The Astronomy of Doctor Who

The Astronomy of Doctor Who

Hop in the TARDIS for a wild adventure through the universe! Learn about the real galaxies Doctor Who has visited, the stars he's referenced, and where some famous Who aliens are from. In this class, you'll gain an even greater appreciation for the series, and a basic knowledge of the night sky to boot. While all students will learn about the stars and constellations from this class, for full enjoyment I recommend that they've seen at least a few episodes of Doctor Who first. The class is divided into four parts. Each part includes a recorded presentation where I show students real life stars and constellations mentioned in Doctor Who.

Part 1: Winter Constellations

Learn how to use the star wheel.

Introduction to the constellations.

Orion

Canis Major

Taurus

Gemini

Part 2: The Spring and Southern Hemisphere Constellations

Leo

Cancer

Libra

Bootes

Centaurus

Crux

Part 3: Circumpolar and Summer Constellations

Why/how the stars move in the night sky

Draco

Cassiopeia

Lyra

Aquila

Sagittarius

Ophiuchus

Milky Way Galaxy

Part 4: Fall Constellations

Andromeda Galaxy

Other Galaxies

Pisces

Eridanus

Cetus

By the end of the class, students should be able to:

Use a star wheel to help locate and identify constellations.

Explain what a constellation is and why astronomers use them.

Recall how the stars and constellations are related to the Doctor Who franchise.

Describe how (and why) the stars move during the night and from season to season.

Recount a few intelligent star/planet choices on the part of the writers of Doctor Who in choosing scientifically appropriate settings. (Specifically, Gliese 581d for a space colony, and Tau Ceti for the home star system of the Zygons.)

Explore the Doctor's universe while also learning some interesting facts about the real life stars and constellations.

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What you will learn

• Use a star wheel to help locate and identify constellations.
• Explain what a constellation is and why astronomers use them.
• Recall how the stars and constellations are related to the Doctor Who franchise.

Rating: 5

Level: Beginner Level

Duration: 2 hours

Instructor: Lauren Ard