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Astronomy Lesson :: Terraforming [ a brief introduction ]
The sun has long set and the light of the full moon is juxtaposed against the dotted canvas that is the night sky. Although the moon's glow is brilliant, one's eye cannot help but be drawn to a few other luminescent dots in the sky. Are they stars or planets? Only those that know how to distinguish between the two will be able to tell you that answer.
Stepping into the Astronomy classroom, you are hit with what feels like a brick wall of icy cold air that burns your face and causes your teeth to chatter. Rest assured that as cold as it may feel, there is no chance for you to get frostbite or catch a cold. As you make your way towards the semicircle of desks - the usual formation for Astronomy lessons to help create a more intimate setting - you may have to battle the occasional dust devil or terrestrial tornado along the way. These are relatively harmless and more of an annoyance than anything else as they carry NO risk of sweeping even the smallest of first years high into the air. Just be sure to hold on to your belongings. The air itself was tainted in unpleasant waves of stench reminiscent of someone setting off a series of dung bombs every few minutes. But perhaps the strangest of all is the manner in which you move about within the classroom. You feel much lighter on your feet and your usual steps cause you to lift higher up into the air than usual. Not too much that you will knock your head against the ceiling, but enough that you could potentially jump double your own height - perhaps even a little bit MORE than that if you really tried.
When you do finally arrive at your desk you find a little souvenir waiting for you. The blackboard, positioned across from the semicircle of desks, has the following instructions written upon it:
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The space blanket is yours to use should conditions prove to be too cold for you.
Take out a quill and write your FULL name and year on the piece of parchment provided.
Once you have done so, give it a tap with your wand.
The parchment, enchanted by the professor himself, will turn into a sturdy wood name plaque when you do so. Don’t worry, even the first years and those not skilled with magic will be able to manage this little trick.
Speaking of the professor, you can find him leaning against his desk with his trusty pet rock by his side, his own space blanket utilized in a peculiar but perhaps not unexpected manner and his own head protected by a Bubble Head Charm.
Did you remember to use the lint roller on the small table outside of the classroom? It was there next to the sign that reads, "Not to be used as a brush for your hair" and has the signature of a former student in the bottom right corner.
So come on in and find a seat, class will begin shortly.
⌦Lesson Progression
▸ question 1 :: why do we study astronomy?
▸ question 2 :: what can be done to make the classroom a more comfortable environment?
▸ question 3 :: should the human race terraform Mars? Why or why not?
▸ main activity :: "SPACE GLOBIALS"
Class will officially begin in approximately 14 hours from the time of this post.
This lesson has officially started! Please do not announce your character arriving late and just pretend like they have been in class all along. You are free to jump in any time and should use the lesson progression links to keep up.
Alriiiiight class was starting on time which meant maaaaybe they'd get out early because this was the first class and all and then he'd get to go back to the dorms and SLEEP. Gosh that sounded great. Granted, leaving early wasn't very likely but optimism was always helpful.
Now to answer the question. Whyyyy oh why did anyone care about stars and stuff. Ollie was pretty sure he'd learned this in a previous year but he wasn't the best at school so he really couldn't remember. The boy looked up and tried to imagine what the people from forever ago must have thought when they saw the stars and moon and sun. Coming up with a fairly good answer, he raised his hand.
"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!
Well whowudathunkit that Astronomy and chill can be done so literally?
Tenacius was doing the Darth Vader breathing again, but this time its to see if he can make little shapes with his hands and any kind of mist that could form from his breath. Plus it’s an amusing way to keep your hands warm heh.
Now lesson time..... And he had to put his hand up in the air away from the portable heater in the middle of his face. Brrr "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."
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Originally Posted by DJ ExpelliarMOOSE
Torrance wasn't cold, but when he got the blanket out of the box, he wrapped himself up in it like a big in a blanket. He then proceeded to run his fingers around the nameplate which had magically infused itself into the desk he was sitting it. Tracing his fingers on it gave a nice feeling on the tip of his index an interesting tingle. He was so transfixed on this he completely missed whatever it was that Mister Professor Flamsteed was speaking about. Something about who he was, or whatever. This spurred Torrance to look up though and pay attention. The Professor was speaking of course so He'd have to return to the nameplate later. "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.
