Astronomy 1:1

Adorah looked in the mirror of her office, making sure her emerald green robes were sitting right. Juniper had gifted her a new robe design, and while she enjoyed wearing green, she was worried the first years might assume she was a Slytherin since everything at the school was color-coded. But it was her first day back to school, and she wanted to feel confident approaching the first years. The first years, no matter what semester, had a little air of chaos around them, trickling throughout the castle. As the students came in, she stood at the doorway greeting them and letting them know they could sit anywhere. As the bell rang, she went to her desk, took attendance, and then looked up at the numerous eleven-year-olds in front of her.

"Hello, hello! Welcome to your first-ever Astronomy class! I'm Professor Zumwalt, and I'll be your Astronomy professor until the fourth year," she said, feeling odd as she let those words come out of her mouth; that was such a long time, and she wondered if she'd still be happy teaching at their fourth year. "Over the course of this subject, we are going to explore the Solar System, black holes, galaxies far away, and even our closest neighbors in space," Adorah continued excitedly.

"So, can anyone tell me - what is Astronomy?" Adorah asked generally. A few hands went up, and she let each of them take a guess, absorbing their answers. She continued as she walked around the room, as it eased some of her anxiety. "All of those are wonderful guesses, two house points to each of you who were brave enough to take a guess. If we're looking at a very simple definition, astronomy is the study of things in the sky! All the stuff out there in space is our subject, and we, as budding astronomers, are going to explore from the comfort of our own astronomical home." Professor Zumalt paused for a moment to catch how the first years were reacting. There were a few wide-eyed looks of confusion, but most of the eleven year olds were paying attention.

"When you look through a telescope to study the phenomena of space, you become an astronomer, and for as long as intelligent creatures have been present on Earth, we've been looking up to the sky and studying the stars," Adorah continued. "Astronomy is probably one of the only classes you'll study here that has a direct link in the muggle world. For nearly all of history, we wizards have worked with exceptional muggles in the field of astronomy, even passing things we have learned along so muggles can further advance their own scientific findings," Professor Zumwalt said, leaning into their first conversation for the year. "Copernicus, in fact, was the first wizard to inform muggles that the Earth is not the center of the universe. His logic wasn't exactly correct, but it ultimately began to pave the way for astronomy and the understanding of the Universe we have today," she said glancing up at the clock, noticing they only had a few moments left together.

"Well, we're about out of time so I'll have to leave my lecturing at that. This week, we just have some simple homework, a sort of getting-to-know-you questionnaire, probably something you've done in other classes. Please hand this in next week! I look forward to seeing you all then!" Professor Zumwalt said waving her wand so the door flew open, letting the students flow out as they will.

--
For full credit, RP the Lesson.
Any student who makes a guess at what astronomy is, correct or not, will receive 2 extra credit points.
For additional extra credit (3 points), fill out the sheet.

[b]Name:
House and Year:
Favorite Book:
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy?[/b]

 

[Elijah Edogawa]

Astronomy wasn't too far from the common room, and so even though it was taking place at night (duh, astronomy) and he was very tired, he didn't mind it so much. She said they could sit anywhere and so he did, taking a place up against one of the walls in the room. His eyes were as wide as they could be for a slightly sleepy tween as he took in the room with curiosity. The emerald green of the Professor's robes caught his attention at first, but he quickly dismissed them and any assumptions of her house allegiance. Things here worked weirdly, none of this house stuff mattered in Mohoutokoro, so he was never sure what thing was important and what thing wasn't. He pulled out his parchment and quill, ready to take notes for the class.

As Professor Zumwalt introduced herself and the course, Eli listened intently, his interest piqued by the mention of exploring black holes and distant galaxies. When she asked the class to define astronomy, Eli raised his hand immediately. "Astronomy is the study of stars and planets and all the other objects in space," he said, hoping his answer was close to what she was looking for. After hearing a few other guesses, Professor Zumwalt awarded points and gave a brief, captivating lecture on the history and importance of astronomy. Eli jotted down key points, his excitement growing with each new piece of information. The idea of muggles and wizards working together in the field intrigued him, especially the mention of Copernicus.​

What is Astronomy?

• Several definitions from classmates:
  
  • Study of stars and planets.
  • Study of objects in space.
  • Study of things in the sky.
• Professor Zumwalt's simple definition: Astronomy is the study of things in the sky.
  
