DOCSLIB.ORG

ASTR 300: Observational Astronomy CRN 84738 Course Syllabus Fall 2019

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ASTR 300: Observational Astronomy CRN 84738 Course Syllabus Fall 2019 ASTR 300: Observational Astronomy CRN 84738 Course Syllabus Fall 2019 Watanabe 114 26 August – 16 December, 2019 Mon, Wed, Fri @ 2:30 - 3:20pm Final Exam: 2:15 - 4:15 p.m., Monday 16 December Credits: 3 Instructor: Eugene Magnier Prerequisites: Email: m [email protected] ASTR 210 or ASTR 242 Office: Watanabe 423 PHYS 152 or PHYS 274 Hours: after class on request MATH 216 or MATH 242 or MATH 252A Miles Lucas (m [email protected]) will be the class TA. In addition, the general Astronomy TA pool staffs Watanabe room 403. Any of the graduate student TAs will be able to provide assistance with this course. Materials ● Text : T o Measure the Sky b y Frederick R. Chromey ● Class website: https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/MAN.84738.202010 [laulima, requires UH login] Course Description Astronomy 300 introduces principles and techniques of optical and near-infrared astronomical observation with an emphasis on the process of measurement. In this course, the student will learn about the tools used to observe the sky and the techniques of measuring key properties of astronomical objects. This course will introduce the jargon needed to understand the literature of observational astronomy. This course is designed to be complementary to and taken concurrently with ASTR 300L. Topics ● Poisson & Gaussian statistics ● Error propagation ● Basic Optics ● Features of Optical Telescopes ● Astronomical Coordinates and Time ● Optical and near-IR Detectors ● Basic Spectroscopy ● Astronomical Images ● Photometry and Astrometry Program Learning Objectives This course will help the student meet the Program Learning Objectives in the following ways: Reinforce understanding of the laws of physics, the nature of astronomical objects, and the scientific method; Introduce observational properties of astronomical objects, observing methods, and data reduction. Evaluation and Grading ● 9 problem sets: 1-7 are given weekly, due the next week. The last 2 problem sets are larger projects. ● 2 Midterm exams + Final exam ● Final Grade : 30% problem sets, 30% Midterms, 30% Final Exam, 10% class-questions ○ No Passing Grade without taking the final exam ● Traditional ABCDF scale based on Gaussian curve (mean = B) Notes ● Problem sets are due at the beginning of class and are usually reviewed at the start of the same class. ● No credit for late problem sets; if you cannot attend class, please email problem set before class time. ● There will be n o calculators for midterms and final exam. ● Daily class questions will be used to encourage attendance and attention (bottom 2 dropped). ● Always show your work for partial credit. Course Schedule Week of... Topic Details Aug 26 Statistics Measurement errors; Gaussian & Poisson statistics; Sep 02 Optics Error propagation, Convex & concave lenses; H oliday : Sep 2 Sep 09 Detectors Thin lens approximation; a simple telescope, detector concepts Sep 16 Spectroscopy CCDs in detail; Image analysis Sep 23 Spectroscopy Dispersive optical elements; resolution; emission sources Sep 30 Spectroscopy Basic spectrograph layout; 1D spectra; redshift Midterm Exam #1 : Oct 4 Oct 07 Context Science Guest Lecture, Astronomy in Hawaii Oct 14 Images Stars in images (focus, seeing, diffraction); Detecting stars Oct 21 Photometry Magnitudes & fluxes; photometric calibration; colors; HR diagram Oct 28 Astrometry Coordinate systems; equatorial coordinates & time Midterm Exam #2 : Nov 1 Nov 04 Astrometry Astrometric calibration; projections Nov 11 Telescopes Telescope designs; aberrations; seeing & image quality H oliday : Nov 11 Nov 18 Radio Fourier transform; frequency domain; radio telescopes Nov 25 X-ray & Other High-Res Spectra; X-ray Telescopes H oliday : Nov 29 Dec 02 Review week Dec 09 Review week Last Class : Dec 11 Dec 16 Exam Week Final Exam : Dec 16 @ 2:15 - 4:15pm. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Astronomy (ASTR) 1
