Astronomy - An Introduction - Mansfield Central Library - Adult Learning

Mansfield Central Library, West Gate

Date	11 September - 16 October 2025
Sessions	Thursdays: 1pm - 3pm
No. sessions	6
Venue	Mansfield Central Library, West Gate View venue details
For ages	19+
Group size	5 - 15
Cost	FREE - £48

About this course

Learn about the universe and how ancient civilizations worked with astronomy. You will explore the solar system from the big bang theory to the multiverse; from Schrodinger’s cat to the quantum world of physics relating to astronomy today. This is a great starter course in to astronomy, ancient cultures and modern belief systems. We will have lots of deep discussions on these topics. You will interact through YouTube as a visual aid.

It is also a great course if you are looking to brush up on your skills and knowledge in this area. With a local observatory in Sutton-in-Ashfield we are grateful to have this treasure on our doorsteps to explore outside the course. Before moving onto learning basic astronomical terms, understanding how ancient contributions have impacted astronomy. You will explore the structure and components of the solar system and orbital mechanics. Looking into the big bang theory and Einstein's theories of relativity. What are parallel universes and multiverse? Then finishing with an introduction to quantum mechanics and its implications for the universe today.

What you will need to bring with you:-

It is advisable to bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated. Along with pen and paper for notes/journal purposes.

The following are suggested books to explore during or after the course and NOT a must read before the course starts….

- The universe - Brian Cox

- The quantum universe everything that could happen, does happen - Brian Cox

- Universal, a journey through the universe - Brian Cox

Booking your place and fee information

If you receive certain benefits you will be offered the course for free, however if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on the course, please visit our funding page for further information.

Residency in England

To book and enrol on one of our courses, you must be living in England permanently and live outside of the devolved areas listed below or live within the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) devolved area (Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire).

Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Greater London
Greater Manchester
Liverpool City Region
Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland
Tees Valley
West of England
West Midlands
West Yorkshire

Residency Eligibility – other criteria

If you are living in the UK on a visa we will require evidence of this in order to be funded for the course, you can upload this evidence when you apply for the course. (completion of a questionnaire will be required).

Some exceptions may apply for example

Your visa expiry date must be beyond the end of your course
Asylum seekers must have lived in the UK for 6 months or longer while their claim is being considered by the Home Office
You are receiving local authority support under section 23C or section 23CA of the Children Act 1989 or the Care Act 2014