From the smallest atoms to the Big Bang theory
Over 3,000 planets have now been found around nearby stars... could there be life on these planets? New research suggests that the age of the universe is 26.7 billion years. Dark matter and dark energy still are not understood. If you find this fascinating, you'll love Astronomy.
Our place in the universe
Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, and many ancient civilizations observed and documented the night sky as a guide to travel, weather, tides and more. More recently, Astronomy developed into a modern science after the invention of the telescope.
At Camosun, you'll learn how to read the night sky and so much more. You’ll learn about the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars, as well as the relationships between electricity, magnetism, light and matter.
The courses will cover why inner planets and outer planets have different surfaces, and why Venus and Earth have atmospheres but Mercury and Mars do not. You’ll examine the history of solar system debris such as meteorites, asteroids and comets and why all planets revolve around the sun in the same direction.
You can also study the Sun and basic concepts of light, energy, and temperature scales. Learn about single stars and star clusters, supernovae, black holes, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and the massive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way. Through class discussions about the origin of the Universe, you’ll explore other topics including Hubble’s Law, the Big Bang model, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and the creation of elements, dark matter and dark energy.
Related Programs
Camosun offers flexible programs that give you the chance to explore your passion for Astronomy.
Choosing Astronomy
Camosun offers two Astronomy courses: Night Sky and Planets and Stars and Galaxies that can be taken individually or together. We also offer several two-year programs that could include Astronomy as an elective.
Because English 11 is the prerequisite, Astronomy is a good choice if you want to take university transfer and upgrading courses at the same time. If this is the case, you can apply for Arts & Science Studies.
"Man is slightly nearer to the atom than to the star...
From his central position man can survey the grandest works of Nature with the astronomer, or the minutest works with the physicist."
— Sir Arthur Eddington
Astronomy Faculty
Learn more about the faculty who teach in the Astronomy department.
Contact information
School of Arts & Science
General Questions? We want to hear from you!
Stephanie Ingraham Program Chair
Contact Admissions for information about applying to Camosun.