14th May 2018 | The Paris Observatory launches a new MOOC

16 May 2018

The Paris Observatory launches its 4th MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), on its France Université Numérique (FUN) platform, with the title “Soleil - Sun!”. The course will start on Monday May 14th 2018 and will end on Monday June 18th. Registration is possible up to June 11th 2018.

The FUN offer is thereby enriched by a new theme : “All there is to know about our star, the Sun!”.

Course starts on: Monday May 14thi 2018
Course ends on: Monday, June 18th 2018.

Check out the MOOC teaser on FUN :

The course program

This MOOC provides the tools needed to understand how our Sun functions, as well as question raised by research.

The Sun is not just any astrophysical object; due to its proximity, it affects the space environment of the Earth. The infra-red and visible radiation furnish the energy needed for the development of life on Earth.

Phenomena taking place in the solar atmosphere lead to perturbations of the terrestrial magnetic field and upper atmosphere, which can affect human technological activities.

The course extends over five weeks:

  • Week 1*: Solar physics - identity card and energy production.
  • Week 2*: Solar physics - energy transfer and atmosphere.
  • Week 3*: Solar physics - corona and solar wind.
  • Week 4*: Magnetic field instability: solar eruptive activity.
  • Week 5*: The solar activity cycle and Sun-Earth relations.
Soleil
© Observatoire de Paris

This MOOC does not deliver a diploma, but a certificate to those who attended the entire course. Each week, there will be a test to evaluate the knowledge which has been acquired. A discussion forum facilitates direct contact with the pedagogic team.