presented by : Dr Paul Payne

Adult education courses in Astronomy, Einstein's Relativity and Quantum Physics. Held online and presented by Dr Paul Payne, with over 30 years teaching experience, using unique dynamic graphics. Complex concepts are made understandable through powerful visualisations. The courses take you from an introduction to the night sky to delving into the wonderful universe described by modern physics. The courses are free of mathematics except for " The Theorem of Pythagoras in Physics" and "HSC Relativity" .

Exploring the Heavens

An introduction to the wonderful night sky. Identify, and understand the nature of the planets, stars and constellations of the night sky. Learn which type of telescope is the one for you.
- Course Outline -
Access to course videos and notes
5 x Q&A evenings 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Dates to be announced
Enquires : paulpayne@relativity.net.au

Astronomical Concepts

An 8 evening conceptual exploration of the universe. Light, Quantum physics and Relativity are introduced and applied to astronomy. We also examine the latest discovers and their significance. A few key concepts go a long way.
- Course Outline -
Access to course videos and notes
8 x Q&A evenings 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Dates to be announced
Enquires : paulpayne@relativity.net.au

Understanding Relativity

This online course introduces you to the wonderful special theory of relativity. We explore the dynamics of the universe usings Einstein's malleable framework of space and time. Using unique dynamic graphics the course will explain the effects of time dilation, length contraction, the lose of simultaneous events, and the nature of mass and energy. A short video showcases the graphics used in the course. The website for the course is freely available for your regitration.
The number of participants will be limited to 15.
- Course Outline -
5 x Wednesday evenings 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Commencing 2 March 2022
Cost : $180 ( concession $140 )
Bookings and Enquires : paulpayne@relativity.net.au

Understanding Quantum

The follow on course to Understanding Quantum 1. We will explore the quantum description of atoms, the interaction of light with atoms and the amazing quantum explanation for simple optics. You will understand how stars shine through quantum effects and see the application of quantum in MRI and computing. The course will begin with Bell's theorem which, through experimentation, has shown that 'spooky action at a distance' does seem to describe the real world.
The number of participants will be limited to 15.
Course Outline
5 x Tuesday evenings 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Commencing 29 March 2022
Cost : $180 ( concession $140 )
Bookings and Enquires : paulpayne@relativity.net.au

The Theorem of Pythagoras in Physics

This course introduces you to how mathematics is applied to physics.
We start with geometry and Pythagoras's Theorem. It is the theorem that everyone learns at school that relates the sides of a right angle triangle,

a2 + b2 = c 2

It appears everywhere in physics. It is applied in Newtonian mechanics, momentum, Einstein's Relativity, wave theory, the probability of states in quantum mechanics and much more. Over 5 evenings we explore the many ways to interprete this ancient, simple theorem and explore how it gives us profound insights into universe.

The course places an emphasis on applying the maths to actual physical examples. It also shows you have physic's use approximations to make the mathematics simpler.
- Course Outline -
Access to course videos and notes
5 x evenings 7:00pm - 8:00pm
course postponed
cost: $150 ( concession $120 )
Bookings and Enquires : paulpayne@relativity.net.au

HSC Relativity

Two online sessions for HSC students to demystify Einstein's Relativity. Using your preferred online platform, and my interactive graphics, we explore
  • the two axioms of Relativity, time dilation, lose of simultaneity and length contraction.
  • mass, momentum and energy
Questions are encouraged during the presentation and after.
The two sessions are independent and can be booked separately.
Feel free to register with my online Relativity course and experience similar graphics to those used in the presentations.
- Course Outline -
1 hour presentation plus Q&A

cost: $15 per student per session ( teacher free )

Use my email to arrange a time.
paulpayne@relativity.net.au

Astro-Update

A fortnightly free online presentation of interesting topics in astronomy and physics. The next presentation
7:00pm, Thursday, 3 November.

James Web Space Telescopes Images

Introduction to the Presentation

The latest James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) image released to the media seemed to be everywhere. It is stunning in its beauty and the amount of information it contains. Called the Pillars of Creation, we were impressed back in 1995 when the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) first imaged it, revealing details never seen before. However with Webbs infrared capability the dark columns have been revealed as light, colourful, billowing pillars surrounded by a rich population of stars.

Comparison of HST and JWST images of the Pillars of Creation.

In this Astro-Update we look at how the JWST is revealing so much more than the remarkable HST. It is principally to do with the infrared capability of JWST, its larger aperture and the nature of the universe. With the Pillars of Creation it specifically has a lot to do with how light is transported through a cloud of gas and the interstellar medium. It is the same physics that explains why the sky is blue during the day and beautiful sunsets.

Join me as we explore some wonderful images, and fascinating astrophysics.

The presentation is free.

Time : 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Date : Thursday, 3 November

Enrolment and Enquires : paulpayne@relativity.net.au