2018/11/19 by P. Barmby, Pauline Barmby · 1 voice · 6 citations
Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena #Context (archaeology) #Course (navigation) #Data processing #History and Developments in Astronomy #Measure (data warehouse) #Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology #Software #astro-ph.IM #physics.ed-ph #stat.AP
paper · pdf · doi:10.21105/astro.1812.07963
published in The Open Journal of Astrophysics 2(1) · Final version for Open Journal of Astrophysics; correct minor typos from previous version
openalex created_date 2018/12/22 · arxiv created 2019/03/11 · openalex publication_date 2019/03/13 · arxiv updated 2019/03/14 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
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.