ASTROPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES

Degree course: 
Corso di Second cycle degree in PHYSICS
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2018/2019
Year: 
1
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2018/2019
Course type: 
Compulsory subjects, characteristic of the class
Language: 
English
Credits: 
6
Period: 
First Semester
Standard lectures hours: 
48
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (48 hours)
Requirements: 

No specific pre-requirements are needed beyond regular basis in analysis and statistics.

Final Examination: 
Orale

Oral examination based on the preparation of an observing proposal about a topic suggested by the teacher after discussing with the student.

Assessment: 
Voto Finale

The course aims at providing students with the necessary knowledge to understand the physical principles behind modern observational facilities available to astrophysics. We first consider the electromagnetic spectrum (radio, optical, X-rays, high-energies) and then discuss the new information messengers (gravitational waves, neutrinos).

1. Reminder about the main emission processes in astrophysics
2. Basic principles of optics
3. Radio telescopes
4. Optical telescopes
5. X-ray telescopes
6. γ-ray telescopes from space
7. Ground based γ-ray telescopes
8. Spectroscopic techniques
9. Radio and optical interferometry
10. Adaptive optics
11. Neutrino telescopes
12. Gravitational wave telescopes

Astrophysical Techniques (6th edition) - C.R. Kitchin (CRC Press)

The course is anyway based on sparse material provided by the teacher. Papers and textbook sections will be suggested depending on the specific topic.

Convenzionale

Lectures and exercises. Depending on the availability, students are encouraged to attend seminars and local scientific conferences about pertinent topics.

The teacher can be contacted via e-mail (stefano.covino@uninsubria.it)

Professors

COVINO STEFANO