Having given Professor Flamsteed a salute back and carefully wrapping her blanket around her Mel listened to what others had said…slytherin boy had a good point. MAYBE he was someone she should talk to about all the unknowns of Hogwarts?
Also…his face O________________O…
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.
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IT'S NOT AN ACT OF LOVE __________________________________________________ ___________ ____________
IF YOU MAKE HER ____________
"Dif tor heh smus-ma?" Sam repeated back doubtfully, once again trying to copy someone else's accent to make it sound right. It seemed that was going to be the theme of her first year. At least she'd attempted it though, right? That had to earn her, well, something.
She unfolded her blanket as quietly as she could and wrapped it round herself as Flamsteed started the class. They weren't easy questions, and she took a few moments to gather her thoughts. There'd been more nights than she could count when she'd slept out under the stars. Or, at least, the stars behind clouds. Most of those hadn't been all that pleasant, but there were a few when she'd been able to sit up high on a rooftop and enjoy taking in the vastness of the universe.
"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.
Oh... what was that smell? Daxton had not moved very far from the door upon taking a seat, and likely still had the benefit of the air from outside the classroom for at least a few seconds while everyone walked in. But suddenly there was a great waft of stench, and Daxton gagged, before breaking into a none too pleasant coughing fit. Was that thing here? The one with the poisonous perfume? The new Divination teacher and potential hag? There was no time to look; Daxton was busy using his space blanket to hold over his mouth and nose before the odour of the room made him throw up.
Then Airey Flamsteed was right there, and Daxton gave him an accusatory look. That smell, was it him? Did he bring it over here? Because if so, he needed to leave.
Wait, what... oh... the...
Daxton frowned, though with his face half-hidden, all that was visible was a subtle furrowing of the brow as he looked back up at Airey Flamsteed, trying and failing to gauge the man's expression. He had come over here, addressing Daxton (by name), because his name plaque had not been right. But if he already knew his name - and had just proven the fact - then why was it necessary? Answer: it was not. But it was a rare opportunity for fun.
Now manoeuvring around the space blanket he kept over his mouth and nose (and quite uncomfortably warm it was getting under there too), Daxton reached across to turn the parchment over, then wrote something new on the other side. A tap of his wand, and he had a new plaque.
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You Know Who I Am
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.
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Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
After making his name tag into a plank of wood, he decided to get settled. He pulled out his pet rock, Rockanne, and set her on the desk. Austin thought it would be nice if Rockanne got to see her former owner. Hopefully Admieral Flamsteed wouldn't mind.
Austin was unsure how to answer the question. There were many reasons why they studied Astronomy. To better understand, probably. To understand the universe. To understand the stars. Or even better.... To understand how the universe effects us. He really wasn't sure what the answer was, or even if there was a right one. But this year was a year for change, and he was going for it.
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.
Toothless - Napoleon of Crime - Gryffinclaw - Owl Emissary - Pirate Auror - DoctorDonna
Professor Flamsteed returned her greeting and at least to her, didn’t seem bothered by her less than stellar attempt at his desired ‘salute’. Maybe he was being nice and figuring he couldn’t expect perfection on the first try. Olivia would be making a note to practice it and improve so she could show him in a later class. But for now, she was getting ready for when the class was to begin in earnest while the man made his way around the other students.
When the door was closed, her attention was back on the professor. Time to begin and when Flamsteed spoke and confirmed it, her full attention was with him. Astronomy….NOT astrology. Got it. And she was already aware of the man’s name. Now for the questions posed to them, she thought for a few moments before raising her hand to answer.
“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.
♥s her SS family l Wifey is MINE | Naughty Niffler l Whittysaur l #awkwardturtle<#
Astrology was one of Esme's interests, so it was a shame that they wouldn't be discussing it, BUT she knew how Professor Flamsteed felt about the subject. Real shame, but understandable. He was a man of science and that meant that he had no time for Divination.
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.
Hiss!Roar!Growl!Caw! | Hermione's Double | The Little Three | Alecate
Text Cut: itsgisselx3
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Originally Posted by itsgisselx3
He set the lint roller back down and grinned at the first year who was holding the door open.
"Uhh...live long and prosper?" He glanced at the professor and then back at the girl, holding up the hand sign thing. And thanks a lot."
