Introduction to Observational Astrophysics 1100-2Aind1
1. Introduction
Sources of the information on the Universe. Spectrum of the
electromagnetic radiation. Structure of the Earth's atmosphere. Transparency of the Earth's atmosphere.
2. Telescopes
Geometrical optics: Fermat's principle, equation of the lens and mirror, monochromatic and chromatic aberrations. Refractors and reflectors: lens, mirror and mixed systems, modern telescopes. Adaptative and active optics. Telescope mounts, the most interesting solutions. Properties of
telescopes: magnification, focal ratio, angular resolution, optical losses. Localization of professional telescopes: astronomical climate, seeing, technical solutions in modern observatories. Telescopes and light collectors in other wavelength bands.
3. Detectors.
Units used in astronomy, basic properties of the human eye, photographic plate, photomultiplier. CCD detectors and reductions of data collected with these devices. Detectors used in infrared, X and gamma wavelength regions. Detectors of cosmic rays, neutrinos and gravitational waves.
4. Photometry
Photometric measurements: aperture photometry. profile photometry, image subtraction. Filters: glass, interferometric. UBV photometric system: definition, absorption in Earth's atmosphere, methods of data reductions. Other important photometric systems: Stroemgren, Johnson, Kron-Cousins, SSDS. Astronomical applications of the UBV system:
interstellar absorption, stellar parameters, HR (CMD) diagram, two-color diagram. Comparison of properties of the Stroemgren system with the UBVsystem.
5. Catalogs:
Classical: positional, photometric, special, variable stars.
Modern: applications, distribution, access.
6. Spectroscopy:
Spectrographs: prism, objective prism, diffraction gratings. Properties of dispersion elements. Design of spectrographs, auxiliary instruments. Spectral classification of stars: Harvard and M-K classification, Greensten's classification of white dwarfs. Spectral features in spectra of different stars. Measurements of radial velocities. Line profiles and their interpretation.
Prerequisites (description)
Assessment criteria
Assessment form: classes, test and oral exam.
Bibliography
1. M. Kubiak, "Gwiazdy i materia międzygwiazdowa"
2. C.R. Kitchin "Astrophysical Techniques"
Additional information
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