ASTR 211(F) Observation and Data Reduction Techniques in Astronomy

Astronomical observations have undergone a tremendous transformation as a result of the digital computer revolution. Images and spectra that routinely required photographic exposures of many hours are now possible in minutes, if not seconds, with modern electronic detectors. Along with this colossal growth in the rate at which data can be acquired comes a concomitant increase in the complexity of the effort required to extract useful information from that data. This course will introduce techniques of obtaining and analyzing astronomical data. Regardless of the telescope or detector, however, observing still requires knowledge of the sky; we will begin by learning about celestial coordinates, basic spherical trigonometry, and time. The course will then move on to discussion of CCD detectors, signal statistics, and the data reduction process, making use of data we obtain with our 24" telescope and CCD, as well as data from telescopes at the National Optical Astronomy Observatories. Students will analyze images and spectra on department workstations using data reduction techniques standard among astronomers.

Prior experience with UNIX is helpful, but not required. Evaluation will be based on homework, an hour test and a final project. Prerequisite: Mathematics 104.

Hour:  KWITTER