Clearlake >> Dr. Christopher Hodges will teach astronomy during the fall semester at the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College.
Astronomy 1L will feature a survey of the solar system, stars, galaxies, history and tools of astronomy, cosmology and exploration of space. There is also a lab that goes along with the class. The lab will cover the study and interpretation of astronomical observations through the use of prepared astronomy exercises, the use of telescopes or computer simulations of telescopes, naked eye observation of celestial bodies and laboratory activities using various quantitative measuring devices.
Hodges has taught for eight years at San Francisco State University and University of California, Riverside. His interest in astronomy started when he took his first community college class when he was still in high school. He’s hopeful to bring a similar experience this fall to the Lake County Campus.
“This is a very exciting time in astronomy,” Hodges said, “our observations and understanding of the universe have exploded over the last two decades.”
From Hubble telescope images, detection of more than 3,000 exoplanets, flybys of Pluto, to the plethora of information obtained by the Mars rovers, there are so many new discoveries in astronomy, Hodges says.
A discussion of the numerous modern results and what we should expect in the next decade will be part of Astronomy 1L offered on the campus.
Hodges believes that Lake County is a perfect place to discuss astronomy. The lack of big city lights allows for optimal views of night skies filled with celestial bodies. This should allow for good visuals during the lab exercises.
Hodges is not just an astronomy instructor, he’s also a physicist. He has created antimatter, has hit the speed of light limit, turned mercury into gold, and measured the age of the planets.
Anyone interested in registering for this new and class should make an appointment with a counselor at (707) 995-7900, visit the admissions office located at 15880 Dam Road Extension in Clearlake, or visit our website at lcc.yccd.edu.
