OLLI-UA Offerings

Our knowledge and understanding of the universe have expanded at an unprecedented rate in recent years with new discoveries frequently reported in the news media. In this class, we will discuss the background of some of these developments and their significance for our bigger picture of the universe. Topics will depend on what has been in the news recently but will certainly include the first scientific results from the new James Webb Space Telescope and developments from some of the many missions that are exploring our solar system. Other topics suggested by the students will also be included. No background in science will be assumed. This class has been offered previously but new topics are discussed each time.

Instructor: Ed Schmidt

Ed Schmidt was a professor of astronomy at the University of Nebraska for four decades. He taught a variety of astronomy classes ranging from introductory classes for non-science majors to junior-senior classes for students majoring in physics. He has conducted research with the telescopes at Kitt Peak National Observatory as well as at other observatories all over the world (Nebraska, Texas, California, Australia, Canada, Chile, England, Israel) and in space. Following his retirement in 2012, he often taught OLLI courses in Nebraska and in Green Valley. He has also volunteered as a tour guide at Whipple Observatory for several years.