Admission requirements
Inleiding Astrofysica or equivalent
Description
In this course we will explore how space observatories contribute to answering the big questions which currently dominate astronomy. We will discover what makes space a uniquely powerful base from where to observe the near and far Universe. We will cover a wide range of space observatories in the recent past, current and future timeframes and the data that is available from them, and we will dive into some examples in more depth. The course will also describe the typical development of a space mission, and will discuss the features that we have to take into account when designing and using space-based observatories across the electromagnetic spectrum. We will learn to make some basic calculations relevant to mission design. The approach will be thematic and cover a wide wavelength spectrum.
The course consists of the following elements, not necessarily in this order:
Introduction to the course. Why observe from space? A bit of history… Balloon astronomy, sounding rockets and launchers to deep space. Introduction to the big questions addressed by astronomy from space.
Cosmology from space. The Universe at large scales. Observing the early Universe. Cosmic Microwave Background, galaxy surveys, deep observations of individual very distant objects…
Observing near and distant Galaxies (normal, starburst, AGN, quasars…).
Observing the Milky Way.
Observing exoplanets from space. Exobiology.
Exploring the Solar system: Sun, Sun-planet interactions, planetary missions.
Detectors and payloads (high energies, uv/optical, IR/FIR, submm/radio; gravitational waves)
Astronomical space mission design aspects: setting requirements, engineering principles, operations principles, mission development lifecycle, agencies, proposal preparation, …
Course objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide a general overview of the role and use of space-based observatories for astronomy today.
Upon completion of the course you will:
have general knowledge of astronomy-oriented space-based topics, actors, and projects.
have more specific understanding of some successful space missions, and of plans for future facilities.
be aware of available and coming space astronomy assets (data) and in general terms of what they are useful for.
have some understanding of the key technical issues that enable successful space astronomy missions, and of how these projects are developed and operated.
Soft skills
In this course, students will exercise the following behaviour-oriented skills:
Problem solving (recognizing and analyzing problems, solution-oriented thinking)
Analytical skills (analytical thinking, abstraction, evidence)
Project management (planning, scope, boundaries, result-orientation)
Communication (writing and oral skills, reporting, summarizing)
Critical thinking (asking questions, checking assumptions)
Creative thinking (resourcefulness, curiosity, thinking out of the box)
Timetable
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
The course will be based on 8x 2-hr lectures, including several invited lectures by selected space astronomy mission specialists. There will also be 2-3 exercise classes to cover some practical elements.
Assessment method
Written exam
Reading list
Lecture notes made available after each lesson, references to papers from the literature will be handed out during lessons.
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Lecturers: Dr. J.(Jan)A. Tauber
Remarks
Brightspace
Brightspace will be used to communicate with students and to share lecture slides, homework assignments, and any extra materials. You must enroll on uSis before the first lecture. To have access, you need a student ULCN account.
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.