SnitchSeeker.com - Astronomy Lesson :: Terraforming [ a brief introduction ]

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- Term 42: January - April 2016 (https://www.snitchseeker.com/term-42-january-april-2016/)

- - Astronomy Lesson :: Terraforming [ a brief introduction ] (https://www.snitchseeker.com/term-42-january-april-2016/astronomy-lesson-terraforming-a-brief-introduction-103115/)

Zeke didn't care for Astronomy, at all. He didn't need it, didn't understand it, and had long since given up on it. But unfortunately he wouldn't be able to drop it until his sixth year. Sighs for life. Why he had to go through the hassle of Astronomy O.W.Ls was beyond him.

Fiddling with his space blanket thing that was all shiny and distracting, Zeke let his mind wonder to other thoughts and subjects that weren't at all related to WHY they studied Astronomy. It just wasn't relevant. In the same way that Divination wasn't relevant - but okay, that was a little bit harsh, putting the two in the same box. He was 100% aware that Flamsteed would have his head if he'd been aware of that categorisation. Divination was bogus... yes, but Astronomy was boring.

No offence, Flammers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daydreamer11 (Post 11859009)

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"I think we study Astronomy because we are curious about the unknown. I think people are naturally curious......at least I know I am. We know so much about the world we live in, but space........well that is entirely different. We are just a tiny piece of the ginormous universe and we want to know more about it. You know, the final frontier and all." Janelle couldn't help it. She had to throw in the Star Trek reference.

As for why it was a required subject at Hogwarts.........well that required a little more thought. "And.....um......I think we are required to take the class because.........we.....need to.........broaden our minds, think outside the box and realize that there is much more "out there" than we could ever imagine." Ok that didn't even make sense to Janelle. She had given it her best shot though. Looking down, she grabbed her quill and prepared to take notes.

"Thank you, Miss Guidry," he nodded to the Ravenclaw at the conclusion of her response. "You touched upon many important topics just now. Well done."

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpiritWolfe Malfoy (Post 11859010)

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As for the question being asked at the start of the lesson she raised her hand. "I think we take Astronomy to help broaden our minds about the unknown. To show us that just because things can't be seen don't mind it's not happening all around us." This was a rather vague answer but it could be true on many levels.

"Very good, Miss Lynch," he saluted the fifth year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelsheen (Post 11859011)

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"Well sailors had to study it to get to places. Cant put sign posts out at sea, so they use the stars so they wont get lost." Nod nod. Sailors are such smart people. "And we are required to take it cuz..... uhm.... I dunno, cuz its paid for? Dad says just cuz we got money don’t mean we should treat it like toilet paper."

Merlin. Could you imagine using galleons, sickles, or knut for to, er, to take care of matters in the loo? The astronomer gave a noticeable shudder at the thought and wrinkled his nose.

Although it DID dawn on the man after another moment that that was not what the first year was referring to. Seeing as those were not paper. Admiral Obvious was in the house.

"Sailors and navigation, excellent, Mr. Salander," he nodded eagerly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19 (Post 11859022)

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The first year considered the questions posed to them before raising her hand. "Curiosity, Professor. Many of us would like to know what is happening in space, what happened and what will likely happen.'' She did know this was how it was for her at least. The thirst for knowledge was always there. "I agree with Janelle's answer to the second question and would also like to add that knowing about the stars and so forth could come in handy should we ever get lost, for example, since they could be used for navigation.''

"Very good, Miss Watson," he replied, bowing his head politely towards the first year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meizzner (Post 11859033)

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"They want to study the heavens because it is the unknown and we could not go up there in the very distant past. Plus the unknown is always fascinating."

It was true. Why do you think kids wanted to know about the Dark Arts.

"We also study it so we don't confuse it with Astrology."

The unknown WAS always fascinating and Airey was nodding his head eagerly to show his agreement.

Especially for that second half of the young man's answer, which elicited two thumbs up from the man. Yes. That. Yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo (Post 11859040)

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"They study it because it's unknown and people don't like not knowing things." It was kinda like asking a ton of questions when you met someone knew. Had to know all about them in case they were proper friend material or in the worst case, they could be really mean and need avoiding...or lesson teaching...but maybe not in such huuuuge ways as the feast.
...

"Indeed," he agreed with Mr. Blaise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean Granger (Post 11859046)

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He raised his hand and said, "I think we are interested to know more about the universe, so that we understand more about what we are." As for why it was a subject at Hogwarts, same reason right?
...

"YES, very good, Mr. Leonard," Airey cheered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ ExpelliarMOOSE (Post 11859076)

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"We want to Study Astronomy because someday we all want to go fly up there as far as we can." Or at least that's what HE wanted to do. Astronomy was the class about Space right? So to get to space you have to fly, and that's what Torrance was all ABOUT! As for why it's required? "Is it because I should take the class my Head of House Teaches?" He didn't really know.

He wasn't sure he could speak for everyone, although Mr. Spades seemed to think he could, but it was still the Astronomy professor's fervent hope that he could one day see the Earth from the window of space capsule or perhaps even the International Space Station. However distant that dream may be at this point, despite the surprising recovery to his back that had occurred after the aging disease had been remedied.

"I would consider that to be more of a pleasant bonus than the sole reason to take the class," he winked at the first year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani (Post 11859083)

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Finally, some small thing jolted in her head, and she poked a finger (to serve as an arm) out of her warm bundle of blanket. "We study it so we can understand our own planet better, and how very small we are."

Yup. Which gave a nice tie-in to her next answer. "And Hogwarts teaches it so we can understand.............each other."
...

