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Observational Astronomy

Observational Astronomy. Astronomy. Primary Goal : Understanding the nature of the universe and its constituents Means : Equipment building, research, teaching. General Areas of Study. Solar – the study of the sun

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Observational Astronomy

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  1. Observational Astronomy

  2. Astronomy • Primary Goal: Understanding the nature of the universe and its constituents • Means: Equipment building, research, teaching

  3. General Areas of Study • Solar – the study of the sun • Planetary – the study of planets, comets, asteroids, debris around other stars • Stellar – the study of stars • Galactic – the study of our Galaxy • Extragalactic – the study of other galaxies • Cosmology – the study of the origin & evolution of the universe

  4. Research – Scientific Detective Work • Hypothesis • Tools/Sample to Test Hypothesis • Propose for Observations • Obtain Observations • Reduce & Analyze data • Modify Hypothesis • Etc.

  5. The “Laboratory” for Observational Astronomy • Ground-based and Space-based Telescopes • Computers - for processing data • The internet - for transferring and sharing data, access to journals, etc. • The classroom - where ideas are shared and developed with the next generation of astronomers

  6. Good Observing Site • Minimal number of cloudy nights • Minimal atmospheric turbulence • Away from bright lights / cities • Low water vapor

  7. Telescopes are thus located on Mountaintops • Mauna Kea Observatories, located on Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii • Elevation above sea level = 13,800 ft

  8. … In Desert Valleys… Owens Valley, California

  9. … and in Space • The “Seeing” at various sites: Long Island, NY: > 5” Kitt Peak, AZ: ~ 1.5” Mauna Kea, HI: ~ 0.5-0.8” HST: 0.05” Note: 60” = 1’ 60’ = 1o

  10. Not all wavelengths of light hit the ground • This is one reason why some air/space-borne missions are necessary

  11. Observing on Mauna Kea • Observers sleep at a dormitory located at 10,000 ft • Then drive to summit with the telescope operator • 2 persion rule - due to dangers of working at altitude

  12. Mauna Kea with Maui in the distance Clouds typically are below 10,000 ft

  13. The United Kingdom Infrared Telescope

  14. Gemini Telescope on Mauna Kea Secondary Mirror Primary Mirror (8m Aperture)

  15. Sunset on Mauna Kea – Gemini Telescope Secondary Mirror Primary Mirror • Open air design of the dome helps to reduce air turbulence in the dome

  16. UKIRT Detectors are mounted behind the primary

  17. Observing • Most ground-based observational astronomy is done at night • Observers are assisted by telescope operators and support scientist

  18. Observing • Some observations are done quasi-remotely (e.g., Keck) • … Or very remotely (I.e., space based telescopes)

  19. Observing • Some observations are done during the day • Sometimes the observers is the telescope operator

  20. Potential Problems Clouds Ice Software/Hardware Malfunctions

  21. Support for Observational Astronomy • National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) • National Science Foundation (NSF) • Private Donors

  22. Exciting Discoveries over the Last ~ 10 Years - • The Kuiper Belt & its Bearing on the Nature of Pluto • Extrasolar Planets • Supermassive Black Holes in Nearby Normal Galaxies • Galaxies at High Redshift

  23. Goals for the Next 10 Years • Survey the universe & its constituents • Use the universe as a unique lab for probing the laws of physics not accessible on Earth • Search for life beyond Earth, & if it is found, determine its nature & its distribution • Develop a conceptual framework that account for all that astronomers have observed

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