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PH223: Observational Astronomy

12 lectures practicals (field trip) in the "Observational Astronomy" half of the module
12 lectures in the "Astronomy & The History of Ideas - a Paradigmatic Approach" half of the module, which is taught by Prof. Markus Woerner (Philosophy Dept.).
The field trip is to a professional observatory abroad, normally Loiano Observatory in Italy. [See a student's account

Preparatory work enabling practical observing.

Telescope optical principles

Factors in imaging performance - PSF, MTF, spot size, image circle

Optical aberrations

Reflecting, refracting and hybrid telescope designs

Detectors

Types of noise & noise reduction principles

Stellar Photometry

Atmospheric effects - sky background, extinction

Spectroscopy

Types of spectrograph & dispersion elements

FOSC spectrographs - Loiano BFOSC

Spectral range, dispersion, and resolution

Sky subtraction

Some characteristic lines and features

Time-series observations

Variable Stars

Practical Observing

Predicting object visibility

A night on the telescope: planning and conducting observations

Calibrations

Overview of image/data processing

Dr. Ray Butler
Office: 148 (Physics, downstairs)
Phone: ext. 3788
Email: ray.butler.nuigalway.ie

School of Physics
National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
E-mail: Tess.Mahoney

nuigalway.ie
Phone: +353 91 492490 - Fax: +353 91 494584
This page was last updated Thursday, July 26, 2012