Louise Harra: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2022

Name Prof. Dr. Louise Harra
FieldSolar Astrophysics
Address
Inst. f. Teilchen- und Astrophysik
ETH Zürich, HIT J 22.4
Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 27
8093 Zürich
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 633 44 50
E-mailharral@ethz.ch
DepartmentPhysics
RelationshipFull Professor (affiliated)

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
402-0352-00LAstronomical Observations and Instrumentation
Does not take place this semester.
6 credits2V + 1UH. M. Schmid, L. Harra
AbstractAstronomical techniques and observing strategies are presented with a particular emphasis on currently available professional telescopes of the European Southern Observatory.
Learning objectiveThe course shall provide a basic understanding of the potential and limitation of different types of modern astronomical observations for early career researchers. The course will present technical aspects which are important to prepare, to carry out and to calibrate different types of astronomical measurements: photometry, spectroscopy, astrometry, polarimetry and others. Many practical examples will be discussed including methods for the detection of physical samples of cosmic dust. Also scientific aspects of instrumental projects and observational programs are addressed. An opportunity to contribute to solar spacecraft operations will be available during the course.
Content1. Introduction: research projects in astronomical observations
2. Observables: electromagnetic radiation, particles
3. Optical telescopes: Opitcs, types, mechanical concepts, examples
4. Detectors: CCDs, IR detectors, basic data reduction steps
5. Photometry: signal extraction, calibration, faint sources, etc.
6. Spectroscopy: spectrographs, calibration, spectral features
7. Introduction to solar space instrumentation
8. Space observations of cosmic dust: introduction, remote sensing, in situ instruments, sample return, calibration, data analysis and practical examples
9. Speckles and adaptive optics: atmosphere, AO-systems
10. Polarimetry: measuring principles
11. Interferometry
Lecture notesNotes will be distributed.
LiteratureAstrophysical Techniques, C.R. Kitchin, 2009 (5th edition), CRC Press
Astronomical Observations, Gordon Walker, 1987, Cambridge University Press (a bit outdated)