Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LI Observational Astronomy
School	Physics and Astronomy
Department	Physics & Astronomy
Module Code	03 29882
Module Lead	Dr Graham Smith
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	Some knowledge of astronomy at the level of LC Introduction to Astrophysics will be helpful, though not essential. Some additional reading will be recommended to students with no prior knowledge of Astronomy.
Contact Hours	Lecture-22 hours Guided independent study-78 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	Our understanding of the universe and the galaxies, stars, and planets that inhabit it is built on astronomical observations, both from Earth and Space. This course teaches students about physics and practicalities of astronomical observations, by following the passage of light from distant objects through the atmosphere, through the optics of a telescope, detection in the focal plane of the telescope, and measurement of flux recorded by the detector. The course focuses on ground-based optical imaging and spectroscopy to build the core knowledge that then enables students both to understand observations at other wavelengths, and to support their project work in Astro Projects and Observatory Laboratory. The main differences between optical observing, and observing at Gamma-ray, X-ray, infrared, and radio wavelengths are explained and illustrated with examples.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module the student should be able to: Describe the physical processes that affect the passage of astronomical radiation through Earth’s atmosphere, the physics of the collection of this radiation by a telescope, and the detection of the radiation by a modern detector. Calculate from first principles the amount of ground-based optical observing time required to detect stars and galaxies of given brightness. Understand how to plan and execute astronomical observations with a ground-based optical telescope, and the basic steps of data processing once the data have been obtained. Explain the main similarities and differences between optical, infrared, gamma-ray, X-ray and radio observing techniques
Assessment	29882-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%) 29882-02 : Assessed problems : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Coursework (20%); 1.5 hour Examination (80%)
Other
Reading List