    Astronomy (ASTR) 1 ASTR 3300. Astrophysics of Planetary Astronomy (ASTR) Systems. Units: 3 Semester Prerequisite: ASTR 2300 Courses Physical principles of planetary systems and their formation, stellar structure and evolution. Formerly PHYS 370; students may not earn credit ASTR 1000. Introduction to Planetary for both courses. Astronomy. Units: 3 ASTR 3310. Astrophysics of Galaxies and Semester Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of GE mathematics requirement, area B4 Cosmology. Units: 3 A brief history of the development of astronomy followed by modern Semester Prerequisite: ASTR 2300 descriptions of our planetary system, extrasolar systems, and the Physical principles of stellar evolution, galactic structure, extragalactic possibilities of life in the universe. Discussions of methods of extending astrophysics, and cosmology. knowledge of the universe. No previous background in natural sciences is ASTR 4000. Observational Astronomy. Units: required. Satisfies GE Category B1. Formerly offered as ASTR 103. 3 ASTR 1000L. Introduction to Planetary Semester Prerequisite: ASTR 2300, PHYS 3300 or other computer Astronomy Lab. Unit: 1 programming course. Prerequisite: CSE 201 or other computer Semester Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of GE mathematics programming course requirement, area B4 Introduction to the operation of telescopes to image astronomical targets, Semester Corequisite: ASTR 1000 primarily in the optical range. Topics include night sky motion and Laboratory associated with Introduction to Planetary Astronomy (ASTR coordinate systems; digital imaging, reduction, and analysis; proposal 1000). Satisfies GE Category B3. Materials fee required. design and review; and observation run planning. Projects include observation and analysis of both pre-determined objects and objects ASTR 1010. Introduction to Galaxies and of the students' choosing. Presentations throughout the course using Cosmology.
    [Show full text]
  • Astronomy (Astr) 1
    ASTRONOMY (ASTR) 1 ASTR 102. Introduction to Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies & Cosmology. 3 ASTRONOMY (ASTR) Credits. The sun, stellar observables, star birth, evolution, and death, novae and ASTR 61. First-Year Seminar: The Copernican Revolution. 3 Credits. supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, the Milky Way This seminar explores the 2,000-year effort to understand the motion galaxy, normal galaxies, active galaxies and quasars, dark matter, dark of the sun, moon, stars, and five visible planets. Earth-centered cosmos energy, cosmology, early universe. Honors version available gives way to the conclusion that earth is just another body in space. Requisites: Prerequisite, ASTR 101, or pre- or co-requisite, PHYS 117 Cultural changes accompany this revolution in thinking. or 119; Permission of the instructor for students lacking the pre- or co- Gen Ed: PL, NA, WB. requisites. Grading status: Letter grade Gen Ed: PL. Same as: PHYS 61. Grading status: Letter grade. ASTR 63. First-Year Seminar: Catastrophe and Chaos: Unpredictable ASTR 102H. Introduction to Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies & Cosmology. 3 Physics. 3 Credits. Credits. Physics is often seen as the most precise and deterministic of sciences. The sun, stellar observables, star birth, evolution, and death, novae and Determinism can break down, however. This seminar explores the rich supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, the Milky Way and diverse areas of modern physics in which "unpredictability" is the galaxy, normal galaxies, active galaxies and quasars, dark matter, dark norm. Honors version available. energy, cosmology, early universe. ASTR 63H. First-Year Seminar: Catastrophe and Chaos: Unpredictable Requisites: Prerequisite, ASTR 101, or pre- or co-requisite, PHYS 117 Physics.
