Observational Astrophysics Workshop 2

During the “Observational Astrophysics 2” course, students must complete all stages of an observational astrophysics study. From defining the spectroscopic or photometric observations to be conducted during a four-night stay at the Haute-Provence Observatory, to modeling and critically discussing their measurements and writing a scientific report, students take an active role in this course.

• Clearly define the objectives of the selected project and the methods to be implemented
• Plan and prepare the observations needed to successfully complete the project
• Implement the monitoring program and adapt it to the conditions encountered
• Calibrate the raw data to obtain scientifically usable data
• Propose a model and an astrophysical interpretation of the data that meet the established objectives
• Making Effective Use of Bibliographic Resources and Databases
• Write a report that meets the standards of scientific literature

• Astrophysics
• Programming for Physics

Recommended prerequisites:

• Observational Astrophysics Workshop 1

Oral

Throughout the semester, students work in groups on a project they have chosen from a set of proposed topics. Drawing on the recommended bibliographic resources, their own research, and frequent discussions with faculty members, they must carry out an observational astrophysics study using the telescopes and instruments made available to them at the Haute-Provence Observatory. In this way, students conduct research using professional tools, culminating in the writing of a report that meets the standards of scientific literature.

• Essential Astrophysics, Kenneth R. Lang, Springer, 2013
• Observation in Astrophysics, P. Léna, EDP Sciences CNRS, 2008
• Introduction to Astronomical Photometry, E. Budding & O. Demircan, Cambridge University Press, 2007
• Introduction to Astronomical Spectroscopy, I. Appenzeller, Cambridge University Press, 2012
• The Observation and Analysis of Stellar Photospheres, D.F. Gray, Cambridge University Press, 2005