Famed astrophysicist Jackie Faherty is collaborating with some of the world's leading astronomers to design a new Astronomy course that people can enroll in from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Astronomer Jackie Faherty has teamed up with some of the world's leading scientists to create a new Astronomy course that people can take from the safety of their own homes.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues in areas around the world, many shift to virtual educational solutions. Faherty, along with three other world-renowned scientists and educators, has collaborated to develop a new online course on astronomy in line with the demand for better, remote learning options.
The class will be held on Outlier.org, an online learning platform founded by MasterClass co-founder, Aaron Rasmussen. The class, named "Intro to Astronomy," offers real college credits for those who finish it.
"Intro to Astronomy" includes four instructors: Faherty, who is also a senior scientist and senior educational advisor at the American Museum of Natural History; astronomer Michelle Thaller, who is also the assistant director of science communication at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center; astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi, who is also an educator and science communicator; and astrobiologist David Grins, a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute.
Although each of the four teachers has their own unique techniques, tools, and visuals they bring to the program, Faherty has been able to share a little about her method. And, if you like the AMNH planetarium show's spectacular visuals, you'll like Faherty's teaching style.
Faherty used "the open-source, open space data, or programs we have that we use within the planetarium" in her portion of the course, she said, further explaining that she is using these visuals to take students "on a spaceship and ride around the data as I explain it."
The course is ideal for anyone with a passion for astronomy, from high school students to adults of all ages. In addition to some basic information, "If you came in with a love of astronomy, and a curiosity to know more about the cosmos, you don't need much experience" to pursue the course.
Currently "Intro to Astronomy" is sold out, but you can join the waiting list to take the course which costs $400. You get three transferable credits from a partner school upon completion of the course. One thing that makes this course (and other courses on Outlier.org) so exceptional is that they will send you a full refund if you don't pass the class. From a 14-week term or a more compact 7-week intensive class, you can choose the length of your course.