    [Show full text]
  • Astr-Astronomy 1
    ASTR-ASTRONOMY 1 ASTR 1116. Introduction to Astronomy Lab, Special ASTR-ASTRONOMY 1 Credit (1) This lab-only listing exists only for students who may have transferred to ASTR 1115G. Introduction Astro (lec+lab) NMSU having taken a lecture-only introductory astronomy class, to allow 4 Credits (3+2P) them to complete the lab requirement to fulfill the general education This course surveys observations, theories, and methods of modern requirement. Consent of Instructor required. , at some other institution). astronomy. The course is predominantly for non-science majors, aiming Restricted to Las Cruces campus only. to provide a conceptual understanding of the universe and the basic Prerequisite(s): Must have passed Introduction to Astronomy lecture- physics that governs it. Due to the broad coverage of this course, the only. specific topics and concepts treated may vary. Commonly presented Learning Outcomes subjects include the general movements of the sky and history of 1. Course is used to complete lab portion only of ASTR 1115G or ASTR astronomy, followed by an introduction to basic physics concepts like 112 Newton’s and Kepler’s laws of motion. The course may also provide 2. Learning outcomes are the same as those for the lab portion of the modern details and facts about celestial bodies in our solar system, as respective course. well as differentiation between them – Terrestrial and Jovian planets, exoplanets, the practical meaning of “dwarf planets”, asteroids, comets, ASTR 1120G. The Planets and Kuiper Belt and Trans-Neptunian Objects. Beyond this we may study 4 Credits (3+2P) stars and galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, black holes, and clusters of Comparative study of the planets, moons, comets, and asteroids which galaxies.
    [Show full text]
  • Observational Astronomy
    Observational Astronomy Dr Elizabeth Stanway, [email protected] A brief history of observational astronomy Astronomical alignments 32,500 year old… star chart? e.g. Stonehenge c.5000 yr old A brief history of observational astronomy Armillary spheres and astrolabes Independently invented in China and Greece c. 200bce Astronomical alignments e.g. Stonehenge c.5000 yr old A brief history of observational astronomy Armillary spheres and astrolabes Independently invented in China and Greece c. 200bce Chaucer wrote a treatise on the astrolabe in 1391 A brief history of observational astronomy The Antikythera Mechanism – a calendar and orrery from c.100bce A brief history of observational astronomy It took 1500 years to make similarly complex astronomical clocks – e.g. Samuel Watson of Coventry (1690) Can show planetary orbits, dates, times, lunar and solar cycles, eclipses. In the collection of Windsor castle (image reproduced from Royal Collections Trust) The first telescopes 1608: Hans Lippershey/Jacob Metius Refracting telescopes… may 1608: Gallileo Gallilei have been around decades before - or even longer 1611: Johannes Kepler 1668: Isaac Newton Reflecting telescope – proposed earlier 1936: Karl Jansky Radio telescopes 1963: Riccardo Giacconi X-Ray telescopes 1968: Nancy Grace Roman Space telescopes Key Questions to consider: Where is your target? What effect will the atmosphere - coordinate systems have? - precession of the equinoxes - atmospheric refraction - proper motion - atmospheric extinction - seeing and sky brightness - adaptive optics When can you observe it? - equatorial vs alt/az - hour angles - how do we measure time? Angles Observational astronomy is all about angles: 1 AU @ 1 pc subtends 1 arcsecond = 1”.
    [Show full text]
  • Astronomy (ASTR) 1
    Astronomy (ASTR) 1 ASTR 203 Introduction to Observational Astronomy ASTRONOMY (ASTR) Prerequisites: ASTR 103/ASTR 103H or equivalent Notes: The course consists of 2 lecture hours and three evening ASTR 103 Descriptive Astronomy laboratory hours per week. Description: Approach is essentially nonmathematical. Survey of the Description: Exploration of equipment and techniques needed to observe nature and motions of the planets, the sun, the stars, and their lives, and investigate the motions and objects in the night sky. galaxies, and the structure of the universe. Black holes, pulsars, quasars, Credit Hours: 4 and other objects of special interest included. Max credits per semester: 4 Credit Hours: 3 Max credits per degree: 4 Max credits per semester: 3 Grading Option: Graded with Option Max credits per degree: 3 ASTR 204 Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics Grading Option: Graded with Option Prerequisites: PHYS 211/211H; MATH 107/107H; parallel ASTR 224 Prerequisite for: ASTR 113; ASTR 203 Notes: Survey of the sun, the solar system, stellar properties, stellar ACE: ACE 4 Science systems, interstellar matter, galaxies, and cosmology. ASTR 103H Honors: Descriptive Astronomy Description: Survey of the sun, the solar system, stellar properties, stellar Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program or by systems, interstellar matter, galaxies, and cosmology. invitation Credit Hours: 3 Notes: Broad look at astronomy for non-science majors. Max credits per semester: 3 Description: Approach is essentially non-mathematical, but simple Max credits per degree: 3 algebra is employed where appropriate. Sun and solar system, the stars, Grading Option: Graded with Option galaxies, and cosmology. Black holes, pulsars, quasars, and other objects Prerequisite for: ASTR 224 of special interest included.
