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The Universe at a Glance Wayne Springer Department of Physics and Astronomy not Psychics and Astrolo

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Title: The Universe at a Glance Wayne Springer Department of Physics and Astronomy not Psychics and Astrolo


1
The Universe at a GlanceWayne Springer
Department of Physics (and Astronomy)(not
Psychics and Astrology!!!)
2
Astrology vs. Astronomy
Astrology Astronomy
3
Observational Astronomy
  • Fundamental Observations
  • Sky is generally dark at night
  • Really Bright object in the Sky during daytime
  • Sometimes there is a pretty bright object in the
    Sky at night
  • Some bright pinpoints that remain relatively
    fixed..
  • Some bright pinpoints that wander around
  • Some Fuzzy objects
  • Detailed Observations
  • Distance
  • Temperature
  • Spectra
  • .
  • What do these observations tell us about the
    Universe?

4
The Universe at a Glance
  • Some simple observations of the universe
  • Whats out there?
  • How does one study Astrophysical objects?
  • Some examples of what we understand
  • Stellar Astrophysics
  • Big Bang Cosmology
  • Some examples of what we dont understand
  • Observational Astronomy at the U

5
Scientific MethodLearning about the Universe
  • Observe
  • Measure
  • Catalog
  • Look for order
  • Formulate Theory
  • Model Phenomenon
  • Learn Something about the Universe

Check Theory by Comparing Model with observations
6
Napoleons Gravitational Theory
7
Checking Napoleons Gravitational Theory
Napoleon what would the night sky look like if
your theory is right?
8
Napoleons Night Sky
9
Checking Napoleons Gravitational Theory
The night sky is basically dark and you, my
friend, are dead wrong..
10
Einsteins Gravitational theory is better than
Newtons
Qso0957561
Newtons theory gravity does not deflect
light Einsteins theory space-time is warped ?
light will be deflected
Hubble Image
11
The Universe at 300K years
Full Sky Map of Microwave intesity from COBE
satellite
12
WMAP Temperature fluctuations
13
CMB Timeline
WMAP link
14
Another Simple ObservationLocation of planets
  • Planets lie along ecliptic plane
  • Mercury never further than about 28 degrees from
    sun.
  • Venus never further than about 48 degrees from
    sun
  • Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,not constrained to lie
    close to sun
  • Retrograde Motion
  • What do these observations tell you????

15
Heliocentric Solar System
  • Pluto kinda looks out of place even on this
    diagram.

16
Astrophysical Objects
  • The Sun


Study solar phenomena such as flares, sun spots
  • The Moon

Lunar Cartography
  • Planets and Moons

Study orbits of planets and their moons
17
Astrophysical Objects
  • Comets


Search for and track comets
  • Asteroids

Track asteroids before they strike.
  • Stars

Measure orbital periods of binary and Trinary
systems Variable Stars.
18
Astrophysical Objects
  • Planetary Nebulae

Observe remnants of old supernovae
  • Globular Clusters

Determine age of stars in globular clusters
19
Astrophysical Objects
  • Galaxies

  • Diffuse Nebulae


20
Introduction to Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Astrophysical Objects ( Things in the Universe)
  • Planets and Moons.
  • Sun and Stars
  • Galaxies
  • Exotic objects
  • AGNs, Blazars
  • GRBs
  • Quasars
  • Dark Matter ???
  • Dark Energy???
  • How do we study them?

21
Light as a MessengerAnalyzing Starlight
22
Spectroscopy
23
Basic PhysicsBlackbody RadiationColor ?
Temperature
24
Classification of Stars using Spectral Type and
Brightness
25
Hertzsprung Russel Diagram
The evolution of a star from birth to death
traces out a path on the H-R diagram Stellar
Evolution
26
Stellar Evolution in a nutshell
27
Death of Stars
  • White Dwarf
  • Electron degeneracy pressure
  • Mlt1.4 Msun
  • Neutron Star
  • Neutron Degeneracy Pressure
  • 1.4Msun lt M lt2.8 Msun
  • Black Hole
  • Mgt2.8 Msun
  • Smithereens

28
Supernova remnants
29
Galaxies
(Gary Walker)
  • What are they?
  • Where are they?
  • How are they moving?
  • What does this tell us?

30
Galactic RedshiftsTell us something?
31
How do we know that the Universe is
expanding?Cosmological Distance Scales
  • Bootstrap method
  • The astronomical unit radar and kepler
  • Trigonometric Parallax
  • Spectroscopic Parallax
  • Cepheid-variables
  • Galaxy Standard Candles
  • Galaxy Luminosities

32
Cosmological Distance Scales Trigonometric
Parallax
  • Parsec3.26 light year9.5 trillion km (Distance
    at which 1AU subtends 1 arcsec)

33
Cosmological Distance Scales Galaxy Standard
CandleType IA Supernovae
  • Explosion of white dwarf in a binary system
  • Equivalent to a 1028 Megaton explosion? Standard
    Candle
  • Determine distance from apparent luminosity and
    inverse square law

34
Recession velocity v DistanceHubble Constant
H 72/-8 km/sec/Mpc from HST analysis (2000)
Universe is Expanding
35
Accelerating UniverseType IA Supernovaas
standard candles
Indication that expansion of universe is
accelerating from observation of apparent
distance to galaxy at a given redshift not being
consistent with the expectation from a universe
undergoing constant expansion. For more
info http//www.lbl.gov/supernova snvideo.html
saul_sm.qt
? DARK ENERGY
36
Some Examples of what we dont understand Gamma
Ray bursts
37
Gamma Ray Bursts
  • Possible Cause
  • Possible Effects
  • Fearful Dinosaurs?
  • UHECRs???

