02 – Overview of Contemporary Astronomy
At a Glance
Time
Four weeks:
Monday, April 13 – May 4, 2026
9 – 10:30 a.m. CT
Cost
$55.00
Location
Online with Zoom
Class limit: 35
Course Description
This class offers a complete overview of contemporary astronomy. When ancient humans first gazed at the skies, they recognized the same patterns of fixed stars rotating over their heads each night. We explore ancient astronomy, what we have discovered about our solar system and venture out into the cosmos—the stars, galaxies, black holes, and the Big Bang itself. We are also treated to astronomer Alan Lightman’s four-part story, “Conversations with Papa Joe.”
Instructor
Sam Wormley has degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering and taught as an adjunct professor of astronomy at Marshalltown Community College for 17 years. He regularly teaches science and technology classes for OLLI at Iowa State.