The AAA offers astronomy related courses at beginner and intermediate levels. Some meet for six weeks, others for four and two weeks. Single session classes are sometimes scheduled. At this time classes are online via Zoom. Check course descriptions below.
The tuition for a 6-week course is $75 for AAA members, $85 for non-members. For a 4-week course it’s $50 and $ 60. For a single fee-based class it’s $12.5 and $20.
Not a member yet? Become a member.
Registration opens three weeks before the start date and closes two weeks after the first class. Class members can review the material or catch up if they were absent by watching class recordings. Links to the recordings are sent to class members and posted in the class’ Google Classroom (GC) after each meeting. Recordings remain available for about four weeks after the course ends.
FREE COURSES
- Occasionally single talks are offered without tuition.
- Our two introductory 6-session courses, Astronomy 101 and 102, are free to members taking them for the first time. These will be posted below.
Astronomy Before the Telescope (2025)
ZoomWednesday's, 7-9 PM, online. March 26; April 2, 9, 23, 30; May 7.
We scan ancient understanding of astronomy in England, Egypt, Indian, Islamic centers, medieval and renaissance Europe, China, and elsewhere. What instruments did they develop before Galileo's introduction of the telescope?
$75/$90. Click title above for details.
Introduction to Night Sky Photography (2025)
ZoomThursdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12. Two are field classes in Central Park.
Use your DSLR or mirrorless camera to get intriguing, well-composed sky images.
Click title above for all details.
Ways of Knowing: Eclipse Stories (2025)
Tuesday, May 20, 7-8:30 PM online
Authenticated cultural stories on what occurs during an eclipse.
Click on title above for details.
Gateway Telescopes Presentation #7
May 28, 7-8:30, online. FREE
Information about and viewing of recent images from AAA's Gateway Telescopes Program.
Click on title above for details.
Goodbye Gaia, Stunning Work!
A FREE CLASS. Tuesday, June 10, 7-9 PM online.
Summarizing the ground-breaking findings of an amazing telescope, just retired.
Click on title above for details.
Tour of the Summer Sky (2025)
ZoomThursday, June 19, 7-9 PM online.
FREE online tour of the Summer night sky.
Click title above for details
Finding Exoplanets (2025)
July 8 and 15, online, 7-9 PM
The theory and practice of detecting planets around stars.
Illustrated with data taken from AAA Gateway's remote telescopes in Texas and Chile.
Click on title above for details.
Accessing the class
When registering in the TICKETS window you must first select the number desired.
Once registration is completed, a confirmation email is sent. It contains the link to the Google Classroom (GC) which is vital, containing a Welcome letter and the link to the Zoom classes. Immediately click on the GC link so you are added to the roster of the class.
Classes under construction or consideration
• Basics of Astronomy and the Solar System (“Astronomy 101”) Fall 2025. These six lectures are now free to members.
• Current Missions. Review of ongoing space programs. 2025
• Presentations from “Gateway” project – remote telescopes in Texas & Chile. Scheduled bimonthly as free events.
- Night Sky Photography – using cameras not telescopes. May 2025
- Urban Astrophotography: Solar System Imaging. Fall 2025
- Astrobiology
Got an idea for a class? Please let us know!
We’re eager to receive suggestions about classes, including topics that may not have been addressed yet. Also we encourage members to present individual talks or classes on subjects they are familiar with and would be willing to share with other members. Send an email to [email protected] with your suggestions and topics you’d be able to present.
Past classes
Pricing
A request for a fee reduction due to hardship is welcome and should be sent to [email protected].