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Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. Understand the fundamental principles and techniques involved in the imaging of astronomical objects with telescopes, conventional cameras and CCD cameras
  2. Understand the use of computer techniques for image processing
  3. Have an awareness of the range of optical astronomical targets available to amateur astronomers
  4. Have a good knowledge of current trends in observing techniques in both amateur and professional astronomy
  5. Discuss basic principles and concepts of astrophotography and CCD imaging in a non-technical way understandable to the wider public
  6. Research an astronomy topic in depth, using dependable sources of astronomical information on the internet and/or observational means.
    • Introduction to astronomical coordinate systems
    • Principles of telescopic imaging
    • Principles of photographic imaging
    • Film properties and processing
    • Digital Astrophotography
    • Principles of CCD imaging
    • Principles of CCD data reduction
    • Photometry and colours
    • Properties of astronomical targets
    • Future trends in astronomical observing

  • Study resources

    • Instructional methods

      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Embedded Multimedia
      • Online Quizzes/Tests
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Lecture capture
      • Web links

Equivalent subjects

You cannot enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

  • SWI-HET609

You are recommended to have completed the following subjects(s) or have equivalent knowledge before starting this subject:

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject 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.

  • Newsgroups (20%)
  • Essay (30%)
  • Project (20%)
  • Online tests (30%)

Textbook information is pending.

Related degrees

postgraduate SWI-AST-MAS-2018

Master of Science Astronomy

postgraduate SWI-AST-GDI-2018

Graduate Diploma of Science Astronomy