AT302: Computational Astronomy

3rd Year Course (12 lectures 10 3-hour practicals)

• The emphasis is on astronomical data processing and analysis - not on modelling/simulation.
• The practicals are largely performed using IRAF professional research software in the Linux environment.
• This course is the natural follow-up to the 2nd year field observing trip abroad (see the
PH223 course page). Students process their own data, obtained during their field trip some 6 months previously, to the level of obtaining scientific results.

Texts (reference)

• TBA

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Linux
2. Production of electronic observing logs
3. Introduction to IRAF
4. Image formats, masks, and header keywords
5. Basic reduction/calibration of CCD data
6. Image registration and coaddition
7. Tricolour and quadcolour image composites
8. Table formats and tools
9. Photometric data analysis
10. Spectral data analysis
11. Timeseries analysis
12. Fourier techniques & deconvolution

Lecturer (since 2002)

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

Centre for Astronomy, NUI Galway

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