Astronomical observations: a guide for allied researchers. (arXiv:1812.07963v1 [physics.ed-ph])
<a href="http://arxiv.org/find/physics/1/au:+Barmby_P/0/1/0/all/0/1">P. Barmby</a>
Observational astrophysics uses sophisticated technology to collect and
measure electromagnetic and other radiation from beyond the Earth. Modern
observatories produce large, complex datasets and extracting the maximum
possible information from them requires the expertise of specialists in many
fields beyond physics and astronomy, from civil engineers to statisticians and
software engineers. This article introduces the essentials of professional
astronomical observations to colleagues in allied fields, to provide context
and relevant background for both facility construction and data analysis. It
covers the path of electromagnetic radiation through telescopes, optics,
detectors, and instruments, its transformation through processing into
measurements and information, and the use of that information to improve our
understanding of the physics of the cosmos and its history.
Observational astrophysics uses sophisticated technology to collect and
measure electromagnetic and other radiation from beyond the Earth. Modern
observatories produce large, complex datasets and extracting the maximum
possible information from them requires the expertise of specialists in many
fields beyond physics and astronomy, from civil engineers to statisticians and
software engineers. This article introduces the essentials of professional
astronomical observations to colleagues in allied fields, to provide context
and relevant background for both facility construction and data analysis. It
covers the path of electromagnetic radiation through telescopes, optics,
detectors, and instruments, its transformation through processing into
measurements and information, and the use of that information to improve our
understanding of the physics of the cosmos and its history.
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