Radboud universityProspectusesFaculty of Science > Bachelor Natuur- en Sterrenkunde

Space Astronomy

Course ID
NWI-NB059C
Credits
3
Scheduled
fourth quarter
Teaching methods
  • 16 hrs computer course
  • 16 hrs lecture
Pre-requisites
  • Optica en Sterrenkijker
  • Recommended: Astronomische Praktikum I
Objectives
  • The student has a good knowledge of modern astronomical detection techniques
  • The student understands the physics of adaptive optics
  • The student understands the physics of gravitational wave detection
  • The student can analyze data taken with our own telescopes or international facilities
  • The student can use computer models to interpret data in astrophysical context
Contents

Much of the progress in Astrophysics is driven by technological developments. These include interferometry in different domains than radio-astronomy, grazing impact focusing devices in high-energy (astro)physics, soft-ware telescopes as used in radio astronomy (e.g. for the detection of cosmic rays). Huge technological efforts are needed in order to detect gravitational waves, the challenge of the 21st century. In this course we surveys such new techniques, including adaptive optics, interferometry, soft-ware telescopes and techniques for gravitational wave detections. We will use data from our own telescopes, as well as international facilities.

The second part of the course will be devoted to computer modeling that plays an ever increasing role in the interpretation of astronomical data.

Examination
In project vorm, afgesloten met een verslag en een presentatie.
Literature
Necessary:
  • Bradt H., Astronomy Methods: A Physical Approach to Astronomical Observations, Cambridge Univ. Press, 2004, ISBN 0-521-53551-4
Recommended:
  • Kitchin, C.R., Astrophysical Techniques, Institute of Physics Publishing, 2003, ISBN 978-0750309462
Others will be handed out during the course
Lecturer
dr. P.  Jonker
Included in
-'Bachelor Natuur- en Sterrenkunde'