12994 (v.2) Astronomy 201

Area:

Department of Applied Physics

Credits:

12.5

Contact Hours:

5.0

Lecture:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Fieldwork:

2 x 5 Hours Once-only

Prerequisite(s):

1737 (v.3) Particles and Waves 101 or any previous version
AND
1744 (v.3) Structure of Matter 102 or any previous version
AND
7318 (v.5) Astronomy 101 or any previous version
AND
7329 (v.5) Planetary Science 101 or any previous version

Syllabus:

Background - Observational astrophysics, scale of the universe, nature of the observables. Co-ordinate Systems - spherical trigonometry, celestial sphere, horizontal, equatorial, ecliptic and galactic coordinates. Time - sideral, solar, UT and atomic time, calendars, Julian date. Positional measurements - history, constellations, catalogues, refraction, aberration, parallax, nutation, precession, astrometry, mean and apparent coordinates. Photometry - intensity, flux density, luminosity, surface brightness, apparent and absolute magnitudes, filter systems, extinction, atmospheric seeing, absorption. Image processing - measurements, apeture photometry, CCD processing, counting statistics and signal-to-noise ratios, visualisation, filters. Detectors - theyeye, photography, CCDs, photomultipliers. Telescopes - reflectors, refractors, mounts, aberration, distortion. Spectroscopy - blackbody radiation, ionisation, H-R diagram, spectrographs, elementary spectral analysis, classifications. Radio astronomy - antennae, beam patterns, detectors, bandwidth, interferometers.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit students will have received an introduction to practical work in astronomy and the application of data analysis, signal processing and image processing concepts to the subject. They will have gained an understandingof coordinates systems, time, position, telescopes, CCD detectors, photometry, imaging, spectroscopy and radio astronomy and will be competent in the practical use of optical telescopes.

Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases.

Unit References:

Karttunen et al, 'Fundamental Astronomy', Springer. Birney, D., 1991, 'Observational Astronomy', Cambridge University Press, England. Smith, R., 1995, 'Observational Astrophysics', Cambridge University Press, New York. Green, R., 1985, 'Spherical Astronomy', Cambridge University Press, England. Kitchen, 'Astrophysical Techniques', Adam Hilger. Roy and Clarke, 'Astronomy - Principles and Practice', Adam Hilger. Kaler, J. B., 1996, 'The Ever Changing Sky', Cambridge University Press, New York.

Unit Texts:

No prescribed text.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Presentations 10%. Assignments 36%. Laboratory 24%. Final Examination 30%.

Field of Education:

19900 Other Natural and Physical Sciences (Narrow Grouping)

HECS Band (if applicable):

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

Informational

Result Type:

Grade/Mark

Availability

Availability Information has not been provided by the respective School or Area. Prospective students should contact the School or Area listed above for further information.

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Picture of sun setting over Henderson Court on Curtin's Bentley Campus