    [Show full text]
  • ASTR 444 – Observational Astronomy (4) Course Outline
    March 2011 ASTR 444 – Observational Astronomy (4) Course Outline Introduction to observational astronomy. Coordinate systems, telescopes and observational instruments (CCDs, filters, spectrographs), observational methods and techniques, data reduction and analysis. Laboratory activities include use of a telescope, CCD camera for data acquisition, data reduction and analysis, and presentation of results. 3 lectures. 1 laboratory. Prerequisites: ASTR 301 and ASTR 302, or consent of instructor. This course in observational astronomy will complete the required course selection for students pursuing a minor in astronomy. Students minoring in astronomy should have exposure to the acquisition and analysis of actual astronomical data. In addition to providing this background, the course will serve as the capstone course for the minor, allowing student access to a telescope and experience working with the equipment and computer analysis techniques of a professional astronomer. The course complements the content material covered in ASTR 301/302/326. Learning Objectives and Criteria: The expected outcomes are: (1) Understanding usage of astronomical equipment such as CCD cameras, telescopes, and spectrographs (2) Understanding of astronomical techniques such as time-series photometry, spectroscopy, fitting PSFs, and data reduction (3) Completion of data analysis of a specific astronomical object of study with a group (4) Understanding of the field of astronomy and the role that observational astronomy and astronomical data play in our understanding of the universe Text and References: Birney, D. Scott, Gonzales, Guillermo, Oesper, David, Observational Astronomy, 2nd Ed, Cambridge University Press Content and Method: Method: ASTR 444 is offered in a traditional lecture format. It meets a total of 4 hours a week.
    [Show full text]
  • Big Astronomy Educator Guide
    Show Summary 2 EDUCATOR GUIDE National Science Standards Supported 4 Main Questions and Answers 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Glossary of Terms 9 Related Activities 10 Additional Resources 17 Credits 17 SHOW SUMMARY Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries explores three observatories located in Chile, at extreme and remote places. It gives examples of the multitude of STEM careers needed to keep the great observatories working. The show is narrated by Barbara Rojas-Ayala, a Chilean astronomer. A great deal of astronomy is done in the nation of Energy Camera. Here we meet Marco Bonati, who is Chile, due to its special climate and location, which an Electronics Detector Engineer. He is responsible creates stable, dry air. With its high, dry, and dark for what happens inside the instrument. Marco tells sites, Chile is one of the best places in the world for us about this job, and needing to keep the instrument observational astronomy. The show takes you to three very clean. We also meet Jacoline Seron, who is a of the many telescopes along Chile’s mountains. Night Assistant at CTIO. Her job is to take care of the instrument, calibrate the telescope, and operate The first site we visit is the Cerro Tololo Inter-American the telescope at night. Finally, we meet Kathy Vivas, Observatory (CTIO), which is home to many who is part of the support team for the Dark Energy telescopes. The largest is the Victor M. Blanco Camera. She makes sure the camera is producing Telescope, which has a 4-meter primary mirror. The science-quality data.