"Once we overcome our fear of being tiny," Airey interjected with a grin. "...we find ourselves on the threshold of a vast and awesome Universe that utterly dwarfs—in time, in space, and in potential—the tidy anthropocentric proscenium of our ancestors."

Not his own words, if anyone were to ask. But incredibly well spoken words from another man the professor admired greatly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BriGranger1990 (Post 11859084)

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"We like to study astronomy because we are naturally curious about the unknown. Us, humans have been studying space for centuries, yet there is so much we don't know yet, like exactly how expansive the universe is or if there is other planets with, or the capability of supporting, life on them. It truly is the final frontier. " The young girl finished up, with a grinned.

"Stellar, Miss Harrison," he saluted the Hufflepuff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lissy Longbottom (Post 11859087)

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And now on to questions! OOOOOH YAY! She raised her hand eagerly. "We study it because it's EXCITING! There's so many interesting things out there and it goes on FOREVER so we really never run out of things to study," she answered.

"It IS exciting indeed!" he concurred.

Only a slightly biased perception. Just a smidgen.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goblinfrog (Post 11859105)

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She listened to Professor Flamsteed's question. It was a interesting question, and she listened to the first few answers curiously. Then she raised her hand to give her own take. "We love looking at the heavens and studying them because they are beautiful and mysterious. I mean just look at them. Who knows what might be out there? The sky is so far away but that's part of what makes it so fun to study. Kind of like History of Magic. Like for example, I'm right now really fascinated by the Tapestry in the Fourth Floor corridor. One day I was reading Hogwarts A History and three news paper articles fell out of it. I read them and I found out that there is a whole story about that Tapestry. In the newspaper it said that three professor's were injured and had to be carried off to the Hospital Wing because of some 'mysterious force' coming from behind the Tapestry. They were okay, but then later one of the students owls was injured and the Care of Magical Creatures guy was almost killed by a red beam of light when he took his class out to look for Mooncalves! Headmistress Loryen (she was Headmistress at the time) said she knew what the attackers wanted, but she couldn't tell anyone! Anyway, after I read that article I looked behind the Tapestry and I couldn't see anything. They must have sealed it up, and that means that there is a secret passageway behind this tapestry!"

Kitty stopped then, feeling a little awkward at how far she had taken her answer. "So I guess studying the starts is like that for people." Awkward!

While he was absolutely sure that what the Ravenclaw had to say was all riveting information, the Astronomy professor had sort of tuned out her response when she began going into an epic retelling of some Hogwarts history. No fault of her own, of course. The man just had a short attention span for such thing, although he was able to cover up his vacant expression with an approving nod once she had concluded.

"Yes, very good. Miss Valentine."

Probably?

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsgisselx3 (Post 11859110)

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"People looked up at night and were like 'whoa so pretty' so then they decided they wanted to know what the pretty things were. Aaaand there was this huge ball of fire in the sky sometimes and not at other times so I'm sure they were curious about that too." Because you can't go your whole life not knowing what the big hot thing in the sky was, really. And as for why they had to learn it as students??? "And we are forced to learn it becaauuse we deserve to be taught by a cool professor like you?" A HUNDRED POINTS FOR SLYTHERIN!

Nodding in amused approval at the first part of the Slytherin's answer, the professor clear his throat and gave his own nose a few taps. "I believe you have a bit of something on your nose," he cautioned the boy. "Bit of something brown, I believe."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optimist (Post 11859113)

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That wasn’t important now, what was important was the fact that her friends were in the class with her. “I do agree with Ace…I mean Tenacius about the fact that the stars were used for navigation because they were always there…and I believe that Torrance has a point too” she grinned. “but I think what that guy…sorry” she muttered as she pointed at Dante “has a really good point about studying the unknown, the unknown is why we also study divinations I believe” she grinned. “…I also think its because of the timeless question of are we alone in this universe and the greater reaches of the galaxy” yep.

Aliens. She went there.

"Unless, of course, that star we are looking at is already dead as when we look up to the night sky we are not seeing the present but the past," he said with a small wink. Just something he had to make sure he said each term. Although this year he had left out the little bit about the start being dead also being synonymous with the death of ones dreams when falsely wishing on a 'shooting star'.

That little tidbit had never gone over so well in the past. Pity not everyone could appreciate his sense of humor on the matter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermygirl (Post 11859117)

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"Cos it's bad to limit ou'selves teh just a small area, ain't it? 'specially when dere's all dat expanse up there teh explore. 'ho knows wat we might find." She nodded upwards to imply the sky. As for why at Hogwarts? For her at least, that was easy! "Cos dere much easier to see 'ere than in the bright city lights of Lan-dan." Light pollution was definitely a thing there.

"Stellar, Miss Tyler," he said with some dramatic pointing towards the first year. "NOT limiting ourselves." That was quite nice, yes? She also received an approving nod at the implications of light pollution. Hogwarts certainly DID have its advantages in that regard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir (Post 11859146)

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He did not bother to answer the question put to the class, partly because he was only just getting around to retrieving his notebook from his bag, and partly because the only answer he had in mind was that Astronomy, the universe in general, was interesting. Not the boring kind of interesting, things people claimed were interesting and fun but were probably just lying, but the overwhelming kind of interesting. There was always something else to learn from the universe; it was limitless, there always was the opportunity to discover something that nobody else had discovered, if enough time was devoted to studying it. And aside from all that, as someone who felt as though he was not human in anything other than appearance, studying the universe and anything that was not Earth was the closest Daxton ever felt to being home.

As for why it was a compulsory subject, adults just liked telling children what to do, and what to study. It was as simple as that.

Sweet solstice.

Banishing Mr. Prince's plaque this time, Airey summoned from his desk another piece of parchment which was then handed to the Ravenclaw. "Two strikes, Mr. Prince," he whispered before moving on to the next student.

