About observational astronomy: Difference between revisions
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Astronomers can gain an understanding of objects in the universe by using a telescope. A CCD imaging system is a type of digital camera that is very sensitive to the dim light from distant objects. The CCD camera is attached to a telescope and the images are stored on a computer where they can later be analyzed. In this learning activity a computer program will be used to view and study images taken with | Astronomers can gain an understanding of objects in the universe by using a telescope. A CCD imaging system is a type of digital camera that is very sensitive to the dim light from distant objects. The CCD camera is attached to a telescope and the images are stored on a computer where they can later be analyzed. In this learning activity a computer program will be used to view and study images taken with a telescope to learn basic concepts in astronomy. | ||
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*In the text box type the name of the object that we are interested in studying. Try typing '''M101''' and then click the '''Default image''' button. | *In the text box type the name of the object that we are interested in studying. Try typing '''M101''' and then click the '''Default image''' button. | ||
This image of a [[w:galaxy|galaxy]] was taken as part of the [[w:Palomar Sky Survey|Palomar Sky Survey]]. The common name for this object is the [[w:Pinwheel Galaxy|Pinwheel Galaxy]]. | This image of a [[w:galaxy|galaxy]] was taken as part of the [[w:Palomar Sky Survey|Palomar Sky Survey]]. The common name for this object is the [[w:Pinwheel Galaxy|Pinwheel Galaxy]]. A galaxy is composed of [[w:star|stars]] and the brighter parts of the image indicate places within the galaxy where there is a greater concentration of stars, for instance in the [[w:spiral galaxy|spiarl arms]]. | ||
====Readings==== | ====Readings==== | ||
Revision as of 17:22, 4 December 2006
Astronomers can gain an understanding of objects in the universe by using a telescope. A CCD imaging system is a type of digital camera that is very sensitive to the dim light from distant objects. The CCD camera is attached to a telescope and the images are stored on a computer where they can later be analyzed. In this learning activity a computer program will be used to view and study images taken with a telescope to learn basic concepts in astronomy.
Activity
Astronomical images are stored in a computer file format called FITS. These images can be opened and viewed by using computer software that understands this file format. We will start by using a program called the Aladin Sky Atlas to retrieve images taken with a telescope and study them.
- Open another window in your web browser by clicking on this link to the Aladin previewer program.
- In the text box type the name of the object that we are interested in studying. Try typing M101 and then click the Default image button.
This image of a galaxy was taken as part of the Palomar Sky Survey. The common name for this object is the Pinwheel Galaxy. A galaxy is composed of stars and the brighter parts of the image indicate places within the galaxy where there is a greater concentration of stars, for instance in the spiarl arms.
Readings
- Wikipedia article: w:Observational astronomy
- Wikipedia article: w:Telescope