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
2 Courses
Pioneer in Observational Cosmology and Space Innovation
Jean-Paul Kneib is a Full Professor of Astrophysics at EPFL, where he directs both the Laboratory of Astrophysics and the EPFL Space Center. After earning his engineering degree in Aerodynamics and Space Technics from ISAE and his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Toulouse University in 1993, he held positions at ESO, Cambridge, Caltech, and CNRS before joining EPFL in 2012. His research spans observational cosmology, gravitational lensing, and space sustainability. He leads major international projects including the SDSS-IV eBOSS survey and Switzerland's participation in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO). As President of the Space Sustainability Rating association and supporter of ClearSpace, he actively works on space debris management. His achievements include co-leading the Strong Lensing working group for ESA's Euclid mission, developing fiber-positioner robotic systems for DESI, and co-curating the "Cosmos Archeology" exhibition. He currently manages multiple research projects on lunar exploration and space sustainability while teaching and mentoring students at EPFL
2 Courses
Expert in Radio Astronomy and Data Processing
Sphesihle Makhathini is a research scientist specializing in radio astronomy and data processing. After completing his Ph.D. in Radio Astronomy from Rhodes University in 2017, he worked as a Data Scientist at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). He has made significant contributions to radio astronomy through his work on algorithms and software for radio interferometry data processing and synthesis. His research interests include electromagnetic afterglow of transient radio sources and the astrophysics of radio galaxies and galaxy clusters. He was part of the team that developed the Caracal software pipeline for processing MeerKAT telescope data
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