Advanced Radio Astronomy: From Telescopes to Data
Master observational radio astronomy techniques, from telescope technology to interferometric imaging and data analysis.
Master observational radio astronomy techniques, from telescope technology to interferometric imaging and data analysis.
Delve into the cutting-edge world of observational radio astronomy with this advanced course. Building on fundamental concepts, you'll explore the intricacies of modern radio telescopes and interferometers, along with a broad overview of other astronomical observation methods. The course covers essential topics such as radio telescope technology, interferometric imaging principles, and data reduction techniques. You'll gain hands-on experience with the radio interferometer measurement equation (RIME), learn calibration and self-calibration methods, and understand the process of developing observational proposals. This comprehensive course also touches on exciting areas like pulsar observations, fast radio bursts, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Ideal for astronomy students, researchers, and professionals looking to specialize in radio astronomy or expand their observational skills.
Instructors:
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What you'll learn
Understand and compare different types of astronomical telescopes and their technologies
Apply fundamental principles of radio astronomy to analyze observational data
Master the theory and application of aperture synthesis imaging in radio interferometry
Use the radio interferometer measurement equation (RIME) for advanced data analysis
Implement calibration and self-calibration techniques for radio interferometric data
Develop skills in practical data reduction, including flagging, calibration, and imaging
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
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Limited Access access
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There are 6 modules in this course
This advanced course in observational radio astronomy covers a comprehensive range of topics over seven weeks. Week 1-2 focus on telescope technology across the electromagnetic spectrum, with emphasis on radio telescopes. Week 3 introduces fundamental concepts in observational radio astronomy, including key measurements and instrument principles. Week 4 delves into interferometric imaging, covering Fourier theory and the van Cittert-Zernike theorem. Weeks 5-6 examine the complete cycle of radio interferometric data processing, from raw visibilities to final images. The course also covers time-domain radio astronomy, including pulsar and transient observations, and touches on neutrino and gravitational wave astronomy. Students will learn about the radio interferometer measurement equation (RIME), calibration techniques, and practical data reduction methods. The curriculum balances theoretical understanding with practical skills, preparing participants for real-world radio astronomy observations and data analysis.
Study of telescope technology - Part 1
Module 1
Study of telescope technology - Part 2
Module 2
Introduction to observational radio astronomy
Module 3
Principles of interferometric array imaging
Module 4
Radio interferometric data cycle - Part 1
Module 5
Radio interferometric data cycle - Part 2
Module 6
Fee Structure
Instructors
4 Courses
Leading Astrophysicist at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Frédéric Courbin is a Professor of astrophysics at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he specializes in observational cosmology, particularly focusing on gravitational lensing and the determination of cosmological parameters. He graduated from the University of Paris XI and obtained his PhD from the University of Liège in Belgium. Courbin has been instrumental in multiple responsibilities related to the European Space Agency's Euclid mission and has developed an online course titled “Introduction to Astrophysics” on the edX platform, aimed at educating a broad audience about fundamental astrophysical concepts. His research interests include galaxy and quasar formation, astronomical signal processing, and he has contributed significantly to time delay cosmography, which measures the Hubble constant and addresses discrepancies in cosmic measurements. Through his work, Courbin aims to enhance understanding of the universe's structure and dynamics while fostering educational initiatives in astrophysics.
2 Courses
Expert in Astrophysical Data Science and Signal Processing
Vasileios Angelopoulos is a researcher at EPFL's Laboratory of Astrophysics under Prof. Jean-Paul Kneib. After earning his B.Sc. in Informatics and Telecommunications from the University of Athens in 2012, he completed both his M.Sc. in Communication Systems (2016) and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (2021) at EPFL. His research combines expertise in image analysis, machine learning, and signal processing with applications in radio astronomy. As a key contributor to the Swiss SKA (Square Kilometre Array) project, he works on developing next-generation radio telescope technologies. His interdisciplinary approach bridges computer science and astrophysics, focusing on developing advanced data analysis techniques for astronomical research. His expertise spans multiple areas including data science, signal processing, and radio astronomy, contributing to the advancement of astronomical observation and analysis methods.
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