Observational Astrophysics Workshop 1

The Observational Astrophysics Workshop 1 is an initiation to the realization of an observational study (photometry or spectroscopy) of astrophysical objects (stars, nebulae) at the M1 level. The students carry out all the steps from the planning and the realization of the observations at the astronomical observatory of the Faculty of Sciences, to the calibration and the analysis of the obtained data. This module is designed as a preparation for the M2 module Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2 (HAP905P).

• Planning astronomical observations
• Acquire usable astronomical photometric or spectroscopic data
• Know the calibration steps, and adapt them to the data
• Implement calibration and data analysis with dedicated software and python scripts
• Propose a simple astrophysical interpretation of the measurements obtained
• Write a scientific report

• Geometric optics
• Wave Optics and Electrodynamics
• Newtonian Dynamics
• Experimental Physics
• Mathematical tools
• Python for Science

Oral

This EU has 4 aspects:

• courses and resources to provide students with the knowledge necessary to implement an observational study in astrophysics;
• preparation and practical realization of an observation at the astronomical observatory of the Faculty of Science;
• calibration and analysis of the acquired data in digital form with dedicated software and python scripts coded by the students;
• the presentation of the work carried out in accordance with research standards.

Course Content:

1. Planning of astronomical observations
2. Use of CCD detectors for astronomical observation
3. Photometric measurements in astronomy and their calibration
4. Spectroscopic measurements in astronomy and their calibration
5. Signal analysis in astrophysics

Bibliographic references:         

• Astronomy Astrophysics, Introduction, 5th ed.A. Acker, Dunod, 2013
• Essential Astrophysics, Kenneth R. Lang, Springer, 2013
• Observation in astrophysicsP. Léna, EDP Sciences CNRS, 2008
• Astrophysical techniquesR. Kitchin, 6th edition, CRC Press, 2014