Description
Adopting a unique and engaging approach to the subject, this course will take students on a journey from the solar neighbourhood to the edge of the Universe, discussing the range of methods of distance measurement along the way. It will focus on the physics and physical processes that underlie each method, where relevant, rather than just presenting a collection of techniques. As well as providing the most compressive account of distance measurements to date, the course will use this common theme to impart important concepts relevant to a wide variety of areas in astronomy/astrophysics. Additionally, it will illustrate the pitfalls in these areas and discuss the impact of the remaining uncertainties in our complete understanding of the Universe at large.
Programme form
Lectures
Literature
An Introduction to Distance Measurement in Astronomy, De Grijs, Sept 2011
Schedule
Form of examination
Homework + Essay
More information
Lecturer: Prof. R. (Richard) de Grijs