38
Observational Astronomy at The University of
Utah
  • Description of Observing Facilities at the U of
    Utah
  • Description of Observational Astronomy Course
  • Growth of Astronomy Program

39
Current Status of Astronomy Program
  • Facilities
  • South Physics Observatory
  • Computer Lab in room 411
  • Astronomy Academic Program
  • Extensive set of available courses
  • Minor to be offered in Fall 2006
  • Public Outreach
  • Weekly Star Parties
  • Scout Visits/Merit badges
  • Special Events
  • Enthusiasm for Expansion of Astronomy The
    Willard L. Eccles Grant played a crucial role in
    these developments !!!!

40
Observing Facilities
  • Optical Telescopes
  • CCD cameras
  • Spectrograph
  • Radio Telescope
  • Observatory Dome
  • Permanent Mount Piers
  • Computing Equipment

41
Astronomical Software Packages
  • Planetarium / Star Charting/ Telescope Control
  • Starry Night Pro
  • Meade Epoch 2k
  • The Sky
  • Image Acquisition/Processing
  • CCDOPS
  • CCDSOFT
  • Maxim DL
  • AIP4WIN
  • Astronomical Simulation and Data Analysis
  • Star Probe
  • Contemporary Laboratory Experiences in
    Astrophysics(CLEA)

42
University of Utah Observing
Facilities
  • Fixed Permanent Installation
  • Ease of use
  • Considerable reduction in setup time
  • More observing time for students
  • Computer controlled telescopes
  • Access from (warm) classroom
  • Acquisition and storage of digital images
  • Use of CCD cameras
  • Significantly increases sensitivity to faint
    objects
  • Enables class to be held on campus within city

43
A Course in Observational Astronomy
  • Students will be able to
  • Observe astronomical objects
  • but more importantly, make
  • Measurements
  • Learn Something as well as appreciate the beauty
    of what is observed.

44
Observational Astronomy Course at the University
of Utah
  • Introduction to Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Basic Observational Techniques
  • Astrophotography using CCD cameras
  • Analysis of Astronomical Data
  • Basic Concepts of Radio Astronomy
  • Special Projects
  • Observing Sessions

45
A Course in Observational Astronomy Scientific
MethodLearning about the Universe
  • Observe
  • Measure
  • Catalog
  • Look for order
  • Formulate Theory
  • Learn Something about the Universe

Stellar Evolution in a nutshell
46
Astronomy Courses
  • The Universe
  • The Solar System
  • Does ET exist?
  • Observational Astronomy
  • Linch-pin course
  • Attracting Electrical Engineering majors who want
    to minor in Physics
  • Made Possible by Willard L. Eccles grant in 2001
  • Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics
  • Introduction to Cosmology
  • A Minor in Astronomy will be offered in Fall 2006

47
A Research Class Observatory
  • Building upon previous success
  • Strong public interest in Astronomy
  • Important for establishing Astronomy Major,
    Graduate program
  • South Physics Observatory inadequate for
    Scientific Research
  • Lead more Utah Students into Science/Engineering

Coordinated observations with Utah Astrophysics
Observatories
Radio
Infrared
Optical
X-ray
Gamma Ray
Crab Nebula Supernova remnant observed in various
electromagnetic radiation bands
48
Dark Sky Observatory Sitein Southern Utah
Southern Utah Sky
Kitt Peak Sky Phoenix glow
  • Low Population density
  • No Light Pollution
  • Higher altitudes (10,000 ft) Infrared Astronomy
  • Large Site Areas (10-100 sq. miles)
  • UT State trust lands
  • Last location in US suitable for research
    astronomy

49
Frisco Peak Observatory
  • Telescope/Site
  • Astronomy Initiative
  • Whats coming next

50
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55
Site Selection
  • Explored MANY potential observatory sites (from
    Frisco peak to the Henry Mountains)
  • Seeing Measurements from 6 locations

56
Site Survey/Characterization
  • Three Monitoring stations in field (2 equipped
    with U of U Meteorology weather stations)
  • Measurements from
  • Frisco Peak
  • Parker Mountain(2)
  • Boulder Mountain
  • Mount Dutton
  • Mud Springs Point
  • U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permits acquired
    for Mount Dutton, Mud Springs Point and Boulder
    Highway sites
  • About 10,000 miles of driving. Flat tires on
    wicked roads
  • Two adversity-tested undergraduate students

Mud Springs Point
57
Dark Skies
Salt Lake City
  • Frisco Peak

Las Vegas
58
Utah Precipitation Pattern
Frisco Peak
Parker Cliff
Frisco receives About 1/2 the precipitation of
Parker and Mud Springs
Mud Springs Point
59
Frisco Peak Observatory
  • Elevation 9700 feet
  • Prominent Peak
  • good seeing conditions
  • Frequently Clear Skies
  • Winter access with Snow cat
  • Steel belted sidewall tires required!!!
  • BLM land
  • Radio Frequency Interference
  • Power lines !!!

60
Seeing at Frisco
South View from Frisco Peak Observatory Site
81 miles
24 miles
  • Fantastic Seeing conditions at Frisco Peak!!!
  • Rivals conditions in Chile, Hawaii
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