311695 (v.1) Observational Techniques in Astronomy 201
Note
Tuition Patterns
The tuition pattern below provides details of the types of classes and their duration. This is to be used as a guide only. For more precise information please check your unit outline.
Unit references, texts and outcomes
To ensure that the most up-to-date information about unit references, texts and outcomes appears, they will be provided in your unit outline prior to commencement.
| Area: | Department of Applied Physics |
|---|---|
| Credits: | 25.0 |
| Contact Hours: | 4.0 |
| Lecture: | 1 x 2 Hours Weekly |
| Tutorial: | 1 x 1 Hours Weekly |
| Fieldwork: | 2 x 5 Hours Once-only |
| Prerequisite(s): |
7062 (v.6)
Mathematics 101
or any previous version
OR 10926 (v.5) Mathematics 103 or any previous version AND 302804 (v.3) Physics 101 or any previous version AND 305415 (v.3) Physics 102 or any previous version |
| Syllabus: | Develops an understanding of the suite of techniques used by astronomers to record and analyse observations of celestial objects. Topics include astronomical coordinate systems (horizontal, equatorial, ecliptic, galactic), spherical trigonometry, systemsof time (sidereal, solar, atomic, coordinated universal) and calendars. Techniques for the precise measurement of astronomical positions (including historical catalogues) will be covered in some detail, along with the factors that can influence the long-term stability of measured positions (e.g. aberration, parallax, polar nutation and precession). Telescope technology will be described in detail, along with important instrumental techniques (e.g. astronomical photometry, spectrometry) and background concepts like source intensity, flux density, luminosity, surface brightness, apparent and absolute magnitudes, filter systems, interstellar extinction and atmospheric distortion. Several image processing topics will be introduced, including aperture photometry, CCD imaging, counting statistics, signal to noise ratio, and various visualisation methods. The standard physical interpretations of astronomical data will be examined, including blackbody radiation, ionisation, and elementary spectral analysis. |
| Field of Education: | 010303 Astronomy |
| 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.