    [Show full text]
  • Astronomy (ASTR) 1
    Astronomy (ASTR) 1 Astronomy (ASTR) ASTR 1000. Introduction to the Universe. 3 Hours. A survey of the universe, examining the historical origins of astronomy; the motions and physical properties of the Sun, Moon, and planets; the formation, evolution, and death of stars; and the structure of galaxies and the expansion of the Universe. ASTR 1010K. Astronomy of the Solar System. 4 Hours. Astronomy from early ideas of the cosmos to modern observational techniques. The solar system planets, satellites, and minor bodies. The origin and evolution of the solar system. Three lectures and one night laboratory session per week. ASTR 1020K. Stellar and Galactic Astronomy. 4 Hours. The study of the Sun and stars, their physical properties and evolution, interstellar matter, star clusters, our Galaxy and other galaxies, the origin and evolution of the Universe. Three lectures and one night laboratory session per week. ASTR 2010. Tools of Astronomy. 1 Hour. An introduction to observational techniques for the beginning astronomy major. Completion of this course will enable the student to use the campus observatory without direct supervision. The student will be given instruction in the use of the observatory and its associated equipment. Includes laboratory safety, research methods, exploration of resources (library and Internet), and an outline of the discipline. ASTR 2020. The Planetarium. 1 Hour. Prerequisites: ASTR 1000, ASTR 1010K, ASTR 1020K, or permission of instructor. Instruction in the operation of the campus planetarium and delivery of planetarium programs. Completion of this course will qualify the student to prepare and give planetarium programs to visiting groups. ASTR 2950. Directed Study.
    [Show full text]
  • Astronomy 113 Laboratory Manual
    UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MADISON Department of Astronomy Astronomy 113 Laboratory Manual Fall 2011 Professor: Snezana Stanimirovic 4514 Sterling Hall [email protected] TA: Natalie Gosnell 6283B Chamberlin Hall [email protected] 1 2 Contents Introduction 1 Celestial Rhythms: An Introduction to the Sky 2 The Moons of Jupiter 3 Telescopes 4 The Distances to the Stars 5 The Sun 6 Spectral Classification 7 The Universe circa 1900 8 The Expansion of the Universe 3 ASTRONOMY 113 Laboratory Introduction Astronomy 113 is a hands-on tour of the visible universe through computer simulated and experimental exploration. During the 14 lab sessions, we will encounter objects located in our own solar system, stars filling the Milky Way, and objects located much further away in the far reaches of space. Astronomy is an observational science, as opposed to most of the rest of physics, which is experimental in nature. Astronomers cannot create a star in the lab and study it, walk around it, change it, or explode it. Astronomers can only observe the sky as it is, and from their observations deduce models of the universe and its contents. They cannot ever repeat the same experiment twice with exactly the same parameters and conditions. Remember this as the universe is laid out before you in Astronomy 113 – the story always begins with only points of light in the sky. From this perspective, our understanding of the universe is truly one of the greatest intellectual challenges and achievements of mankind. The exploration of the universe is also a lot of fun, an experience that is largely missed sitting in a lecture hall or doing homework.
    [Show full text]
  • Optical Astronomy from Orbiting Observatories
    The Space Congress® Proceedings 1981 (18th) The Year of the Shuttle Apr 1st, 8:00 AM Optical Astronomy from Orbiting Observatories P. M. Perry Astronomy Department, Computer Sciences Corporation William R. Whitman Technical Staff, Astronomy Department, Computer Sciences Corporation Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.erau.edu/space-congress-proceedings Scholarly Commons Citation Perry, P. M. and Whitman, William R., "Optical Astronomy from Orbiting Observatories" (1981). The Space Congress® Proceedings. 5. https://commons.erau.edu/space-congress-proceedings/proceedings-1981-18th/session-2/5 This Event is brought to you for free and open access by the Conferences at Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Space Congress® Proceedings by an authorized administrator of Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. OPTICAL Dr. P. M. Perry, Manager Mr. William R. Whitman, Astronomy Department of Technical Staff Computer Sciences Corporation Astronomy Department Computer Sciences Corporation ABSTRACT Atmospheric extinction, seeing, and "light pollution" £re the most significant factors ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths) affecting the quality of observations obtained conducted by modern ground-based observatories from ground-based optical telescopes, degrading is that of atmospheric extinction and seeing. resolution and limiting reach. In addition, Irregularities in the earth's atmosphere tend the earth's atmosphere is opaque to radiation to degrade star images to much below the per­ shorter than 0.3 microns preventing the ultra­ formance potential of good instruments. Even violet from being observed in detail from the under the best observing conditions with the ground. The solution to these problems has been best ground-based instruments 5 a resolution of to move astronomical telescopes into earth orbit.