He made his way in and immediately got chills because of how freezing it was. And that smell??? He looked back at the first year girl and blinked. "You smell that too, right?" Gross.
Ohh, look! New friend alert! Ariadne didn't really have time to launch into conversation with the boy, though, because the professor was starting class. BUT HIII! He was most welcome, and YES, she did smell that---well, whatever that was.
Text Cut: sweetpinkpixie
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie
Sweet solstice.
It was the name tag that rang bells and whistle loud and clear in the astronomer's mind. Was she aware that he had pulled a teddy bear out of her ear when she was nothing but a blob on Potion Mistress Lafay's knee? Was that teddy bear still something in their possession?
Thank Merlin she seemed to have a more pleasant disposition than that of her mother.
"Live long and prosper, Miss Greingoth," he saluted in return, just a tiny bit distracted by his own thoughts.
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Checking his sundial watch and nodding approvingly at what he saw, the Astronomy professor stood up and gave his wand a little flick towards the door to close it.
"Good evening, live long and prosper, and welcome to Astronomy with is never to be confused with astrology," he announced whilst giving the entire class another Vulcan salute. He, unlike so many others, was quite comfortable in this unusual environment and the uncanny but subtle smirk he word as he continued to address the class was an indication of his amusement to those observant enough to take notice. As always, there was a methodology to his madness. Well...usually there was. 85%? "For those of you who do not know me, I am Professor Flamsteed - although you may also call me Professor Airey if you so please." The Admiral, well, that was a little selfish bonus to those who wished to call him that. He wouldn't deny anyone the opportunity to do so. "Let's begin today's lesson with a brief discussion about why we study astronomy. What makes humanity look up and want to study the heavens? Furthermore, why do you think it is a subject that young witches and wizards are required to take here at Hogwarts?"
At least for the first five years of their education at least. Although, if it was up to him, it would be for all seven. But the man was just a tad biased.
Live long and prosper. Ariadne still needed to figure out what in the name of Merlin that meant. Whatever it was, it seemed to be the common way to greet people around here, so Ariadne smiled when the professor returned her greeting. Then he proceeded to greet the class as a whole with the exact same saying! Maybe he just really cared about his students and had lots and lots of well wishes for them. He DID seem like a huge people-loving person, so it would make sense.
Professor Flamsteed? Professor Airey? Admiral? Hadn't she heard that one a time or two? Hmm...PROFESSOR AIREY! That's the one Ariadne chose! So from here on out, that's what this professor would be known as in her eyes! And now Professor Airey had a question! Ariadne thought about what she wanted to say and then raised her hand. "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."
WHOA. Ariadne surprised herself. She didn't think she knew lots about Astronomy, but she had LOTS to say about those questions.
Super Slytherin Buddy | | ⅓ She-Snake Trio | | a normal girl with normal knees
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luna_Midnight
Seeing an empty seat near Hope she walked over and grimaced just realizing how cold it was. "Hello Hope! You're smelling this putrid smell to right, it's not just my nose?" She sent a smile over to the girl and sat down pushing the blanket off the ground she didn't need it yet. Thankfully she had yet to fully feel the effects of the bitter breeze. Taking her quill she wrote her name making sure to dot her i with a crown like she always did. Also adding her year. After finishing she looked to her side and saw a boy she had met somewhere surely because she knew his name...Or maybe she had just looked at his nametag. "Looking good Lancelot. I love it." She said meaning it, he was a hundred percent Gryffindor that she knew because she had tried convincing Thomas to do it because skirts were the best but he wouldn't budge.
Moving to sit on his hands to regain some feeling in his fingers, he glanced to the side after hearing his name. Him? He looked good?
"T-thanks," he beamed, trying his best not to have his teeth chatter.
His first compliment!
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie
Checking his sundial watch and nodding approvingly at what he saw, the Astronomy professor stood up and gave his wand a little flick towards the door to close it.
