Undergraduate Astronomy Imaging Labortatory: A Progress Report

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

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Scientific paper

The University of Iowa has set up a CCD-based astronomy laboratory for undergraduate astronomy courses, with emphasis on use in a freshman-level introductory course. The equipment consists of a computer-controlled mount with several Cassegrain optical systems (10-35cm aperture) and medium format CCD cameras. The system is completely automated, including dome control, filter selection, focus, and pointing corrections. This allows the student to concentrate on planning, executing, and analyzing interesting scientific projects without extensive technical training. The images are analyzed on a network of ten 486 PC's which are connected to the CCD-control computer for easy image file access. We will present sample results from a large number of solar system, stellar, and extragalactic observations. We have also developed a number of `cloudy-sky' laboratory exercises using CD-ROM images from the NASA planetary spacecraft (e.g. Voyager, Magellan, Viking) as well as maps from radio, infrared, and x-ray surveys. We plan to upgrade this system to allow remote operation of a dark-site telescope within one year. A video of the equipment and a demonstration of the telescope control software will be shown. Also, samples of a laboratory manual will be available illustrating the types of observations and cloudy-sky exercises which have been done.

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