Observational Astrophysics II

The course provides a completely hands-on introduction to how astrophysical observations are performed, at optical and radio frequencies. Attendees will use the Onsala 20m radio dish and the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) to observe astrophysical bodies and subsequently analyze the data.
ESO VLT and the Milky way

ESO VLT and the Milky way. Image credit: ESO

The course simulates the entire life-span of all astrophysical observations, from proposal writing to publication.  You will travel to Onsala to observe star-forming regions in the Milky Way at radio frequencies, and operate the 2.5 meter Nordic Optical Telescope on La Palma, Spain.  Both are professional telescopes, actively used for research, and you will learn how to design and execute your own observations.  You may observe a range of astrophysical objects including stars, galaxies, nebulae, supernova remnants, etc.  After having obtained your own data you will reduce and analyze them, deriving various physical properties of the objects you observed.

The course is mainly given during daytime, but one trip to Onsala (Kungsbacka Municipality, situated in Halland County on Sweden’s west coast) involves spending nights at the observatory. Also, the operation of the NOT telescope involves working nights from Stockholm.

The course is given in English.


Teaching Format

The course comprises of some introductory lectures, but the large majority of the classroom time is devoted to hands-on operation of the telescopes.


Assessment

There are three modes of assessment in the course:

  • An observational proposal for the NOT observations, outlining key setup and requirements to conduct the observations
  • A report describing the observations and key results from Onsala
  • A report describing the observations and key results from the NOT

Examiner

Ragnhild Lunnan

Matthew Hayes

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

No standard published course literature; various hand-outs and guides will be provided duing the course.

Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








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