"Good evening, live long and prosper, and welcome to Astronomy with is never to be confused with astrology," he announced whilst giving the entire class another Vulcan salute. He, unlike so many others, was quite comfortable in this unusual environment and the uncanny but subtle smirk he word as he continued to address the class was an indication of his amusement to those observant enough to take notice. As always, there was a methodology to his madness. Well...usually there was. 85%? "For those of you who do not know me, I am Professor Flamsteed - although you may also call me Professor Airey if you so please." The Admiral, well, that was a little selfish bonus to those who wished to call him that. He wouldn't deny anyone the opportunity to do so. "Let's begin today's lesson with a brief discussion about why we study astronomy. What makes humanity look up and want to study the heavens? Furthermore, why do you think it is a subject that young witches and wizards are required to take here at Hogwarts?"
At least for the first five years of their education at least. Although, if it was up to him, it would be for all seven. But the man was just a tad biased.
It was his third term in astronomy... and he still didn't know the answer to this.
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.
Norah just nodded along to whatever language Professor Flamsteed had responded with, not even bothering to ask about it because she KNEW it'd all go right over her head. Nearly everything did, after all. It wasn't her fault she was so short.
This question wasn't too bad, though. There were loads and loads and loads of answers to it that would probably be considered correct (by her, anyways), but she'd pick her very favorite one to share. Extracting her arm from her blanket cocoon, Norah put a hand in the air and tried to send Professor Flamsteed some telepathic messages to pick her before her hand FELL OFF and she had to live her ENTIRE LIFE without it. This was a good class 'n all, but she wasn't sure that was worth it. "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.
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Checking his sundial watch and nodding approvingly at what he saw, the Astronomy professor stood up and gave his wand a little flick towards the door to close it.
"Good evening, live long and prosper, and welcome to Astronomy with is never to be confused with astrology," he announced whilst giving the entire class another Vulcan salute. He, unlike so many others, was quite comfortable in this unusual environment and the uncanny but subtle smirk he word as he continued to address the class was an indication of his amusement to those observant enough to take notice. As always, there was a methodology to his madness. Well...usually there was. 85%? "For those of you who do not know me, I am Professor Flamsteed - although you may also call me Professor Airey if you so please." The Admiral, well, that was a little selfish bonus to those who wished to call him that. He wouldn't deny anyone the opportunity to do so. "Let's begin today's lesson with a brief discussion about why we study astronomy. What makes humanity look up and want to study the heavens? Furthermore, why do you think it is a subject that young witches and wizards are required to take here at Hogwarts?"
At least for the first five years of their education at least. Although, if it was up to him, it would be for all seven. But the man was just a tad biased.
Ailsa aligned her plaque neatly on her desk and sneaked a look at her neighbor's. 'Kitty Valentine,' it read as its owner seemed to prefer letting the plaque speak for itself.
As the other students chimed in with answers the paler-than-usual-thank-you-very-much-freezing-cold-room girl had time to come up with a well reasoned answer. At least that was the theory. What she actually said, however, was a bit less well-plotted.
"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."
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.
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Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Bread!
[color=#cc0000]Checking his sundial watch, the astronomer threw Pebbles a quick wink as the first trickle of students began filing in. He was feeling significantly better after the events of the opening feast - due greatly in part to the efforts of Sir Nicholas - and he couldn't help but feel that some more good news would be coming his way soon. Or maybe it was just that he was looking forward to returning to his office to finish playing with his action fig--- er --- finishing up his research?
"Good evening, Miss Valke," he replied, smiling to the Slytherin.
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Checking his sundial watch and nodding approvingly at what he saw, the Astronomy professor stood up and gave his wand a little flick towards the door to close it.
"Good evening, live long and prosper, and welcome to Astronomy with is never to be confused with astrology," he announced whilst giving the entire class another Vulcan salute. He, unlike so many others, was quite comfortable in this unusual environment and the uncanny but subtle smirk he word as he continued to address the class was an indication of his amusement to those observant enough to take notice. As always, there was a methodology to his madness. Well...usually there was. 85%? "For those of you who do not know me, I am Professor Flamsteed - although you may also call me Professor Airey if you so please." The Admiral, well, that was a little selfish bonus to those who wished to call him that. He wouldn't deny anyone the opportunity to do so. "Let's begin today's lesson with a brief discussion about why we study astronomy. What makes humanity look up and want to study the heavens? Furthermore, why do you think it is a subject that young witches and wizards are required to take here at Hogwarts?"
