Radio Astronomy Course

Offered by EPFLx

Course Description

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the cosmos with our intermediate-level Radio Astronomy course offered by EPFLx. This captivating exploration of the universe beyond the visible spectrum will introduce you to the fascinating world of radio astronomy, a field that has revolutionized our understanding of celestial objects and cosmic phenomena.

Discover how the serendipitous detection of radio emission from celestial bodies opened up an entirely new realm of astronomical study. This course delves into the most significant radio-emitting objects both within our galaxy and beyond, covering a wide range of topics from the birth and death of stars to the groundbreaking detection of gravitational waves.

What students will learn

  • Gain a comprehensive overview of radio astronomy and its context in modern astrophysics
  • Understand various detector technologies used across different wavelengths
  • Learn about the primary emission mechanisms responsible for radio emission
  • Characterize different types of celestial radio emitters
  • Use radio emission data to derive key physical and scientific insights into observed objects
  • Explore the basics of radio detectors and cutting-edge technologies used in radio wavelength observations

Pre-requisites

  • Undergraduate-level knowledge of algebra
  • Basic mathematics and physics concepts
  • Fundamental understanding of computer science

Course Content

  • Historical perspective of radio astronomy
  • Main objects in the universe observable at radio wavelengths
  • Photon properties and propagation
  • Black-body emission and radiation transport
  • Photon spectrum: continuum production and line physics
  • Photon detection and detectors across the electromagnetic spectrum
  • Detailed exploration of celestial objects detectable at radio wavelengths

Who this course is for

This intermediate-level course is ideal for physics enthusiasts, astronomy students, and professionals looking to expand their knowledge in radio astronomy. It's perfect for those who have a basic understanding of physics and mathematics but want to delve deeper into the fascinating world of cosmic radio emissions and their implications for our understanding of the universe.

Real-world applications

  1. Research and academia: Apply radio astronomy concepts in astrophysics research projects
  2. Space industry: Contribute to the development of radio telescopes and detection technologies
  3. Data analysis: Interpret radio emission data for scientific insights
  4. Education: Teach radio astronomy concepts at various educational levels
  5. Technology development: Apply radio detection principles to other fields such as telecommunications
  6. Scientific writing: Contribute to publications on radio astronomy and related fields

Syllabus

Week 1: Historical perspective of radio astronomy and introduction to main radio-observable objects in the universe
Week 2: Basics of photon properties, propagation, black-body emission, and radiation transport
Week 3: Description of the photon spectrum, including continuum production and line physics
Week 4: Fundamentals of photon detection and detectors across the electromagnetic spectrum
Week 5: Exploration of main objects detectable in the Universe at radio wavelengths (Part 1)
Week 6: Continuation of main objects detectable in the Universe at radio wavelengths (Part 2)

This comprehensive Radio Astronomy course offers a unique opportunity to explore the cosmos through radio observations, providing students with valuable insights into celestial objects and the universe beyond the visible spectrum. By the end of this course, learners will have gained a solid foundation in radio astronomy, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to this exciting field of scientific discovery.