ASTR 361: Observational Techniques

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of some of the basic observational techniques use by astronomers in gathering and analyzing data from celestial objects. Practical experience in acquiring, displaying, and interpreting optical and radio observations using the University's 0.4-m telescope and 2.3-m radio dish will be emphasized. Topics will include astronomical coordinate system and timekeeping, telescope optics, the design and use of CCD detectors, fundamentals of multi-color photometry, an introduction to astronomical spectroscopy, and radio measurements of the Sun and interstellar hydrogen clouds at 21-cm wavelengths. (2 hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory) (S, OC).