Quote:

Originally Posted by keepmeclose22 (Post 11859230)

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He raised his hand and waited to be called on. "Do we study because we want to learn more?" That was really vague, so he cleared his throat, and tried again. "What I mean is, the stars and planets all effect what we do. Planet and star alignments effect both spell casting and potion making. Everything goes hand in hand." At the very least, he knew Astronomy meant something. It wasn't just some class they took.

"Yes, all good thoughts, Mr. Moore," Airey concurred.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline (Post 11859239)

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“I think we study the heavens, and its a required class, for the same reason we study history. So that we can try to understand what came before in hopes that it would help as know about and possibly understand today.” Grandfather Nairne would likely agree, the man having shown her an appreciation for history at least.

"Excellent connection, Miss Stone," he nodded. And surely what her housemate had been getting to in her spirited speech about history earlier, only in a MUCH more concise manner. The astronomer greatly appreciated that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squishy (Post 11859242)

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The questions he asked were interesting, but everyone else was already voicing what she would have responded with. Instead of sounding like a broken record she decided to begin taking notes. Hopefully they would get to the activity portion soon, because unlike Teddy she wasn't big on theory.

Airey nodded his head politely to the Hufflepuff as she listened to her classmates' answers. Attention listening would earn you an O in his lessons just as well as one could for answering everything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna Banana (Post 11859262)

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"I think it's because the heavens are way, way up there and out of our reach, and we're curious about the things that are THAT far away. OH, and you know what else I think? I think that people know there are some pretty scary things out there! Things that can crash into us and change everything," she said. "That's why we study Astronomy at Hogwarts. We need to know what's out there, too. OHH!!! And, there's some potions that require knowledge about the moon to brew the right way."
...

"Quite true," he nodded. Naturally, Miss Greingoth would know all about Potions. Or was that an unreasonable assumption to have about the young woman.

Truth be told, he was just starting to get sweaty palms thinking about the former Potions Mistress. Much like looking at Mr. David caused his knees to quiver at the memory of the former Headmistress.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roselyn (Post 11859293)

Granted, it had nothing to do with the professor and his teaching. There were just so many answers that could be given, he didn't know which one to pick. There was no doubt some scientifically intelligent genius answer to it, but all he could come up with was, "'Cause we haven't conquered it yet."

It was also cool. Just like this room. Freezing his toes off.

Made it difficult to think.

"Ah, a VERY interesting thought, Mr. McWitty, and one that we shall be coming back to soon," he winked at the Gryffindor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sararara (Post 11859297)

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"I think people have wanted to learn about astronomy forever 'cause it's RIGHT THERE, y'know? We see the stars and moon and stuff every single night, and if that's not enough to make people curious then I dunno what is. So we study it here 'cause who wouldn't want to know about such cool stuff? AND because learning about what happens in space teaches us a lot about what happens on Earth. Which is important." Y'know, because reasons. Those were a whole nother story, though, and NOT her favorite part, so somebody else could elaborate on that. It'd probably be Soph, if she were still here. But she wasn't.

"Thank you for that, Miss Kittredge," he praised the prefect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirali (Post 11859298)

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"Because it's there." It felt as though she needed more. "It's this giant mystery that's always just sort of looming above us. Isn't that enough of a reason to want to study it? I mean, sure, it's useful for navigation, but we learned that from studying it, so that can't be what made us wonder about it in the first place, right?" She paused, pulling herself back into practicality. "As for why it's required, well, realistically, that's probably because a bunch of adults got together in a room and decided that they didn't trust students enough to think we'd understand the importance on our own and still take it if it were optional." Another little pause. "Though they probably wouldn't phrase it that way if you asked them."

Airey was smiling through the first half of the Ravenclaw's answer....and then sighing and resisting the urge to sigh at the latter half. He did not, for the record, but he still blinked a few times at the first year.

Blinking...and silent.

Just going to...er...move along. Smile and nod? Smile and nod.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarcasticStrawberry (Post 11859315)

Oh..... Mmmm "Oh, I meant live long, and prosper!" Duh Kat duh! Her cheeks were very red. Well this was a tad bit embarrassing. Okay yes that was very embarrassing. When Kat got it her after writing on the nametag she slumped into the seat.

So she sat there quietly with the warm blanket around her. Until the lesson started. Why did people study astronomy? "Curiosity?" Or someone who was obsessed with astronomy. Yeah. That was probably why anyone would want to study astronomy.

Good. Hopefully there would be no mention of nose hair the next lesson then. AHEM.

"If there was a one word answer, Miss Delgado, I would personally endorse your answer as the one," he applauded the first year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRSCIKA (Post 11859321)

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"All life, everything around us is interconnected. Muggle or magical, we all feel that connection , even subconsciously. We heed the call of the heavens, because the cosmos is within us. We are children born of the heavens, made of star stuff."

Hopefully that was not too poetic or philosophical, the sixteen year old found herself toying with her hair to give herself a moment. As for why witches and wizards at Hogwarts needed to take it....."The cycles of the universe affect everything in life, including our magic. Different phases of the moon and cycles of the planets can optimize a spell or affect the entire outcome of certain potions." Well, she had spoken enough for now. Ilia found the older she got, the less shy she was and the more she spoke.

"STELLAR," he exclaimed, bending at the knees as though he were about to leap upon the Slytherin's desk. He, however, ceased his movements right there as he recalled just HOW much it would project him into the air and right now simply was not the time for that. That would come later. Heh. "Take 5 points for your response, Miss Valke."

