder all the greater.

Based on conversations I've had most mistaken people think that astronomy is either astrology or boring. To change their point of view, show them what astronomy tries to explain and why it does it. Most of all show them how to wonder about the universe. If you do this, you will not only change their view of astronomy but give them a gift that will last their life. I hope you continue to get some great advice, you have much to work with, and more that may be to come. Good luck!

Answer 2

Nothing beats a good telescope on a clear night.You can also get them to build their own telescopes,nothing gets their attention like a beautiful view through an instrument they built with their own hands.Plans and raw lenses are available at many websites.As far as I can tell the Dobsonian style of telescope is the best way to go.

Answer 3

If you have access to ccd imaging, you could show some images to them. Show them the whole ccd imaging process. You can also tell them about any local astronomical group and any public star parties that they have. Also, talk to them about some of the really good telescopes out there...various seeing power, tracking ability, astrophotography, general ease of use.

It would also be a good idea to tell them what they could do, career-wise, if they get interested enough to pursue degrees in astronomy.

Answer 4

get a charismatic astronomer to lecture them ... prefereably on a fairly clear night with a nice telescope for viewing

take them to a good planetarium

Answer 5

I do these:
1) I use my telescope with my self while people itrest to know what is it. so I let them to watch the sky with telesope and let and speak with them about sky.
You can ron a slide show.
you can use abeotiful movie from sky in public
....

Answer 6

Start off with the mythology of astronomy.

Explain why the planets/constellations are like their fellow gods and goddesses.

Greek mythology is always fascinating.

Answer 7

Take them to a nearby planetarium.