At least for the first five years of their education at least. Although, if it was up to him, it would be for all seven. But the man was just a tad biased.[INDENT][INDENT]
Her hand gesture thing must have been right because she didn't get corrected on it. It had taken two terms, but she got it....at least close enough. This muggling stuff was hard for her. He smiled and got her name mostly right in pronunciation, good enough.
Astronomy , not astrology...hand gesture.....yep those were the fingers she parted. She DID get it right. Henric would have to give her points for muggling later. What made humans want to study space? She had studied more on the subject over the summer, perhaps the 'Admiral' would appreciate that she had advanced her education and even read some muggle works on the matter. "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.
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Oh girl oh girl oh girl! He was surrounded by girls! One of which (Amur) had asked if he had a girlfriend that one time in Diagon Alley! David's big blue eyes grew a little bigger at the sight of her, but he did return Ava's hey before class started. And he nodded to Callum, who looked like he wasn't going to run from this class at least. Good good. He settled into his desk, flapping his cape over one shoulder, and pushed his glasses further up his nose.
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.
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yeah, there's one thing about me that you should know________________________________ __________________________________________that I can't help from speaking my mind
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Dot sniffed a bit at the professor, because he was grinning like an idiot and didn't seem to realize that she was displeased with him. No, not displeased. She was mad at him. Werewolves! Pips! ANGERBALL!
But also, she wasn't stupid enough to refuse to participate in class altogether, and so, after waiting a good long moment for her classmates to answer, Dot raised her hand too. She tucked it back into her blanket as soon as called upon. "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."
Astronomy was fiiiiine for Hugo, he had no trouble with this subject and was walking happily to the classroom. Besides it was at night and that was cool.
The room was cold but nothing that he couldn't handle and also Flamsteed gave them a blanket. Free gifts. Hehe. He greeted the professor with his usual What's up? followed by the Vulcan salute and the Long live and prosper. He wrote down his full name. FULL NAME? He didn't like his middle name.
SPOILER!!:
Hugo Donovan Foster
Fifth Year
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.
Bella sat quietly as the class started and Professor Flamsteed started the lesson. She was a little confused by the salute he and quite a few others did, but followed suit as best she could, moving her fingers in the right position. The last thing she wanted to do was break any rules by not doing it. She made a mental note to ask someone about it later. Perhaps Ilia would be able to explain things to her later once class was over. She had tried to sit as close to the older student as she could, but it did quite work out as she planned.
This room was a little too cold for her liking so she wrapped herself up snuggly in the blanket the professor provided and tried her best to stay awake. She was very much interested in Astronomy, but around this time she would have been getting ready for bed. Yes, she was an early sleeper.
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.
"Live long and prosper, Mr. Kettleburn," he greeted the first year as a thought struck him. A thought that had been lingering ever since the feast. Well, ever since he had calmed DOWN that is. Which really meant that he had been reminded of their discussion some time after the house meeting and now and was now reminded he wanted to speak with the young man about a proposition. "About what you asked me at the feast, I believe I have a bit of an opportunity for you. Stop by my office sometime and we can discuss things in more depth."
Because he did have a lesson to teach right now.
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Checking his sundial watch and nodding approvingly at what he saw, the Astronomy professor stood up and gave his wand a little flick towards the door to close it.
"Good evening, live long and prosper, and welcome to Astronomy with is never to be confused with astrology," he announced whilst giving the entire class another Vulcan salute. He, unlike so many others, was quite comfortable in this unusual environment and the uncanny but subtle smirk he word as he continued to address the class was an indication of his amusement to those observant enough to take notice. As always, there was a methodology to his madness. Well...usually there was. 85%? "For those of you who do not know me, I am Professor Flamsteed - although you may also call me Professor Airey if you so please." The Admiral, well, that was a little selfish bonus to those who wished to call him that. He wouldn't deny anyone the opportunity to do so. "Let's begin today's lesson with a brief discussion about why we study astronomy. What makes humanity look up and want to study the heavens? Furthermore, why do you think it is a subject that young witches and wizards are required to take here at Hogwarts?"
At least for the first five years of their education at least. Although, if it was up to him, it would be for all seven. But the man was just a tad biased.
...The man was talking to him, even as the eleven-year-old bundled up in his space blanket, and Callum's eyebrows shot upward in mild alarm as the professor brought up what they had discussed just yesterday at the feast. An... opportunity? "Oh?" A science-related opportunity? A geology-related opportunity?