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl (Post 11859342)

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Now then, onto to the bright star man's question. "Space, as they say, is the final frontier," David answered with his hand up, unknowingly referencing something which was maaaaaaybe important to his professor. "We look up because it's the last place we have to go. And we wizards have to help the Muggles study space because we're very good at advancing science, and advances we make for Astronomy's sake also benefit other areas of life. Like.... medicine!" There, that was a good answer. Think of all the Healers at St. Mungo's they were helping right now. Sort of.

'Unknowingly'. Airey beamed at Mr. David and gave the boy a thumbs up for his answer. Although he personally believed muggles did a fine job of advancing their own science, but that was not to say that both wizarding and mugglekind did not help each other along the way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin (Post 11859358)

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"We push our boundaries. We always have. It's human nature. There's an ocean to cross, we cross it. There's another ocean, a continent, the distance to the moon, to Mars... and beyond. There's a whole galaxy to discover."

"Excellent, Miss Wojack-Gusey, and very inspirational as well," he applauded the prefect. "Take 3 points."

Quite the silver tongue the sixth year possessed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeasleyGirl (Post 11859375)

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And the wood plaque appeared. It looked good, even his middle name. Mhm. Alright the class started and first question. He thought for a minute and after he raised his hand, "Because it is cool, I mean, there are so many things in the universe that we can find and learn about. New galaxies, planets, stars" all that "It is a big mystery of what else could there be" Did it made sense? Hopefully.

"Very good, Mr. Foster," he nodded to the prefect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Marmalade (Post 11859453)

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She thought for a moment before raising her hand to answer the questions that was asked. "Umm... I agree that we study it because we're curious and also isn't our survival linked to the cosmos? I mean the near star heats the earth and the phases of the moon with the ocean tides." she replied, before covering a yawn. It was basic information that everyone should know about the sun and moon and how they affected the earth. She wasn’t too sure why young witches and wizards had to study it, but she had a feeling that it probably was needed to do certain magical things.

"Yes, good conclusions, Miss Milkos," he noted. "I especially like your mention humanity's survival being linked to the cosmos. Take 2 points."

Quote:

Originally Posted by feeheeheeny (Post 11859465)

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So, instead of answering aloud, Callum snuck a hand out from his cocoon to pick up his quill, completely ignoring the others' answers, and he wrote, heavily engrossed in his own thoughts [ insert brilliantly written paragraph here ]
...

It was a real pity that the first year had not voiced his thought aloud as the astronomer surely would have forgotten about the enchantments in place to seemingly influence the gravity of the classroom and made a complete fool of himself trying to jump on the young man's desk. Or perhaps it was in everyone's best interest that he had not?

In any case, the astronomer offered Mr. Kettleburn a nod and a smile for his diligent note taking and attentive listening.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilFox06 (Post 11859493)

Pffft. You could have fooled her, Professor. Kaycee was still cold, thank you very much.

As for the question. She raised a space blanket covered silver hand. "It's so we stop making out in the astronomy tower. We associate it with school and it instantly loses the romance."

Yup. That was the sole purpose of this class.

BUT NOW THERE WAS SOME EXCITED POINTING. And some selective hearing.

"YES. EXCELLENT MISS RICHARDS! TAKE 5 POINTS FOR THAT OUTSTANDING REMINDER! To learn to respect and honor the sanctity that is the shrine of scientific inquiry. Those who dishonor this and misconstrue the beauty of the cosmos as an excuse for osculation will find themselves in detention."

Mr. Zeke and Miss Traulton knew ALL about that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarShine (Post 11859495)

..."To add to what my classmates said," she said in a clear tone confidently, "we study it to time some potions ingredients. Polyjuice is a good example of that: we need to pick fluxweeds at full moon." Hear that, class? She had been a student here for barely a few days, and she already knew about Polyjuice AND potion ingredients.

"And, I think, to know our limits, because we can only advance as far as the universe itself."

Did the professor like her answer?

"Excellent, Miss Moss," he applauded the first year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by griffin (Post 11859515)

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"Some ancient cultures used astronomy to create calendars to assist in agriculture so people knew when to plant and when to harvest crops. Beyond ancient agricultural interests, there is the want to develop an understanding of the universe, a desire for knowledge. Curiosity. " Penelope took note of her ideas on her parchment. It was always interesting to see what ideas she and her classmates could come up with.

"Very insightful, Miss Wright." And thank you for...disposing of that pygmy puff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mell (Post 11859520)

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She wrote down what the other students were saying but she felt that she should add something. "Maybe it's to prove that the moon isn't made out of cheese." She said with her hand raised in the air.

“That...has already been disproved some time ago,” he chuckled at the first year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurange (Post 11859529)

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Deep breath, Woods. "Because even though it might not be magical in itself - though it's science and science is pretty much magic - it influences other magic. Like how picking fluxweed at the new moon is different from picking it at the full moon or half moon. It changes Potions, Herbology, I think it effects Charms and Transfiguration too, like certain spells are more potent at different times but I can't prove that." He was calm, yeah, totally calm. ~~That was such a lie. Stop lying to yourself, Brian Woods, you are freaking out~~. "Basically, professor, as much as I wish we learned Astronomy simply because it's cool, we learn it because knowing the changes we can't really control outside our reach help us to be more ready to change the things we can control. If we say the universe is the limit of our potential, and the universe is expanding, then so do our potentials."

And the Hufflepuff slumped back in his seat and resumed note-taking. Who knew in-class participation took so much effort?

“Stellar, Mr. Woods,” he nodded. “Very good.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegz (Post 11859530)

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"Astronomy isn't just about stars and big stuff up there in the sky, its about time and distance and location and learning about how to measure those things based on what we see up there and when we see it, depending where we are when we do the looking, and like...use those measurements in life and stuff!" Definitely cool.

