Subject details

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

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

    • 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.

  • Online tests (20%)
  • Newsgroups (30%)
  • Project (50%)

Textbook information is pending.

Related degrees

postgraduate SWI-AST-MAS-2019

Master of Science Astronomy

postgraduate SWI-AST-GDI-2019

Graduate Diploma of Science Astronomy