Admission requirements
Knowledge of calculus and basic astronomical concepts. In terms of the Leiden curriculum:
Praktische Sterrenkunde: basic error analysis, basic photometry & data reduction,
2-parameter linear chi^2Inleiding Astrofysica: coordinate systems, magnitudes, basic stellar properties, HR diagram
Programmeermethoden NA: basic knowledge of Python
Modern Astronomical Research: Finding and reading research articles
Description
In the Astronomy Lab and Observing Project you will learn how to prepare and analyse astronomical observations with a professional telescope.
The scientific question will be conceived by you working in a group and will teach you how to work as a scientist.
The course consists of three parts. Each part is introduced in one or more lectures and carried out with the supervision of assistants during practical classes using computers running Linux. The first part introduces the students to photometry of stellar sources using both synthetic and aperture photometry with special attention paid to practical error analysis. The second part focuses on the fitting of models to observational data while the third part which runs parallel throughout the whole course, focuses on the definition and analysis of observations with a professional telescope and is carried out in groups of 3-6 students.
The course is defined by two substantial problem sets covering part 1 and part 2, while the observing project provides substantial freedom to the students.
The following themes are covered:
Telescope proposals, technical and scientific justifications.
Astronomical software (review) – ds9, topcat and python
Synthetic photometry
Matching of black body models to photometry
Aperture photometry
Error analysis for CCD photometry
Radial velocity modelling for exo-planets
Weighted chi square fitting
Statistical testing (type I and type II errors)
The chi square test
Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Scientific report writing
Course objectives
At the end of this course you will know how to prepare your own astronomical observations with a professional telescope and evaluate the results thereof.
After this course, you are able to:
Prepare and present in writing a science case for astronomical observations on a topic chosen by the group.
Design astronomical observations with a professional telescope.
Analyse and present the results of the astronomical observations.
Apply the techniques of synthetic photometry to spectra of celestial objects.
Analyse images of stellar sources and carry out aperture photometry on this, including practical error analysis.
Combine the knowledge of synthetic photometry with aperture photometry to analyse the energy distribution of stellar sources.
Formulate a model for planetary motion and fit this to observational data including observational uncertainties.
Apply Markov-Chain Monte Carlo techniques to observational data and analyse the results thereof.
At the end of the course you will have been trained in the following behaviour-oriented skills:
Abstract thinking
Evaluate the scientific proposals of other groups
Ability to construct and analyse a scientific case in a group
Correctly explaining and analysing complex and non-intuitive concepts
Ability to present results clearly in writing both in the form of reports and a poster
Timetable
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have successfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go to the 'help-page' in MyTimetable. Please note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Exercise classes
Assessment method
Written report
Poster presentation
The course is divided in three parts that count equally. The first two parts of the course are done on the basis of an obligatory report and the observing project is evaluated on the basis of the quality of the observing proposal, the preparation and execution of observations at the telescope and the final presentation of results in the form of a poster. The final grade is the average of the grade of the three sub-components to the course.
Reading list
There is no textbook associated with the course. The necessary background material will be made available during the course.
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for registering on time, i.e. 14 days before the start of the course. This can be done via Mystudymap. You do this twice a year: once for the courses you want to take in semester 1 and once for the courses you want to take in semester 2. Please note: late registration is not possible.
Registration for courses in the first semester is possible from July; registration for courses in the second semester is possible from December. First-year bachelor students are registered for semester 1 by the faculty student administration; they do not have to do this themselves. For more information, see this page
In addition, it is mandatory for all students, including first-year bachelor students, to register for exams. This can be done up to and including 10 calendar days prior to the exam or up to five calendar days in case of a retake exam. You cannot participate in the exam or retake without a valid registration in My Studymap.
Contact
Lecturer: Dr. A.G.A. Brown
Remarks
None