Astronomy 337 - Observational Techniques

An introduction to the techniques of observational astronomy, with emphasis on optical and infrared observations. Students will use the Python computing language to reduce real astronomical data. Topics covered include: astronomical software; observation planning; coordinate and time systems; telescope design and optics; instrumentation and techniques for imaging and photometry; astronomical detectors; digital image processing tools and techniques; and statistical techniques for making astronomical measurements.

Requisites:  at least one of AST 200, 224, 225, 226 or 228, two physics courses, and one computer science course.  Fall semester. Professor Follette and Post- doctoral Fellow Ward-Duong.