Oct 29, 2025  
College Catalog 2011-2012 
    
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College Catalog 2011-2012 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PHYS 440 - Observational Astronomy

This is an advanced course in astronomical instrumentation, focused on optical observational astronomy. We will discuss the various and developing instrumentation used at the large observatories worldwide, and discuss the important contributions and techniques of space-based research. Computational image-processing techniques are used for exercises in CCD imaging and spectroscopy using the Macalester Observatory facilities, as well as for independent research projects. Spring semester. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 113  and PHYS 120 ; or PHYS 113  and a lab-based upper-division natural science course (e.g., PHYS 331 , CHEM 311 ). (4 Credits)