  • Encompasses all objects in space, like stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes.

Historical Context:

• Astronomy is a field with a direct link to the muggle world.
• Wizards and muggles have collaborated in the field of astronomy for centuries.
• Example: Copernicus:
  
  • First wizard to inform muggles that the Earth is not the centre of the universe.
  • Though his logic was not entirely correct, it paved the way for modern astronomical understanding.

Course Overview:

• Topics we will cover:
  
  • The Solar System
  • Black holes
  • Distant galaxies
  • Our closest neighbours in space

When the class ended, Eli carefully took the questionnaire sheet and packed his things. He found a quiet corner in the library to fill out the sheet and then made sure it went back to the Professor, along with his essay from earlier. It was common practice to start the year with an essay back in Mohoutokoro and so he hoped the Professor wouldn't mind.​

Name: Elijah Edogawa

House and Year: Ravenclaw First year
Favourite Book: Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy? I am hoping to learn about the formation of black holes and the mysteries of dark matter. I am also interested in understanding how different celestial bodies interact and influence each other.​

The Significance of Astronomy: Bridging Magical and Muggle Worlds
​

Astronomy, the scientific study of celestial bodies and the universe has long captivated the minds of both wizards and muggles alike.This ancient discipline explores the mysteries of stars, planets, galaxies, and the vast expanse of space, seeking to understand the fundamental workings of the cosmos. The importance of astronomy extends beyond mere academic interest; it serves as a bridge between the magical and muggle worlds, fostering collaboration and shared discoveries that have advanced our collective knowledge of the universe.

source source​

Out of Character:

I'm so sorry, Eli is a heckin nerd

 

[Lumos Walden-Cade]

Was that student actually taking notes?

Lumos was too tired to even function, let alone to take notes. He yawned as he sat in the corner listening to the Professor talk about what they would be learning. There was much too much going on right now for Lumos to follow along with his mind not working so late at night. His common room was practically the whole castle away so it was okay for some people but he was too tired after having to fight the stairs to get to the top just to do a lesson. Also, it's basically in the middle of the night, what's the point of having a lesson in the middle of the night anyway? It doesn't make any sense to Lumos.

He wasn't sure when he'd fallen asleep, but eventually he felt someone kick him as they were heading out and so he knew it was probably best if he actually got up and attempted to to go back to bed or something. He was too tired to think about anything because he hadn't gotten any sleep last night either. Whoops. This might become a problem if he wasn't careful.
​

Name: Lumos Walden-Cade
House and Year: Slytherin (isnt this a first year class, shouldn't you know this already?)
Favourite Book: Uhm Tales of Beedle the Bard
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy? When I get to nap.​

 

[Ondine Physwick]

Ondine arrived at the Astronomy tower a good fifteen minutes early for class. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, until other students began to join her, one by one, so that the silence was as awkward as possible. She was almost grateful when the noisier children showed up and took the pressure off, although she was certainly no less uncomfortable. Well, Ma warned you, she thought miserably. She said it wouldn’t be easy. It’s all about compromise, remember? ‘In this world, you can be yourself, or you can be well-liked, but you’ll not be both.’ That seemed to suggest a choice. What was it to be?

The door opened then, and Ondine scuttled through it. The library back home contained books on all sorts of esoteric subjects, but surprisingly few about astronomy. Ondine supposed the alignment of the planets was of as much use to her ma’s work as a rubber scalpel, which was a pity, because she had always found the night sky fascinating. All that empty space - there had to be a reason for it, didn’t there? And if it was a subject at Hogwarts, there was bound to be magic involved.

Ondine made careful notes, underlining important names and details she wanted to research later. The lesson flew by, and before she knew it, she was packing her notebook back into her satchel. On her way out, she paused in front of Professor Zumwalt. She had a question, but the moment she opened her mouth, her mind went blank. Reddening, she hurried out.

 

[Winnie Calida]

Winnie was newly sorted and ready to get to it. She had her first class and was up, bright and early for it. She’d gone for a run first thing, making sure that she was keeping in shape and knowing that an active body was good for the mind. She had the new versions of all the books she would need and the best parchment. Winnie had plans to speak to each of her professors within this first week, she needed to be able to do so. To make sure she could get any extra credit necessary and put herself on good terms with each of her professors. The girl then packed up the last of what she needed, checked her uniform was on perfectly and then headed out of the room.

