Department of Physics AstroLab

How the AstroLab is Run

  • We train you how to make observations with the telescopes, initially during the afternoons and then on clear evenings. In the evenings when the weather is good during the first part of the term, we will provide direct support to help you get your observations. For the second part of the term, while limited direct support is provided, we are always available to advise by phone.

  • Students work in pairs on their selected project and need to organise their other commitments such that they are available to observe when the weather is clear.

  • After demonstrating that we will give you permission to observe as a pair of students without direct supervision. Special arrangements apply to using East-14, West-14 and Far-East-16 telescopes remotely from Room 201.

  • There will probably be about 15 (or less) evenings during the eight week period of the Lab when the weather will be good enough for observing. For most projects the conditions don't have to be perfect. You will need about seven observing sessions to complete your project. As the Durham weather is generally poor, in order to successfully complete your project you must be fully committed to observing when the weather is clear. Hence you must ensure that your evening observing commitment is given a higher priority than your social (e.g. a formal), sporting, working, etc, activites. This can include observing on Friday and Saturday evenings. We expect you to observe on the available clear evenings until you have gathered the required data for your project.

  • Students also acquire CCD image data from the pt5m on La Palma which is queue scheduled.

  • On at least two afternoons per week you are required to attend Lab sessions in Room 201 from 14:00 to 17:00 for project planning, data reduction, data analysis, report planning, and setting up observations for the pt5m.

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