Analyzing the Universe
Explore cosmic mysteries using NASA data. Study neutron stars, black holes, quasars, and supernovae through x-ray astronomy.
Explore cosmic mysteries using NASA data. Study neutron stars, black holes, quasars, and supernovae through x-ray astronomy.
This course offers a fascinating journey into x-ray astronomy, using real NASA satellite data to explore cosmic phenomena. Students will analyze energy spectra and time series data to understand neutron stars, black holes, quasars, and supernovae. The course utilizes DS9, an imaging tool, to examine diverse astronomical observations. Each week focuses on a different aspect of x-ray astronomy, from image formation to the study of specific celestial objects. Participants will work with actual scientific data, experiencing the excitement of astronomical discovery. The curriculum covers topics such as light and image nature, basic astronomical data, stellar evolution, orbits and gravity, supernovae, and quasars, providing a comprehensive introduction to modern astrophysics and observational techniques.
4.8
(228 ratings)
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What you'll learn
Understand the principles of x-ray astronomy and image formation
Use DS9 imaging tool to analyze real NASA satellite data
Interpret energy spectra and time series data from astronomical x-ray sources
Explore the nature and behavior of neutron stars, black holes, and quasars
Study stellar evolution, including white dwarfs and supernovae
Analyze binary star systems and their x-ray emissions
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
8.15 Hours PreRecorded video
6 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 6 modules in this course
This course, "Analyzing the Universe," offers an in-depth exploration of x-ray astronomy using real NASA satellite data. Students will delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, focusing on fascinating objects such as neutron stars, black holes, quasars, and supernovae. The curriculum is designed to provide hands-on experience with scientific data analysis, using the DS9 imaging tool to examine diverse astronomical observations. Throughout the six-week course, participants will learn about image formation, basic astronomical data interpretation, stellar evolution, orbital mechanics, and the cosmic distance scale. The course emphasizes the exciting discoveries in x-ray astronomy over the past 50 years, allowing students to appreciate the field's dynamic nature and its contributions to our understanding of the universe.
Light and the Nature of Images....Plus, an Introduction to DS9
Module 1 · 3 Hours to complete
Basic Astronomical Data and a DS9 Smorgasbord
Module 2 · 3 Hours to complete
Stellar Evolution and White Dwarfs
Module 3 · 3 Hours to complete
Orbits, Gravity, and Clocks in the Sky
Module 4 · 4 Hours to complete
Supernovae, Our Cosmic Recycling Centers
Module 5 · 2 Hours to complete
To the Ends of the Universe; Quasars, 3C273, and beyond
Module 6 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructor
Pioneering Astronomer and Educator Terry Matilsky at Rutgers University
Terry Matilsky has been a faculty member at Rutgers University since 1976, with a passion for astronomy that began in high school through photography and led him to build a 6" reflecting telescope. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and completed his Ph.D. at Princeton in 1971, focusing on ultraviolet emissions from hot stars using data from rockets he helped launch. Matilsky contributed to Uhuru, NASA's first dedicated X-ray astronomy satellite, collaborating with pioneers like Riccardo Giacconi, who won a Nobel Prize in 2002. At Rutgers, he continued his research in x-ray and ultraviolet astronomy while also fostering education, directing the General Honors Program for seven years and creating an interdisciplinary course called "Physics and Photography." In the past decade, he has taught an online x-ray astronomy course for undergraduates and future high school teachers, while also exploring alternative theories of gravity. His lifetime contributions to astronomy education were recognized in 2012 with the Richard H. Emmons Prize from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.
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4.8 course rating
228 ratings
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