Description of qualifications
The objective of the course is to give the students an introduction to the central elements in preparation, execution and data reduction relating observations at a modern astrophysical observatory.
The student will after having passed the course be able to:
- apply for observing time (although there is no guarantee that time will be granted)
- prepare an observing run. This includes determining when a given target can be observed during the year and on a given night, how long the target should be observed to reach a specified signal-to-noise ratio, establishing which calibration data are needed, and interact with the observatory staff about which instrumental setup is needed for the run.
- Carry out astrophysical observations in an efficient and careful manner.
- Extract the astrophysically relevant information from a dataset and write up a report presenting the conclusions in a clear and comprehensive manner.
Contents
The course has three elements: 1) a preparation phase, 2) the actual observations at the telescope, and 3) a data reduction and report writing phase.
- phase 1: application for observing time, astronomical instruments, preparation of observing runs (target visibility, finding charts, signal-to-noise considerations). It is mandatory to take part in this phase, which is expected to take ~5 days. The time for this will be agreed with the students.
- phase 2: execution of astrophysical observations at the Nordic Optical Telescope. When possible we will also visit other telescopes on Roque del los Muchachos (e.g., the Swedish solar telescope, the Isaac Newton Group telescopes or the Spanish GTC).
- phase 3: reduction and presentation of data.