The Gryffindor sat up a bit straighter in his bundle, a smile spreading across his face to accompany his entranced eyes, and he nodded with vigor. "Yes, sir. I will." He would stop by straight away, he would see to it, because he could not even fathom what Flamsteed had in store for him. He was simply as excited as he could ever be.
He was considering what kinds of things the professor may have had in mind when class began, and as excited as he was about their forthcoming office meeting, Callum's attention immediately shifted from thoughts of the meeting to the present. This was the class he had most been looking forward to and he was not going to miss a single word of the lecture, and immediately, he thought 'Professor Airey' had a nice ring to it. He actually preferred that over 'Professor Flamsteed,' which felt like much more of a mouthful, and 'Airey' just seemed to suit him more. It was kind of a funny name, was it not? Airey? Was it short for something, or did it mean something? Callum was unsure, but he tucked this nugget of knowledge away in his brain. Professor Airey, then.
The question the professor posed was one that made Callum actually give an audible hum of thought, and he burrowed tighter in his space blanket cocoon as if that would cover up the fact that he had just accidentally made a noise aloud. The answer was clear to him, really, but he was apprehensive about verbalizing it. Professor Airey already knew he was interested, he knew he was excited about this class most of all, but... what if he said something wrong? The professor no-doubt had high expectations for him already with his interest in science, but what if Callum opened his mouth, said something wrong, and lost all of the professor's respect? He could not let that happen.
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: We study the universe because we are the universe. We are the stars. The stars live within us. The stardust that makes up our being gave us life, and we would be nothing without the scientific processes of the ever-expanding universe. The study of astronomy is important to us because it hones in on where we came from, it helps us see what we will become, and how we will thrive. It shows us that we are so more than we are while simultaneously being so much less than we are. We are incredibly-made in this universe, a beacon of light as we exemplify the potential we have as living beings, but we are also just the smallest speck in all that resides beyond planet Earth. Astronomy gives us perspective, it gives us purpose, and it gives us hope for even more magnificent things to discover. The universe beckons to be studied, to be analyzed, to be explored, just as we need oxygen to survive. The universe is calling for us, and we need to answer that call.
That. That was why they needed to study astronomy, and Callum gave another hum, this time of satisfaction, as he set his quill down.
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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.
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I can't believe I missed a chance to properly introduce her ugh
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Katherine had noted the... let's say, less gravity, as well as the winds and - the lint roller. She'd of course used it properly, without getting it near her neatly braided hair, and then picked a seat in the FIRST row. The memory of the first charms lesson was still fresh in her mind, but Professor Flamsteed looked like a whole different person. She was clearly eager for this class (not so much for the winds), but lo and behold! They were provided with space blankets! Her face lit up at that, and she eagerly opened it to snuggle beneath. Ahhhhh, this was nice! She quickly did the parchment thing ('Katherine Moss'), and when it turned into a wooden plaque, a soft "Ohhh!" escaped her mouth. This was such a nice gesture and while she had initially thought that she wouldn't like astronomy, she would certainly like the professor, who began to talk, so she listened attentively.
Professor Flamsteed - yes, she knew that. Would the professor know she was Katherine Moss now? And who was even thick enough to confuse astronomy with astrology? They were two completely different topics - save for the fake use of stars in the fake science of astrology. And finally, they were asked the first question. However, she didn't answer right away. She wanted to see how things worked in this class.
SHE had a question too - they weren't supposed to do that weird salute, were they? She didn't think she could seperate her fingers like that.
Anyway, answers. She listened carefully to her classmates. Some had really neat answers, and it was her turn to answer at last. She had to say something unique... so she raised her hand and said "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."
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie
........................NO.
"Miss Wright, you are excused to return...THAT...to your dormitory," the astronomer instructed without greeting. Was the one youngster he had met over the summer present? The one he had gone all Maddox on and, well, indulged for all the wrong reasons with false information about how pygmy puffs were vicious killers that ate human brains by sticking their long tongues up people's noses?
Simply nodding in acknowledgement of the professor, Penelope grabbed her book bag that contained the pygmy puff, which had presumably hidden in there earlier that evening at the Ravenclaw raffle, and left to take the pygmy puff to her dorm. There wasn't really anywhere to return it to because it wasn't even her pygmy puff and she didn't know where the ones at the raffle had come from, but caging it in her dorm would do until she figured out what to do with it.