............. a burning question occurred to her ALL OF A SUDDEN, and she tacked it onto her answer. "Professor have any snails ever been in space?!"

“Outstanding, Miss Kettleburn,” he praised, settling for some dramatic pointing since jumping was still out of the question for now.

As for her question…

“They have. In fact, snails make great little astronauts. I can point you in the direction of some additional reading on the subject after class if you would like.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomRaven (Post 11859538)

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It's mandatory. Ava almost wanted to say that but clearly Professor Flamsteed wouldn't be pleased to hear that. So she raised her hand and answered. "It's important because... It makes us realize that the universe is so huge and this world is not as a same size as a pea." Yes, there are any other planets, stars, moon... EVERYTHING!

Nope. No exceptions. Save for those spiked oreo cookies from last term that is!

“A pea is still a generous size comparison,” he chuckled.

VERY generous, really.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hera (Post 11859544)

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Fiddling with his space blanket thing that was all shiny and distracting, Zeke let his mind wonder to other thoughts and subjects that weren't at all related to WHY they studied Astronomy. It just wasn't relevant. In the same way that Divination wasn't relevant - but okay, that was a little bit harsh, putting the two in the same box. He was 100% aware that Flamsteed would have his head if he'd been aware of that categorisation. Divination was bogus... yes, but Astronomy was boring.

No offence, Flammers.

We see you, Mr. Zeke. You and your pseudo attentive listening.

And thank Merlin the man was not a Legilimens.

------------------------------

Nodding his head approvingly at the class, the professor turned towards his pet rock and jabbed his thumb towards the class in a very 'will you get a load at all that brilliance?' sort of manner. With a few exceptions, that is, but overall very impressive.

"Stellar," he applauded the class. Hopefully they all had been paying attention to what their classmates had been saying. Especially that bit about NOT snogging in the Astronomy Tower. "As many of you alluded to in your answers, astronomy is much more than any textbook definition will tell you and why humanity has elected to pursue knowledge in the cosmos is quite varied. While many may consider it to be more of a modern science, it has, in fact, been around since the dawn of humankind. We are all descended from astronomers and carry within us innate curiosity to look up to the sky and wonder why. To echo the sentiment of many of you, when we study astronomy, we are not only learning about the universe we exist in...but we are learning about ourselves as well and seeing how the very atoms that make up our bodies are a part of the grand design that is the universe. Astronomy connects us all. As many of you already mentioned, Astronomy has strong connections with many of the other subjects taught here at Hogwarts and is also extremely important with the study of Alchemy. Furthermore, what we cover today and in the coming weeks will all be applicable information to be used on a joint field trip with Herbology and Muggle Studies later on in the term."

Yes. Here was a carrot and he was dangling it. Although he was not all that fond of carrots personally. Dangling a danish would have been the more appealing term.

"Now, I can't help but notice you are all experiencing mild discomfort," he mused with a cheeky little grin. He was quite content over here with his Bubble Head Charm and space blanket suit. Heh. "Are the conditions in the classroom not hospitable? How could conditions in the classroom be adjusted to make it a more comfortable environment? Please only say one thing each."

OOC: class will resume in approximately 24 hours from the time of this post ^_^

WAHHHHHHHHHHHHH SPACE SNAILS!?!!!?!!! Charlotte stood up in excitement, which turned out to be a mistake since it sent her floating UP well into the air. If she was supposed to focus on answering questions now when she was a) floating and b) there were books about SNASTRONAUTS (snail astronauts) then that was just too bad because it wasn't happening.

Ooh this was one Trixie could answer because it was so obvious. To her anyway. She raised her hand high in the air almost lifting herself out of the seat. "A little warmth would be nice." The cold hadn't been so noticeable at first but the longer she sat there, the more she could feel it.

He noticed that, 'ol HoH being taken aback by what he said, and the boy's bright blue-green eyes expressed much amusement since his grin is currently hidden behind his hands. Yeah imagine scraping those things on your downstairs. What fun. Not.

And on to the lecture. Tenacius prodded the self-writing quill with his elbow to take notes. Theres a good reason now see? Hands are busy, he's not lazy.

But whoah full stop. Did the Prof just say fieldtrip? They be goin' out yaaaas!

Are the conditions in the classroom not hospitable? Oh so the Prof was aware? "Its cold and it stinks but I thought this is just how it is for this classroom. Y'know like how swamps are swamps and not a perfumery." How can they make it more comfortable? "Uh… install windows? Keep the cold out and maybe the stink?"

As her answer was given she set her hands back down on her lap. The salute she received from Admiral Airey was welcomed with a smile. Nice. Listening to the answers of those given around her Hady couldn't help but notice that nearly everyone was covering themselves up with their space blankets. True as it was that she herself did have her own blanket covering her lap she honestly wasn't very cold. With a slight laugh under her breath she brought her attention back to the Professor.

Mentions of a joint field trip had certainly gotten her attention. Yes! Field trips were always the best! It didn't matter if said trip was boring it was a break from lessons and a chance to get outside the area of Hogwarts with friends. Whatever it happened to be this term was going to be looked forward too. However a question was asked and Hady had to cap her thoughts and focus once more. "Personally I'm used to the cold so it doesn't exactly bother me any but maybe the use of a simple heating charm or any other number of charms could be used depending on the discomfort one is currently experiencing?" A simple answer really but an answer none-the-less.

Carl pulled his blanket closer to him and shivered slightly, his cold hand no longer holding his quill. He had ... kind of given up on taking notes. But he would have seven more years of Astronomy lessons, so he would be able to catch up. For now, he was focusing on keeping himself warm. And listening to Professor Flamsteed, of course.

