Ph 343 Observational Radio Astronomy
Fall 2002

A Brief Introduction

This course provides an introduction to the tools and techniques of modern radio astronomy. More broadly, its goal is to provide experience in making measurements with modern instrumentation and then quantitatively analyzing the resulting data. Significant emphasis will be placed on using computers for the reduction and analysis of observational data.

The labs for this course are still being developed. Some of them will measure the efficiency and beamwidth of the radio telescope. We will definitely monitor the radio emission from the Sun -- this should show the effects of solar rotation and the changing level of "solar activity" (sunspots, flares, etc.). We will also measure the rotation of our Galaxy using the 21-cm emission from galactic hydrogen. We may map the distribution of hydrogen in our Galaxy.

The course is designed to follow Ph 341-342, Principles of Astrophysics, and will illustrate some of the concepts covered there. Having taken Ph 341-342 or having the permission of the instructor is a prerequisite for Ph 343. If you have enough physics background, it is possible to do well in Ph 343 without having taken Ph 341-342 (several students do each year), but such students should be prepared to do some additional reading to understand the astronomical background of the observations performed here.

You should have a scientific calculator.

Unlike optical observations, radio observations can be made through clouds and during the daytime. Thus, most observations for this course will be made at scheduled times during the day (this differs from what the Schedule of Classes says). This course requires much less flexibility in scheduling lab times than does Ph 344.

Information:

Small Radio Telescope (SRT)

Spring 2003 Independent Study

• Lab 3  (pdf)  Monitoring the Sun's Emission
  Due Thursday, Thursday, March 13, 2003 (though it may take a bit longer)

• Lab 5  (pdf)  The Thickness of the Galactic Hydrogen Disk
  Due Monday, April 21, 2003

• Lab 6  (pdf)  The Galactic Rotation Curve
  • For those interested in learning more about how observations at l=90 degrees constrain the circular velocity of the LSR, one of the most careful studies is Knapp, Tremaine, and Gunn 1978, Astronomical Journal, 83, 1585.

Handouts

• Syllabus  (pdf) 

• Elementary Statistics  (pdf) 

• Lab 1  (pdf)  Measuring the Telescope Beam Using the Sun
  Due September 19, 2002 (but finish the observations by September 12).
  
  • Lab 1 Observing Signup List.

• Lab 2  (pdf)  Calibrating the Radio Telescope I. Aligning the Noise Diode Antenna and Observing the Sun
  Due September 26, 2002.
  
  • Lab 2 Observing Signup List.

• Lab 3  (pdf)  Monitoring the Sun's Emission and the Telescope's Pointing Accuracy
  Due Thursday, October 10, 2002 (though much of the observing will occur next week)
  
  • Lab 3 Observing Signup List.
• Lab 3 Continued  (pdf)  Monitoring the Sun's Emission and the Telescope's Pointing Accuracy -- Continued
  This part using artificial data due Thursday, October 10, 2002
  (analysis of the actual observations due October 17, 2002)
  • Dr. Pryor or the TA will be in the lab at the usual times. Show up then if you have questions or want help with the lab.
• Lab 3 Continued II  (pdf)  Monitoring the Sun's Emission and the Telescope's Pointing Accuracy -- Continued II
  This part due October 17, 2002.
  • alloffs.txt
  • allcals.txt
  • Dr. Pryor or the TA will be in the lab at the usual times. Show up then if you have questions or want help with the lab.

• Lab 4  (pdf)  Calibrating the Radio Telescope II. The "Temperature" of the Receiver and Noise Diode
  Due October 31, 2002.
  
  • Lab 4 Observing Signup List.

• Lab 5  (pdf)  The Thickness of the Galactic Hydrogen Disk
  Due November 14, 2002.
  
  • Lab 5 Observing Signup List.
• Lab 5 Part II  (pdf)  The Thickness of the Galactic Hydrogen Disk - Part II
  Due November 14, 2002.
  

• Lab 6  (pdf)  The Galactic Rotation Curve
  This part due: Tuesday, November 26, 2002
  
  • Lab 6 Observing Signup List.
• Lab 6 Continued  (pdf)  The Galactic Rotation Curve -- Continued
  Due: Thursday, December 5, 2002
  
  • Spreadsheet with the combined class data for l=90 degrees and b=0 and 15 degrees.
  • For those interested in learning more about how observations at l=90 degrees constrain the circular velocity of the LSR, one of the most careful studies is Knapp, Tremaine, and Gunn 1978, Astronomical Journal, 83, 1585.

The Sun

• SOHO: The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory - a satellite dedicated to observing the sun. Many interesting pictures and movies of solar activity.
• Space Weather Bureau: describes the current level of solar activity and forecasts the aurorae (Northern lights) and other phenomena that this activity can cause on Earth. Also describes meteor showers.
• GONG: Global Oscillation Network Group - a group of six telescopes around the world that observe the Sun for the purpose of doing helioseismology.

Modified April 8, 2003