Rutgers University Department of Physics and Astronomy
Observational Optical Astronomy
Physics 344 --- Fall 2011
Course Information:
This course provides an introduction to the tools and techniques of
modern observational astronomy at visible wavelengths. We will use the 20-inch optical telescope of the Schommer Observatory to carry out astronomical imaging and spectroscopic observations, and analyze these observations using professional image-processing software.
Professor: Tad Pryor,
302W Physics & Astronomy Bldg, 732-445-5500 x5462,
pryor@physics.rutgers.edu
Lecture: Th period 7 (6:40 - 8:00 PM)
Observing: M, Tu, W, and F nights
Location: 401 Physics & Astronomy Bldg, Busch Campus
Office Hour: Thursday 1:30 - 3:00 PM. Alternatively, call or
email for an appointment.
Text: Observational Astronomy, 2nd edition by Birney,
Gonzalez, & Oesper, Cambridge University Press
TA: Mr. Philip Naudus, 220 ARC,
pnaudus@rutgers.edu
Image: Composite image of M33 taken with the 0.5m telescope of the
Schommer
Observatory .
Syllabus
Current Course News
Observing for Lab 5 starts October 23rd.
Your keycards should now give you access for the door facing Allison Road
and the classroom. If your card does not work, see Ms. Guylas in room 217 of
the Physics & Astronomy Building (go down the left-hand hallway after entering
the Allison Road doorway).
Observing Schedule
I have assigned everyone who communicated their preferences to me to
a lab slot. Please let me know if you have a serious problem with your
assigned time or if your name is not on the list.
| Day |
Time(*) |
Student 1 |
Student 2 |
Student 3 |
| Sunday |
7:00 - 9:00 |
|
|
|
| |
9:00 - 11:00 |
A. Grant |
C. Vargas |
|
| Monday |
7:00 - 9:00 |
M. Goldsmith |
G. Malcolm |
G. Vail |
| |
9:00 - 11:00 |
A. Frances |
J. Kosinski |
|
| Tuesday |
7:00 - 9:00 |
M. Hale |
C. Krawiec |
G. Budrow |
| |
9:00 - 11:00 |
R. Allaire |
K. Czelen |
|
| Wednesday |
7:00 - 9:00 |
M. Mettler |
H. Moreira |
C. Pamieta |
| |
9:15 - 11:15 |
C. St.John |
T. Holoien |
|
* Will shift earlier later in the semester.
Observing
predictions for the Schommer Observatory. In the "cloud cover" line,
dark blue is good and white is bad.
Labs
- Lab 1: Getting to Know The Sky Due:
September 15.
Though not due until the 15th, try to finish this lab
during the week of September 5th so that we can start telescopic
observations (Lab 2) the week of the 12th.
- Lab 2: Visual Observations with the 0.5 m
Telescope
Now Due: October 13
Clear weather has finally allowed us to finish the observations.
- Lab 3: An Introduction to IDL and ATV Due:
September 29
This lab does not require the telescope and can be done at any time
using your own computer or the computers in the classroom. If you
did not get your VNC number, email me for it.
- Lab 4: CCD Characterization Due: October 20
The first part of this lab is to take CCD images with the telescope,
but with the dome closed. Thus, it does not require clear weather and
everyone should show up for their lab periods this week.
- Lab 5: Jupiter's Moons & Kepler's Laws Due:
November 3 (finish part 1 of analysis by Oct 28)
This coming week we will observe Jupiter intensively and do part 1
of the analysis. Jupiter is bright and can be observed through thin
clouds, so show up for your lab session even if conditions are marginal.
- Lab6: Stellar Photometry and the Color-Magnitude Diagram" Due: November 22
Observations are completed. Work on your analysis.
- Lab 7: Nebular Spectroscopy Due: December 8
(I will accept this lab without penalty through the last day of
classes.)
Note that this version of the lab has a slightly modified Data Reduction
section compared to the one I handed out in class (primarily a new
part 4, with the numbering of subsequent parts increased by one.
Observations have been completed. Use the data in /home/ph344/lab7/data
if you were not able to observe.
Manuals and Handouts
Lecture Slides
Please send any comments on this page to
pryor@physics.rutgers.edu.
Revised January 16, 2012
