Speaker
Description
Observational astrophysics uses sophisticated technology to collect and measure electromagnetic and other radiation from beyond the Earth. Getting the best out of modern observatories requires the expertise of specialists in many fields beyond astronomy, from physicists to civil engineers to statisticians and software engineers. The goal of this talk is to introduce the essentials of professional astronomical observations to physicists, and especially physics students, who have not previously been exposed to astrophysics. It will provide context and relevant background about both facility construction and data analysis, covering the path of electromagnetic radiation through telescopes, optics, detectors, and instruments, and its transformation through processing into measurements and information.