He thought the answer to this question was easy, if not obvious. The Hufflepuff raised his hand and when called on, said, "It would be good if we stop getting lifted up into the air whenever we move. I mean, it's fun, but a bit uncomfortable for a lesson." He was thinking of talking about the cold air, but other students have done so already, and there was a Gryffindor girl floating in the air. Oops.

Wait, why he was chuckling when she mentioned that this world is not as a same size as a pea? She didn't find any appropriate size to explain about small things beside the pea. Well, maybe she would find it later. Did he just mention about the join field trip with Herbology and Muggle Studies class too? Awesome! The young lioness just couldn't wait for that time.

And now the Astronomy Professor mentioned about how this classroom should be hospitable. Hospitable?

Well, she didn't want Professor Flamsteed to turn the classroom into as hospital. Ava didn't like hospitals. It's creepy, full of sick and dying people, it's also had a weird strong scent. But clearly, there's something wrong from this classroom. "Professor, I think we need a light and warmth from the sun. But I don't need you to change this classroom into a hospital or whatever." the young lioness spoke up.

SPOILER!!: llia <3

Henric blinked in amazement. Woah....woaaah! Where were all of her new found confidence came from?! Her answers were...absolutely spectacular! She even got herself five points from Admiral Flamsteed too! As expected of bis brilliant girlfriend, way to go llia and gave her two thumbs up. His teeth was chattering now, his blanket pulled over his head for extra coverage. He was too cold to answer the first question.*sigh*

Henric raised his hands,"Admiral s-sir...is it possible if we c-could just let the sunrays come in...a little heat generated w-would be nice too," he suggested as he tried to stop his mouth from shivering. Naturally, the side of his body leaned closer to llia. Hehe. Prince George, her petrock seemed to relish the comfort of the warm blanket. Eyeing her rock a little, he pulled his blanket closer to his body even more.

Janelle took notes as her classmates gave their answers to the first question. She kind of wished that she had brought her gloves to class because her hands were freezing (as was the rest of her). The space blanket couldn't help that and her fingers were starting to cramp up from the writing and the cold.

When Professor Flamsteed moved on to ask his second question, Janelle's hand shot up into the air. She was too slow apparently because someone presented her answer before she had a chance to share it. The hot air charm would definitely be good to warm things up in the classroom. By the time Janelle was called on, she had switched to plan B or answer B, as the case may be.

"We could definitely stand for the room to be made warmer. Maybe bluebell flames could help a little bit." As for the incredible stench, well that was another problem entirely. Fortunately Janelle was pretty adept at breathing through her mouth and trying not to smell. Even so, she couldn't help but catch a whiff every now and then. And it was not pretty.

Short and Sweet...like sugar

Torrance jerked his hand up in the air to give this answer! His blanket falling off his head. "Sir could we have some hot Cocoa....with sugar" He mumbled the last part. "I know we can't have food or drink in class, but something warm like that'd be a big help." Plus the sugar for Torrance. Give him Sugar Flamsteed!!!

Kaylee was giggling at the antics of the professor. She loved his uses of "Stellar!" She smiled a little sadly at his Carl Sagan quote, it was one of her late father's favorite quotes from one of his favorite quote. The curly haired girl shook her head to shake her memories of her dad out of her head. It may have been a few years ago but the death of her parents still make her cry at random times, and she didn't need to embarrass herself in two classes.

Getting back to the class, Kay listened to the next question that Professor Flamsteed asked them, and to her fellow classmates had already answered. 'Those were all good ideas.' she thought to herself. She glanced around the classroom trying to think of anything else that would make them feel more comfortable. Her eyes landed on the professor again, and this time she actually paid attention to what he was actually wearing.

'He was dress very similar to a astronaut.She observed. 'Is that the answer he wants? If so, cool!'

Kay put her hand up and answered the question: "We can dress like astronauts, like what you are sort of doing, sir. It would help with the smell and with the cold." She said softly.

Rachel smiled at Professor Flamsteed's head bow as she adjusted her space blanket tighter around her. She glanced over at Haddie, hoping her best friend was okay now before directing her attention to the book in front of her so that she could make notes in the form of jottings.

What perked the girl's interest was the mention of the joint lesson of Astronomy, Muggle Studies and Herbology. She wondered what this lesson could be about but as long as it involved plants, she didn't mind what they did.

Rachel raised her hand once more. "Perhaps the use of an Insulation Charm, Professor. We would all be extensively less cold then.'' Poor Henric was obviously having a difficult time coping with the extreme cold.

A smile played on her lips at the professor's response to her answer. Stellar. She'd said something right...and got a little nod too. Hopefully she could keep it up with the next questions too.

It wasn't that cold in here, especially wrapped up in her space blanket. And for that reason, and the fact that others were bound to say it, Sam felt no need to comment on it. She'd roughed it in colder...as had plenty of others. It was chilly, but not threatening. So what else what there?

The bounciness, that was a thing. Though rather than an annoyance, she thought it was pretty cool. "The spinneh fings," she settled on, pointing at one as it whistled past her as she wasn't sure what they were called. "We could do wiff sum protection from 'em." These ones were generally small, but if one got bigger, or managed to pick up one of their quills or books, then they were certainly a risk. "Armour'd do t'trick. Like...tah 'nsure a quill ain't gonna stab us if it got caught in one."

Arista grabbed the blanket and decided to put it on her legs the cold had started to affect her and the blanket was warranted. Thanks Flamsteed. At least he had thought of his poor cold babies, not enough as to not let them be cold babies but ehh. She had been trying to warm her body up so she hadn't really noticed that Flamsteed had started to speak until he had gotten to the end of his speal. Her interest perked at the mention of Muggle Studies and Astronomy. That sounded like fun and good for her Muggle Studies was her best class.