Winnie had worked well during the day and was ready for the astronomy class, she felt ready for it, despite the later hour of when it was taking place. She took her spot in the room, giving a wave to the professor who would hopefully remember her from their introduction not that long before. Winnie took out her parchment and a quill and then raised her hand to answer the question, but one of the ravenclaw boys got to it first. She tried to not be annoyed by that. The professor moved on from that, giving them more of an explanation about it. She followed along with ease and took a couple of notes. However, they didn’t do much beyond an introduction. The homework was such a non-piece of it she didn’t want to really call it homework. She filled out the form and then headed out of the room.

Name: Winnie Calida
House and Year: Slytherin, 1st
Favorite Book: Currently: The Human Cosmos: A Secret History of the Stars
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy? Anything

 

[Kanako Kurosawa]

Kanako yawned daintily, taking a seat in the astronomy classroom. She wasn't particularly interested in astronomy - it was just planets and stars, wasn't it? - she didn't quite understand what was so 'magical' about it. She took out her parchment anyway to take notes. She got bored halfway through though, and started thinking about sleep, and dreaming, and her bed down in the dungeons...Kanako held back a yawn. It really was too late in the evening for this sort of thing. By the time the lesson was over, Kanako was indeed ready for sleep. She made sure to fill the homework out though though her irritation shone through.

Name: Kanako Kurosawa
House and Year: Slytherin, First Year
Favorite Book: Books are rather dull, professor.
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy? Something interesting, if you can manage it.

 

[Cal Greenleaf]

Cal struggled to get too excited over astronomy, he was more focused on learning spells than explaining what was going on up in the cosmos. He was tucked away in the back of the classroom, still paying attention though he found his thoughts wondering at times. Cal checked his pocket watch watching the minutes struggle by. Finally when it was close to go, Cal filled out his worksheet and handed it in before leaving the class.

Name: Cal Greenleaf
House and Year: Slytherin, First Year
Favorite Book: Sonnets of a Sorcerer
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy?: Probably something to do with black holes

 

[Vikram Bakshi]

Vikram was prepared to begin his schooling. With his bag strategically packed and his uniform carefully pressed, he left the tower and walked to class. He wasn't the first one there, but he didn't mind, just taking a seat beside Winnie. He settled down, setting up his space the way he liked, smiling at Winnie as class started.

He turned his attention to the Professor.and listened to the woman speak. He took a few notes of what was said. He was expecting the introductions for their first lessons, and read over the page given to them. He filled his out easily, turning it in and lingering so that Winnie could walk back with him if she'd like.

Name: Vikram Bakshi
House and Year: Ravenclaw, First Year
Favorite Book: Currently: The Lord of the Rings
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy? I'm hoping for a passing knowledge on the subject- do you have any books or material you'd recommend we read/study along with the coursework?

 

[Eoghan Blyth]

Eoghan wasn't sure how he felt about Astronomy, although maybe that was because he knew nothing about it. He liked to be prepared but on this occasion, he felt way out of his depth and it made him feel incredibly uncomfortable. As he entered the classroom he took a seat on his own near the back, hoping that maybe he could read additional notes while the professor was talking, and take in twice as much in one lesson.

It was one thing to learn what was in the sky, but for those who were still trying to learn about what was right in front of them, wasn't that the priority? He made some notes for his homework, his handwriting neat and precise, and taking it up to the front of the class. He had half a mind to be on the lookout for a certain Ravenclaw, but since he still didn't know what he was supposed to say to her, he'd left for the common room once more in silence. At least being in this house, their rooms were just next door.​

Name: Eoghan Blyth
House and Year: Ravenclaw 1st
Favorite Book: The Predictions of Tycho Dodonus
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy?: Whether the stars affect our futures​

 

[Lilith Ilves]

Lilith walked into the Astronomy class room and her face morphed into what she could only assume was an expression of utter awe. Back home she had loved anything and everything to do with the sky, stars and planets. Though her parents were both magical, she still had only had access to muggle versions of material about anything to do with space, her heart was filled with joy at the possibilities of what she might learn about it all here at Hogwarts. The girl took a seat at the front of the class, wanting to be as close to the professor and study materials in the front of the room as possible.

