PX2338: Observational Techniques in Astronomy

School Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy
Department Code PHYSX
Module Code PX2338
External Subject Code 100415
Number of Credits 20
Level L5
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Miranda Jackson
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

To introduce the theory and practice of making and interpreting astronomical observations.

To provide a practical introduction to, and in-depth knowledge of, the principles of telescopes, observational astronomy, detector technology and spectroscopy at various wavelengths.

To provide the necessary skills to undertake a third-year or fourth-year practical astronomy project.

To provide an introduction to the principle of detection, including signal-to-noise testing for correlations and fitting curves and datasets.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Take, reduce and analyse astronomical data from optical and radio telescopes.

Plan astronomical observations and interpret the resulting data.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of how to use basic astronomical instrumentation, including telescopes, CCD cameras, spectrographs and radio receivers.

Compare and contrast the physical principles of telescopes, detectors and spectroscopes used for each range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Use statistical arguments to extract information from observational data.

How the module will be delivered

Laboratory sessions 22 x 4 hrs.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Experimental physics.  Communications skills.  Personal skills.  Problem solving.  Investigative skills.  Mathematics.  Computing skills.  Analytical skills.  Ethical behaviour.

How the module will be assessed

Laboratory diaries, two formal reports, written exercises

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Observational Techniques In Astronomy N/A

Syllabus content

The properties of photons:  the E-M spectrum, intensity flux and luminosity.  Polarisation.

The atmosphere:  Atmospheric absorption.  Seeing and coherence length.  Atmospheric windows.  The secant law.

Colour-magnitude and colour-colour diagrams:  Reddening and dust extinction.  Column density.  Dust mass.

Astronomical coordinate systems:  Precession and time.  Right ascension and declination.  Altitude and azimuth.  Hour angle.  Epoch and equinox.

Statistics of detection:  Mean and standard deviation.  Binomial and Gaussian distributions.  Signal-to-noise ratio.  Goodness of fit.  Hypothesis testing.

Focal stations:  Newtonian, Cassegrain, Nasmyth, Coude, Schmidt.

Telescope and detector design:  Optical spectroscopy, radio telescopes, infrared telescopes.  UV and X-ray satellites, gamma-ray satellites.  Gravitational wave detection and cosmic rays.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

Background Reading and Resource List

Astrophysical Techniques, C R Kitchin (IOP 4th Edn.)

Observational Astrophysics, R C Smith (CUP).


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