Experimental Astrophysics in Undergraduate Physics Using Digital Detector Technology

本项目通过以小型项目为基础的高级物理实验室，通过高年级自主学习/研究项目，以及在较小程度上通过天文学入门课程，将实验天体物理学引入本科物理课程。实现这些目标的方法是用16英寸研究级仪器取代目前的教育级10英寸望远镜，并购置用于数字成像分析的CCD相机系统。包括一台电脑工作站，使用现有的先进的基于unix的成像软件。该设备有效地补充了现有的天文台设施和仪器，并使计划中的实验成为可能，大大有助于本系目前学生的研究能力。

This project introduces experimental astrophysics to the undergraduate physics curriculum via the mini-project-based advanced physics laboratory, through upperclass independent study/research projects, and to a lesser degree, the introductory astronomy courses. These goals are achieved by the replacement of the current educational grade 10" telescope with a 16" research grade instrument, and the associated acquisition of a CCD camera system for digital imaging analysis. A computer workstation is included for using existing sophisticated UNIX-based imaging software. The equipment effectively complements the existing observatory facility and instrumentation available, and the projected experimentation made possible with it significantly contribute to the current student research capabilities of the department.