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Published byJulie Norton Modified over 9 years ago
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Observational Astronomy
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Astronomy Primary Goal: Understanding the nature of the universe and its constituents Means: Equipment building, research, teaching
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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
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Research – Scientific Detective Work Hypothesis Tools/Sample to Test Hypothesis Propose for Observations Obtain Observations Reduce & Analyze data Modify Hypothesis Etc.
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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
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Good Observing Site Minimal number of cloudy nights Minimal atmospheric turbulence Away from bright lights / cities Low water vapor
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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
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… In Desert Valleys… Owens Valley, California
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… 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’ = 1 o
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Not all wavelengths of light hit the ground This is one reason why some air/space-borne missions are necessary
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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
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Mauna Kea with Maui in the distance Clouds typically are below 10,000 ft
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The United Kingdom Infrared Telescope
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Gemini Telescope on Mauna Kea Secondary Mirror Primary Mirror (8m Aperture)
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Sunset on Mauna Kea – Gemini Telescope Open air design of the dome helps to reduce air turbulence in the dome Secondary Mirror Primary Mirror
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UKIRT Detectors are mounted behind the primary
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Observing Most ground-based observational astronomy is done at night Observers are assisted by telescope operators and support scientist
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Observing Some observations are done quasi-remotely (e.g., Keck) … Or very remotely (I.e., space based telescopes)
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Observing Some observations are done during the day Sometimes the observers is the telescope operator
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Potential Problems CloudsIce Software/Hardware Malfunctions
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Support for Observational Astronomy National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) National Science Foundation (NSF) Private Donors
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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
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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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