    [Show full text]
  • Observational Astronomy Introduction
    Observational Astronomy Introduction Ast 401/Phy 580 Fall 2015 Dr. Philip Massey Photo by Kathryn Neugent Phil Photo by Kathryn Neugent Astronomer at Lowell Observatory since 2000 Photo by Kathryn Neugent Lowell Observatory Astronomer at Kitt Peak National Observatory (1984-2000) Photo by Kathryn Neugent Kitt Peak 4-meter Mayall telescope Adjunct at NAU (1993-present) Taught AST 180/181 various times Teaching AST 401/PHY 580 since Fall 2013 Photo by Kathryn Neugent Research Interests: Massive Stars Most luminous Hottest (on MS) Coolest (red supergiants) Weirdest Photo by Kathryn Neugent M31: the Andromeda Galaxy SMC LMC The 6.5-meter MMT Observatory Photo by Kathryn Neugent 6.5-meter Clay Magellan telescope Photo by Yuri Beletsky Photo by Yuri Beletsky How does it work? • Two 75-minute traditional lectures per week (T, Th 9:35-10:50am), going a bit deeper than the text. Instructor: me (Philip Massey) • Lab every Wednesday afternoon 3:00-5:30pm with telescope reserved Wednesday evenings (7:00-9:30pm). Instructor: Ed Anderson • Single grade (60% class, 40% lab) How does it work? • Ast 401/401L is “advanced” class for astronomy majors. • Phy 580 students will also give a short presentation. • Study some of techniques of research astronomy. • Much more computer analysis than observing. • Use campus 20-in to collect data for analysis. • Field trip to the 4.3-meter DCT---pretty pictures! Overview 1. The Basics A. Celestial sphere and coordinates--Chapter 1+suppl. B. Time--Chapter 2+suppl. C. Spherical triangles—Chapter 4 D. Catalogs (Guest lecture: Brian Skiff)—Chapter 3. E.
    [Show full text]
  • Astronomical Observations: a Guide for Allied Researchers
    Astronomical observations: a guide for allied researchers P. Barmby Department of Physics & Astronomy University of Western Ontario London, Canada N6A 3K7 March 13, 2019 Abstract Observational astrophysics uses sophisticated technology to collect and measure electro- magnetic and other radiation from beyond the Earth. Modern observatories produce large, complex datasets and extracting the maximum possible information from them requires the expertise of specialists in many fields beyond physics and astronomy, from civil engineers to statisticians and software engineers. This article introduces the essentials of professional astronomical observations to colleagues in allied fields, to provide context and relevant back- ground for both facility construction and data analysis. It covers the path of electromagnetic radiation through telescopes, optics, detectors, and instruments, its transformation through processing into measurements and information, and the use of that information to improve our understanding of the physics of the cosmos and its history. 1 What do astronomers do? Everyone knows that astronomers study the sky. But what sorts of measurements do they make, and how do these translate into data that can be analyzed to understand the universe? This article introduces astronomical observations to colleagues in related fields (e.g., engineering, statistics, computer science) who are assumed to be familiar with quantitative measurements and computing but not necessarily with astronomy itself.1 Specialized terms which may be unfamiliar to the reader are italicized on first use. The references in this article include a mix of technical papers and less- technical descriptive works. Shorter introductions to astronomical observations, data and statistics are given by [29, 33]. Comprehensive technical introductions to astronomical observations are found in several recent textbooks [12, 45, 50].
    [Show full text]