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^2 Inleiding Astrofysica: coordinate systems, magnitudes, basic stellar properties, HR diagram Programmeermethoden NA: basic knowledge of Python Modern Astronomical Research and Communication: 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 the 2.5m Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) on La Palma 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.
Soft skills
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
See Schedules bachelor Astronomy
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.
Brightspace
Instructions and course material can be found on Brightspace. Registration for Brightspace occurs automatically when students enroll in uSis via uSis by registration for a class activity using a class number
Reading list
There is no textbook associated with the course. The necessary background material will be made available during the course.
Registration
Register via uSis. More information about signing up for classes and exams can be found here. Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for information on how to register. For a la carte and contract registration, please see the dedicated section on the Prospective students website.
Contact information
Lecturer: Dr. R.J. (Reinout) van Weeren
Assistants: Ciaran Rogers, Ardjan Sturm, Quincy Bosschaart, Rick Dullaart, Stefan van der Jagt, Martje Slob, Nelleke Theijssen