Astronomy

Here are some photos from my observational astronomy labs this semester. I have been collecting data for a project that involves imaging a galaxy using a CCD, or charge-coupled device, on a 40cm telescope at school.

The first is the dark frame, which is a reference point of measuring excited electrons due to electronic noise, heat and cosmic radiation. Winter is prime time for observation, especially here in Canada, because the ambient temperature inside the observatory makes it easier to optimize the cooling system in place to keep the CCD at -40 degrees below ambient. This photo is a five minute exposure with the lens capped.



The second photo is from a different lab, in which we take a shorter exposure of just a few seconds (usually about five) of what is called a flat field. We turn on the flood light inside the dome, uncap the scope lens, aim the telescope at a relatively homogenous section inside the dome, and acquire the image. The doughnut-shaped figures in the image are particles of dust on the CCD.



These laboratory exercises allow us to measure and take into account the effects due to unwanted excitation of electrons in the CCD, and also to understand what problems may arise in the optics of our equipment. Tackling these two problems will allow us to produce the best quality galactic image possible to analyze in our study.

More photos to follow as further data is acquired for the project.