AST 2132: ObLab 2

Course description

Observational Laboratory 2 is a topical continuation of last semester’s AST 2131. You should already be familiar with and comfortable using the Departmental telescopes and imaging instruments. In this semester we will add both theoretical and practical tools to your existing toolbox. On the theoretical side, we will cover celestial astronomy in detail: we will derive the transformations between alt-az and equatorial coordinate systems, introduce the time equation, talk about atmospheric refraction and learn how to put everything together to predict night sky visibility from any point on Earth. On the practical side, we will refresh our skills in the observatory, particularly how to calibrate and observe with CCDs, learn how to use the LHIRES-2 spectrograph and reduce/analyze spectroscopic images.

Course objectives:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Apply advanced concepts of celestial astronomy by deriving and using coordinate transformations and accounting for effects like the equation of time and atmospheric refraction.
• Predict night sky visibility from any location on Earth, integrating theoretical models with practical observing conditions.
• Operate and utilize spectroscopic equipment to acquire high-quality spectroscopic data.
• Perform data reduction and analysis of low-resolution spectroscopic images using appropriate software and calibration techniques.
• Process and analyze high-res spectra from professional-grade facilities such as KPNO/CTIO.
• Synthesize theoretical and practical skills to design, execute, and interpret spectroscopic observations in a professional research context.
• Demonstrate proficiency in observational planning and execution, reinforcing best practices in astronomical data acquisition and scientific documentation.

Course material:

• W. Smart, "Spherical Astronomy", 6th Edition, ISBN 978-0521291804
• Stellarium -- open source, free, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux

Weekly schedule (subject to change and tweaking)