Overview

This unit will discuss the principles behind the imaging of astronomical objects with telescopes, conventional cameras and CCD cameras, plus the use of computer techniques for image processing. It will focus particularly on techniques and equipment within reach of the serious amateur astronomer.

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Study Period 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-March-2025
01-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
16-March-2025
Census date
24-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
02-May-2025
Results released date
24-June-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Identify and describe the fundamental principles and techniques involved in the imaging of astronomical objects with telescopes, conventional cameras and CCD cameras
  • Discuss and explain the use of computer techniques for image processing
  • Recognise the range of optical astronomical targets available to amateur astronomers
  • Describe and contrast current trends in observing techniques in both amateur and professional astronomy
  • Use problem solving skills to explain and synthesise solutions to problems in astrophotography and CCD imaging
  • Design and create a research project using credible sources of astronomical information and research articles and/or observational means
  • Identify and describe the fundamental principles and techniques involved in the imaging of astronomical objects with telescopes, conventional cameras and CCD cameras

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning		12.50 12 weeks 150
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
NewsgroupsIndividual 30% 1,2,3,4,7 
Online TestsIndividual 20% 1,2,3,5,7 
ProjectIndividual 50% 6 

Content

  • Introduction to astronomical co-ordinate systems
  • Principles of telescopic imaging
  • Principles of photographic imaging
  • Film properties and processing
  • Digital Astrophotography: equipment, operation, lenses, detectors.
  • Principles of CCD imaging
  • Principles of CCD data reduction
  • Photometry and colours: filters, standard photometric systems.
  • Properties of astronomical targets: point and extended objects, point and surface brightness, spectrum distribution, sky brightness, atmospheric emission and scattering.
  • Future trends in astronomical observing

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.