SPOILER!!: First Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie
Checking his sundial watch and nodding approvingly at what he saw, the Astronomy professor stood up and gave his wand a little flick towards the door to close it.
"Good evening, live long and prosper, and welcome to Astronomy with is never to be confused with astrology," he announced whilst giving the entire class another Vulcan salute. He, unlike so many others, was quite comfortable in this unusual environment and the uncanny but subtle smirk he word as he continued to address the class was an indication of his amusement to those observant enough to take notice. As always, there was a methodology to his madness. Well...usually there was. 85%? "For those of you who do not know me, I am Professor Flamsteed - although you may also call me Professor Airey if you so please." The Admiral, well, that was a little selfish bonus to those who wished to call him that. He wouldn't deny anyone the opportunity to do so. "Let's begin today's lesson with a brief discussion about why we study astronomy. What makes humanity look up and want to study the heavens? Furthermore, why do you think it is a subject that young witches and wizards are required to take here at Hogwarts?"
At least for the first five years of their education at least. Although, if it was up to him, it would be for all seven. But the man was just a tad biased.
Penelope reentered the classroom just after Flamsteed had started class, and was once again greeted by the cold. Maybe this lesson would have something to do with weather. Although the Ravenclaw common room wasn't far away, the riddles were sometimes difficult to solve. Flamsteed had told her to go to her dorm, so it would be okay if she was slightly late, right? The pink pygmy puff had been delivered to her dorm, and she had brought back a fuzzy blue blanket with her. She brought the blanket over to where Haddie was sitting. "I heard you needed an extra blanket." Couldn't let Haddie freeze to death. She had heard Haddie say that she was from Southern California. People from Southern California were not very tolerant of cold weather.
After delivering the blanket to Haddie, Penelope went back to her desk. Ah, the question that was usually asked in some form at least once every year. Why did people study astronomy? "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.
Well of course Trixie had absolutely no idea why they studied Astronomy. All she knew about the subject is what her uncle Oliver had told her and that was it was a total waste of time. And that was probably because he had failed the subject and his head was too busy full of Runes.
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.
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Brian pulled out a pen, smiling a little at the classroom. Really, in the three years he'd been a student there, the Hufflepuff had never quite understood why his classmates chose to use quills and ink when there were far less messy and far more convenient ways to take notes. He'd really missed this place. He felt relevant here. That the stuff he was learning actually mattered outside Hogwarts. He wrote his name and year on the parchment, before a small heaviness settled on him as he tapped it with his wand. What if he never made a difference in this class? What if he was doomed to only glimpse into other peoples' more brilliant minds and never come up with something worth sharing himself? That's pretty much what he'd been doing the past three years.
Brian had to think for a while because even though that was a very normal question for the first lesson of the term and he was too sleepy to think properly, he made a small stretching movement thing to keep his brain awake because for once, he just wanted to provide something useful to the lesson and not just stay silent and take notes or something because this guy was probably the only person around who cared about physics and science and it was as close as the Hufflepuff was going to get to a real science class. And he missed the Muggle world a lot and just UGH.
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?
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People were saying a LOT of waffley things that sounded impressive but really didn't MEAN much to Charlotte. She knew plenty enough about Astronomy, hard not to given her parents (and her dad in particular) but sometimes people just sort of said things that made it sound like they were way more impressed with themselves than they should be. Of course, her best friend (DAVID TRUEBRIDGE. HERS. NOBODY ELSES) said pretty good stuff. Some other people did too but it was really hard to actually listen to all of them (how did Flamsteed do it though actually?).
Char put her hand up and sort of waved it around a bit, getting distracted with that until she was finally called on.
"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?!"
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Yes, she did read the rules: no food and drink allowed in this class. But couldn't he make a little exception today? Pffft... Maybe not. Ava started missing some classes that always provided food. Like... Professor Cassie's class. She wrapped herself with the blanket that Professor had provided and waited until the class started. Once the Professor had spoken, she listened carefully and tried not to sleep (or die due to hypothermia).
And why they have to study study Astronomy?
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!
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Astronomy Lesson :: Terraforming [ a brief introduction ] 
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