University of Washington
Astronomy Department

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Astronomy 480 Introduction to Data Analysis and Techniques
SPRING 2008 

This course will provide an introduction to the tools and techniques of observational astronomy. We will review the basics of using the concept of a celestial sphere to map the sky, and measuring the flux of an object to learn more about it. There will be a brief introduction to spectroscopy and how we reduce and analyze spectra. We will cover the basics of astronomical image analysis using IRAF, one of the standard packages used in the discipline. We will also learn how to characterize and use CCD detectors, which form the foundation of modern optical wavelength astronomical observations. The last part of the quarter will be spent with students working on a hands-on project, planning and making their own observations, reducing the data, and writing the report.

Syllabus   Course Calendar [Includes Lecture Links]   Assignment Due Dates   Choosing Your Observing Targets

Required Reading: Handbook of CCD Astronomy by Steven B. Howell. True horizon versus azimuthal angle for AWO Observing Steps for the A-Wing Observatory Transferring Observing Frames Selections from CD of manuals

	Our WICKED WIKI
Tutorials and Exercises
If you are not familiar with the Linux operating system, these are available for self-study: Linux Tutorial I (PDF format) Linux Tutorial II (PDF format) Linux Tutorial III (PDF format) Linux Exercise	PyRAF Tutorial Getting IRAF Set Up IRAF Tutorial & Exercise 1 Characterizing the CCD IRAF Tutorial & Exercise 2 IRAF Tutorial & Exercise 3 IRAF Tutorial & Exercise 4	IRAF Tutorial & Exercise 5 Parameters for Exercise 5 Matching Stars and Graphing in Exercise 5 IRAF Tutorial & Exercise 6 Parameter Values for Tasks within IRAF6 Data files for IRAF exercises
Review for Data Reduction Guidelines for your Final Project DROP-BOX FOR PAPER!!!! Due 06/13/08, 5 pm
Quizzes, Preparation, Homework
Quizzes Reading Quiz 1 Beginner's Guide to IRAF Manual Reading Quiz 2 Howell Chapters 1 - 2 Reading Quiz 3 Howell Chapter 3 Reading Quiz 4 Howell Chapter 4 Reading Quiz 5 Howell Chapter 5	Observing Preparation Reading Questions for "CCDs the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" Calculating S/N (prep points) Review of the Night Sky JSkyCalc (prep points) JSkyCalc Webpage Our Telescope

References

Astronomical Photometry, Henden, A and Kaitchuck, R. Van nostrad Reinhold Compnay, 1982 (somewhat dated on detectors but good treatment of data analysis)

Astrophysical Techniques, 2nd Edition, Kitchen, C. IOP Publishing Ltd 1991 (Good general overview of the physical basis for astronomical observations)

Astronomical Observations, Walker, G., Cambridge 1987 (a solid book with lots of nitty gritty information)

Observational Astronomy, Birney, D., Cambridge 1991

Advanced Amateur Astronomy, North, G. , 2nd ed, Cambridge 1997

Observational Astrophysics, Lena et al, Springer 1996

Recommended for your astronomy library:

• Practical Statistics for Astronomers, Wall and Jenkins, Cambridge University Press, 2003
• Data Reduction and Error Analysis for the Physical Sciences, Bevington and Robinson, McGraw Hill, 3rd ed., 2003