As the professor asked her question Lilith contemplated whether or not she should take a guess. Deciding this would be her safest class to break the ice she lifted her hand. "Astronomy is the study of planets and space and of course stars. The physical universe so to say." Her voice wasn't quiet, but it wasn't the loudest one in the room either. Lilith let her hand drop on the table after answering and for the rest of the class she just listened. Before leaving the class she returned the form at the professors desk, before taking her leave.

Name: Lilith Ilves
House and year: Ravenclaw, year one.
Favourite Book: Atlas of Celestial Anomalies by: M. P. N. Carneirus
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy?: What effect does it have on all things magic and what is out there. What is the universe and all the stars made of?

 

[Amory Raven]

Astronomy was surely a subject Amory wasn't the most excited about. Nothing about the planets and space sparked the young boys interest. He was more keen on learning about the real magic and what it was all about. Charms, spells, usage of such abilities, but he supposed he just had to push through. So there he was, at the back of the room sitting, quietly observing. Taking very few notes, eager to get it over with. Resisting the urge to yawn, the first year got his assignment done and over with, if only so that he could leave.

Name: Amory Raven
House and Year: Slytherin year one? If the name of the class doesn't already suggest so.
Favorite Book: Ah well from the few magical ones I had time to read in this limited time The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy?: To leave.

 

[Sayuri Edogawa]

Sayuri wasn't all that interested in Astronomy, but she'd already decided that she was going to try and get decent grades in all of her classes. It was hard to maintain interest, however, at the long climb at such a late hour. She found Elijah upon entering and settled beside him. She wasn't surprised that he was still taking notes in class since he's always been diligent. Sayuri had no such intentions in this class. Her plan was to attend class for attendance, learn from the book, and submit class assignments as needed. The bare minimum to do well enough by her standards. She had no plans to be mediocre nor to excel properly in the class. She could barely gather enough attention as it is with the too-exuberant professor; it was tiring her out even more. When the class had finally ended, she bid Elijah a good night and stuffed the homework with her book, planning to do it in the morning.
​

Name: Sayuri Edogawa
House and Year: Slytherin, 1st Year
Favorite Book: Kojiki
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy? Astronomy

 

[Demi Zephyr]

Demi had almost been late for her first Astronomy lesson, despite it being next door to the common room. She was a little sad because there were so few classes she got to share with the Gryffindors, which meant that Demi felt like she was further away from her friends than she would have liked. Spotting Lilith however, Demi smiled and crossed the room to sit at the front of the class with the girl she'd recently met, hoping that maybe she'd be more company than those who didn't even bother to look her way.

As she was taking notes, Demi wondered how the next few years would develop in this subject. She knew their classes were likely to get harder as the years went on, and it wasn't like this class was particularly hard, but she was interested to know how Astronomy was broken up into what was considered a bigger priority to learn. Demi filled in her homework sheet, handing it to the professor before she headed out the room, ready to get back into her bed.​

Name: Demi Zephyr
House and Year: Ravenclaw 1st Year
Favorite Book: Kojiki
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy?: The stars

 

[Rhea Moss]

Rhea had always been fascinated and interested in the stars, because she used to watch the stars with her father since she was a child, and if she was honestly able to recognize any constellation or star, she would love to learn something else interesting that she didn't know yet and plus it never hurt to improve her knowledge. If her knowledge was not complete and now in the astronomy lesson she will learn something that she didn't know before and because astronomy was such a science that could always discover something that had never existed before.

She entered the classroom, sat down in the remaining free seat and made herself comfortable to listen to what the professor said, which seemed important Rhea wrote down and underlined. Then, when the professor explained everything, she asked them to write a small assignment, which did not seem complicated, that could be completed quickly and handed over just as quickly. The girl quickly got to work, after a few minutes everything was ready, and then she could hand it over to the professor. After that, she takes her things to go to the next lesson. However, wait until next week to see what will be expected in the astronomy lesson.

Name: Rhea Moss
House and Year: Ravenclaw, First Year
Favorite Book: Currently Indu Sundaresan's "Shadow Princess"
What are you hoping to learn about in Astronomy? About the planets, about the moon, about the constellations and about the phases of the moon, the meteor shower.