Make it more hospitable? Well the normal answer would be to make it warmer, not wanting to follow the crowd Arista's hand shot out and she said the first thing that came to her mind "Make it colder." Erm what?? Had she really just suggested that. Oh well, no going back now. Maybe she should have put more thought into her original unique answer. Next time.

He was still watching the mini tornadoes going around the room--it was fine 'cause his quill was taking ....decent notes that he'd decipher later but really....dem tornadoes.

It was kinda odd that Charlotte asked about snails in space and everyone had the right idea about this place needing more warmth but all Blaise could see where the dust devils--AND the smug look on the Professor's face. Was he...was he...enjoying this? When the boy thought about it, his Head of House DID seem happy with himself after cuffing him to Davie.

What was this man?

"Cold aside, don't reckon we'd be very happy if these tornadoes keep running around. I mean they're fun but like if one steals my notebook or my quill.........."

SPOILER!!: Professor

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie (Post 11859583)

Airey was rather amused that none of the older students had decided to make things easier on themselves and cast a Bubble Head Charm. The smell was quite foul on top of other conditions. Then again, maybe teenagers enjoyed bad smells? He always imagined that teenage angst had an awful smell...

...but he was becoming distracted with his thoughts. Time to focus on all these raised hands.

------------------------------

"Yes, good conclusions, Miss Milkos," he noted. "I especially like your mention humanity's survival being linked to the cosmos. Take 2 points."

------------------------------

Nodding his head approvingly at the class, the professor turned towards his pet rock and jabbed his thumb towards the class in a very 'will you get a load at all that brilliance?' sort of manner. With a few exceptions, that is, but overall very impressive.

"Stellar," he applauded the class. Hopefully they all had been paying attention to what their classmates had been saying. Especially that bit about NOT snogging in the Astronomy Tower. "As many of you alluded to in your answers, astronomy is much more than any textbook definition will tell you and why humanity has elected to pursue knowledge in the cosmos is quite varied. While many may consider it to be more of a modern science, it has, in fact, been around since the dawn of humankind. We are all descended from astronomers and carry within us innate curiosity to look up to the sky and wonder why. To echo the sentiment of many of you, when we study astronomy, we are not only learning about the universe we exist in...but we are learning about ourselves as well and seeing how the very atoms that make up our bodies are a part of the grand design that is the universe. Astronomy connects us all. As many of you already mentioned, Astronomy has strong connections with many of the other subjects taught here at Hogwarts and is also extremely important with the study of Alchemy. Furthermore, what we cover today and in the coming weeks will all be applicable information to be used on a joint field trip with Herbology and Muggle Studies later on in the term."

Yes. Here was a carrot and he was dangling it. Although he was not all that fond of carrots personally. Dangling a danish would have been the more appealing term.

"Now, I can't help but notice you are all experiencing mild discomfort," he mused with a cheeky little grin. He was quite content over here with his Bubble Head Charm and space blanket suit. Heh. "Are the conditions in the classroom not hospitable? How could conditions in the classroom be adjusted to make it a more comfortable environment? Please only say one thing each."

OOC: class will resume in approximately 24 hours from the time of this post ^_^

YAY! I got some points. Bella thought, as a grin spread across her face. That certainly got her energy flowing again enough to keep her from yawning and possibly dozing off. She just wished it was a little warmer in here because she wasn't exactly a fan of this type of blanket, but considering where her family was from she was use to cold weather. However, if she had to choose between being cold and the bad smell, she’d choose being cold.

"Well no… and yes… maybe. The class room isn't really hospitable because it's cold and stinky; however, you did provide us with these blankets," she replied, before adding. Noting how comfortable he seemed standing there in his suit and bubble head charm, unaffected by the conditions of the room. "I wouldn't mind having one of those bubbles around my head to help with the smell." She didn’t care what he did really as long as she didn’t have to tolerate this smell for the entire class.

Robin's eyes widened as she took a better look at the professor. It was him! The man from the joke store! She moved around in her seat trying to catch his eye. Who would've known they'd meet again! Smiling a bit she decided answering the question was the best way of getting her attention so she raised her hand and patiently waited.

"I think we study astronomy to not only discover new things about the universe we are a part of, but also to connect with people from a long time ago who also spent their lives devoted to this study, I mean um we wouldn't be here without them right?"

She didn't exactly know who these past people were but hey they must have existed- Astronomy had to start somewhere. She hoped they would learn about them

"Oh, um as for the classroom environment maybe put more lint rollers outside? There was a line to use this one" She smiled nervously- She had just spoken in a class for the first time.

...... he was perfectly content with planning his weekend, but as it so happened there was lesson material to be discussed. Or was there?

Zeke looked up from his blanket to hear people discussing heating charms and whether they felt cold or not. Like... ??? Wasn't this by design? The blanket thing was kind of a give-away. So then, WHY bother asking?

Again, Zeke didn't reply. The obvious points had been made.

Issue: Cold; Solution: Magic.

TADA! He wasn't going to be the ground-breaking shock-jock of a genius to point that one out, he was deciding that right now it wasn't his style. Continuing to do all the fiddling with the shiny, Zeke peered around as people spoke, but gave no response to Professor Flamsteed.

Thomas loved Astronomy so he was ready for action and not even the cold could put a stop in his mood. Only because he was furiously wrapped in a cocoon of the blanket that the Professor had given them. He did not like the cold one bit.

The question was simple and so was the answer. Warmth, get rid of those weed things because it seemed a lot of people were concerned. "I think you have done all you can to make it hospitable without straying from the attributes you need for the lesson?" Ie. the cold.

