Experimental Astrophysics in Undergraduate Physics Using Digital Detector Technology

这个项目通过以微型项目为基础的高级物理实验室，通过高级自主学习/研究项目，以及较小程度的天文学入门课程，将实验天体物理学引入本科物理课程。这些目标是通过用16“研究级仪器取代目前的教育等级10”望远镜，以及相关购置用于数字成像分析的电荷耦合摄像系统来实现的。包括一个计算机工作站，用于使用现有的复杂的基于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，利用它进行的预测实验对该系目前的学生研究能力做出了重大贡献。

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.