Observational astrophysics

This graduating Lecture (PHY533F) is part of the Master of Planetary Science and Astrophysics of the University Grenoble Alpes. Observations in astrophysics is essentially, although not exclusively, based on the detection of light over an extremely wide range of energies, from less than 1 meV to EeV (10¹⁸ eV). A variety of instruments is required, each having specific attributes, but some general principles of observational astrophysics are common to all ranges. The aim of the lecture is to introduce these general concepts, while trying to present some aspects specific to each energy domain, from radio to gamma-ray astronomy. In doing so, our focus will always be the astrophysical question under study. In the process, it will be realized that comprehensive understanding of astrophysical phenomena requires multi-wavelength observations.

The lectures are in french, but all slides, problems, articles, references, etc… are in english.

Articles

• Articles on ADS

Textbooks

• Astrophysical concepts, Harwitt
• Observational astronomy: techniques and instrumentation, E. Sutton
• The Fourier Transform and its applications, R. Bracewell
• Planets, stars, and stellar systems (2 volumes), Oswalt et al
• Detection of light: from the UV to Sub-mm, Rieke
• Astronomy methods: A Physical Approach to Astronomical Observations, Bradt
• Tools of Radio Astronomy, T. Wilson

• 2019-20
• 2018-19