Astronomy, Astrology and the Bible *

Days: Wednesdays, October 13 - November 17
Time: 10:30 - Noon
Place: Board Room
Instructor: Russell Akridge

Tuition: $25.00 for enrollment
$5.00 for walk-ins

This class is a journey through the stars. Using a computer-simulated planetarium, we will learn to recognize prominent stars and constellations. We will figure out how stars are born and die, by looking at the stars (and one galaxy) we can see with our own eyes in the nighttime sky. We will learn to locate the planets in the sky and take a tour of the planets. We will view what the sky looks like from various places – Equator, Arctic Circle, North Pole – at various seasons of the year. I will bring in a telescope and explain telescopes. We will learn to predict eclipses and how Columbus predicted the eclipse that saved his life. I will explain basic astrology using the astronomy we have already learned. We will explore astronomy in the Bible, including the dating of Passover and Easter. In the last session, I will present the astronomy behind the Mayan end of the world prediction for December 21, 2012 and the Christmas star of Bethlehem. Weather permitting, we will have one optional evening observing session.

Dr. Akridge is a retired Associate Professor Emeritus. He taught astronomy at the university and high school levels. He enjoys watching the heavens during the changing seasons and is interested in the mythology and astrology various cultures have associated with the stars. Dr. Akridge has been a Sun City resident since 2002.

* Enrollment is limited to 20 students.