Admission requirements
None
Description
This course introduces students to the observational approaches and instruments of modern astronomy. The first part of the course is focused on the theoretical background including Fourier transforms, radiation, the Earth’s atmosphere, and optics. The second part introduces the most important observational techniques including optical and radio telescopes, detectors, spectrometers, and adaptive optics. Students will write their own codes to apply their knowledge.
The lectures and exercises cover the following topics:
Properties of radiation
Atmospheric properties
Fourier transform
Geometrical and diffraction optics
Telescopes
Measurement properties
Radio techniques
Interferometry
Detectors
Spectrometers
Imagers
Adaptive optics
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to select the most appropriate technique to observe a given astronomical phenomena.
In particular, students will be able to:
Calculate the properties of radiation received from black bodies
Explain the different influences of the Earth’s atmosphere on astronomical observations
Perform analytical and numerical Fourier transforms
Explain the working principles of optical and radio telescopes
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different detector types
Calculate the expected performance of a given instrument
Select an appropriate instrument to observe a given astronomical phenomena
Soft skills
In this course, students will be trained in the following behaviour-oriented skills:
Problem solving (recognizing and analyzing problems, solution-oriented thinking)
Analytical skills (analytical thinking, abstraction, evidence)
Critical thinking (asking questions, check assumptions)
Timetable
See Schedules bachelor Astronomy
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Exercise classes
Assessment method
Written exam, see Examination schedules bachelor Astronomy.
Doing the homework sets is mandatory. An average grade of 6 or higher is required to be able to partake in the final exam. The average grade gives up to 1 bonus grade point.
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
Materials in class.
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
Teacher: Prof.dr. H.J.A. (Huub) Röttgering
Assistants: Amy Louca, Jelle Mes, Niels Koppelaar, Bart Ouwehand