Observational Astrophysics I

About this programme

This course deals with fundamental concepts in observational astronomy/astrophysics. It teaches the concepts needed to plan and execute observations for scientific purposes, as well as for interpreting the resulting data. Collecting data and interpreting the results, as well as assessing the uncertainties involved, is a key component of the scientific method. In this course, you will learn the implementation of this process for the context of observational astronomy. We will discuss how to prepare observations, how different telescopes and detectors work, and how to acquire, reduce and analyze astronomical data. Aside from learning about these principles, you will also apply them in real-life to an actual observation that is performed during the course. The course will also prepare you for the option of taking the follow-up course “Observational Techniques II”, where you will have the opportunity to both plan, execute, and analyze observations with large telescope facilities. The course is given during daytime. It is given as part of the MSc program in Astronomy, but can also be taken outside of this framework. It is a prerequisite for taking the course “Observational Techniques II” unless equivalent experience can be demonstrated. The course includes lectures and exercise sessions. In addition, there is a lab session for acquiring observations with either the AlbaNova telescope or a remote telescope facility. There is a written exam at the end of the course. The score on the exam along with possible bonus points from solving exercises in class forms the basis for the c