Week 1: An Introduction
Professor Turing (first two years) --> Professor Gagarina

- “Astronomy” defined: the study of the universe
- Observing celestial bodies, theories about the formation of the objects in outer space, and the chemical makeup of outer space objects

- Magical and Muggle astronomy are related subjects but do not completely overlap
- Some believe Muggle astronomy is identical to ours just without Magical knowledge
- Astrology, the study of how the happenings in outer space magically influence the happenings of people on Earth, is a major subfield of Magical astronomy (never Muggle astronomy)

- Muggle astronomy excels at both observational and theoretical astronomy
- Observational: focus on finding objects in space, whether by visual observation or by “seeing” the object through analyzing data
- Theoretical: focus on application of Muggle technology and astronomy concepts to solve questions about the universe
Magical astronomers excel at applied astronomy

- Magical people are concerned about the affairs of outer space due to these matters directly affecting magical life on Earth
- Example: Arrangement of the stars predict the future; the expose of Basilisk eggs to moonlight could lead to an earlier arrival of the serpent

- Magical astronomy is often called the “The Central Discipline” because of applications to every other magical subject/field of study

- How to Earn an “Outstanding” In This Class

Step 1: Come to Class Prepared - First Year Astronomy is at 10pm on Wednesdays in the Astronomy Tower; be prepared for note taking (standard quills for notes and anti-cheating quills for quizzes, exams, and essays); no textbook but utilization of the von Rheticus model telescope is especially important (superior to brass telescopes)

Step 2: Study Your Notes, and Ask For Help If Needed - Take time read over notes after a lecture; questions on course content maybe answered by course administrator, Professor Gagarina or a Professor Assistant

Step 3: Do All Required Assignments: Each lesson will have one or more required assignment(s); Notes maybe used on assignments; Objective and essay assignments: objective includes multiple choice, true/false, and short answer while essay assignments are essay assignments

Step 4: Improve Your Grade - Appeals with grades less than a 84%; Retakeable assignments are available in only the first two lessons of Year 1

Step Five: Take Your Knowledge of Astronomy to the Next Level (Optional) - Extra credit assignments are designed to help you learn concepts in lessons; most extra credit are essays

- Year 1 Preview
Year will orbit (haha astro joke) around magical telescopes, different properties that affect our magic, the moon, and other astronomical objects that reflect to Earth

Images:
Figure 1a. Hogwarts Astronomy Tower (http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/pottermore/images/9/9f/B1C14M3.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120606124433)