Make it colder.?? Thomas whipped his head around and gave Arista the weirdest and strangest look he could muster. Why in Merlin's Beard would she say such a thing!!!

Kitty raised her hand. "I don't know if this counts really, but a heater would make it warmer, right? That's something the Muggles have to heat their houses, it's not magical but I've been in buildings with them and they really work." Both her and her Muggle dad lived with her mother (who was a witch) but her dad often took her to visit Muggle stores and that is how she knew of heaters.

After answering the question Kitty turned to look at the student sitting next to her, (Ailsa Cailleach Denaker) wondering what her answer would be.

What was this class? It was his second year and Bentley still didn't get it. The only time he was interested in the sky was when he was taking pictures of it, whether in the day or night time. He also didn't understand why it was also, so cold. Like it was bad enough that he had a weather and climate shock every time he came back to school but dealing with it at night too, when the Professor could easily charm them warm was just annoying.

Also, what was the point of studying the stars if he couldn't take pictures of them? And you know what? He couldn't!

All thanks to professor jerk sausage head Flamsteed. He had to send his precious camera home.

Bentley sighed and pulled his blanket closer to him while listening to his classmates.

Was this a two hours or one hour lesson session...he couldn't remember.

Yeah yeah, the cosmos and space dust and all of that stuff, and a FIELD TRIP with all his favorite professors!!!!! But but but but CHAR! Charlotte Kettleburn his BFF 4EVER was floating! Yes, there were obvious gravity problems here, but David hadn't thought that was really possible, heh heh. He pointed to Char, then to the Admiral, then back to Char so that Airey got the right idea here. SHE WAS FLOATING, SIR! Catch her leg or something!

As for what they could do to improve this space (pun intended?)... hmm. David shrugged. All the obvious answers had been said, and mostly NOW he was just thinking about snails and how wonderful it would be to see a snail with a bubble-head charm on. HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE. Actually, how CUTE would that be?! Could he and Char try that spell out now? And on that topic, he got ANOTHER idea and popped his hand up to suggest it.

"I think conditions could be adjusted by taking away your wand, sir, because I am assuming you are the one responsible for magically creating these conditions. Also, could we get some couches and armchairs, because the desks aren't the most comfortable to sit in, as a suggestion, sir. AND also, could you please grab my best friend and keep her from floating away, because she hasn't even gotten to see what snails look like with space helmets on, and I bet she would really enjoy that field trip later on in the term."

Please. He was just a little bit concerned over here. David pushed his glasses up his nose again and gave the professor a serious, but not unkind, LOOK.

Chloe's teeth chattered the more Professor Flamstead spoke She did try to pay attention, really, but it was hard to concentrate when she could barely think. It was that cold. Well, not that cold but she was uncomfortable.

And by the time her little brain caught up to the conversation her classmates had already come up with all of the logical and some of the less logical (looking at you Gryffindors) answers to how to make this environment more hospitable.

She pulled the shiny blanket closer around herself.

Daxton watched Airey Flamsteed intently once the new plaque had been registered, and tried to gauge his reaction. It was difficult - near impossible, actually - but from what he could tell the man was not amused, which was actually more or less the result Daxton had been after. But... still he still could not tell if the Airey Flamsteed's reaction was the one he ultimately wanted. He did not know what 'two strikes' meant, though could make some logical deductions. It elicited just the shadow of a smile, though the Ravenclaw's mouth and nose were still covered by the space blanket, making it impossible to notice.

But then that was it, and disappointment and dissatisfaction seeped in, and Daxton stared at the professor for a good long moment, trying to figure out exactly why he felt disappointed with regards to his reaction, and failing miserably. With a subtle frown suddenly gracing his features, a frown of confusion and of something he could not quite place, Daxton took the new piece of parchment. This time he wrote as small as he possibly could, so small it was nigh on impossible to make out the words were one not stood with their nose almost touching the parchment (soon-to-be plaque), small enough that were he using quill and ink instead of ballpoint pen it would have simply turned into a smudge. That done, Daxton retrieved his wand once more, and tapped the new parchment to make a third plaque.

Quote:

Daxton Prince
Second Year

He had done as instructed, had he not? There was his name, there was his year... barely visible, but they were there. He was, technically, following instructions, but now he had the loophole of technically abiding by the rules in case pushing his luck backfired.

Leaning back in his chair again, Daxton adjusted the blanket over his face to try and get some cooler air. The effort was futile; using an insulating blanket as a face mask in a foul smelling classroom only worked in theory, but the air he was breathing was too hot, and his breath coming in shorter bursts than he would have liked because of it. He was so focused on this fact that he almost missed that particular bit of information about a field trip. Almost, but not quite. Daxton paused, blinked in the Astronomer's direction, and wondered; he was not sure how he felt about another field trip, though it depended entirely on where they were going. That was... if he would even be permitted to go after last year's debacle.

Once again, when the question came, Daxton offered no response. He had his notebook out now, but the blowing wind in the classroom would make it infuriating to try writing in it, and it was not a response that was worth being written down anyway - nor were any of the others being provided. But his answer? The smell. It did not matter that it had already been mentioned; it was unbearable, and it was worth more than one mention. People were moaning about the cold, but Daxton found little issue with the temperature of the room, aside from his feet which, being bare, needed to be tucked underneath him to keep warm and retain sensation. But the stench of the room, that needed to go; Daxton was getting a little lightheaded from using the insulating blanket to cover his face and breathing only hot air, but knew nothing else within his resources would block the smell quite so well. He remained silent, staring off into space and fiddling with the edge of the space blanket, thoughts travelling elsewhere entirely.