Astronomical observation trips with new telescopes

Astronomical observation trips with new telescopes

The degree course in Engineering Physics Applied to Industry combines scientific rigour and technology creativity to enable students to understand and transform the world we live in. One of the most fascinating areas of knowledge is Astrophysics, which involves observing the universe and studying the laws that govern nature on cosmic scales. Students on this degree course are able to develop their skills using telescopes of different kinds, and a further three high-quality optical instruments will soon be added to these. They can also enjoy taking part in nocturnal astronomical observation trips to locations where a clear, dark sky allows them to admire the beauty of the night sky and conduct scientific experiments. All this takes place against a background of fun and companionship that characterises the group studying Engineering Physics Applied to Industry.

The students on this degree course currently have two telescopes at their disposal for practical sessions and projects:

• A Maksutov telescope equipped with multiple accessories for observing and photographing the solar system.
• A fully automated Unistellar telescope for easily obtaining photographs of deep sky objects.

We will shortly be receiving the following three instruments to complement these telescopes:

• A 400 mm diameter reflecting telescope for directly observing the deep sky: galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.
• A telescope equipped with a Shelyak spectrograph for spectrum observation and red shift analysis of distant objects, which will help confirm certain concepts studied in the Relativistic Physics option, such as the expansion of the Universe.
• A refracting telescope equipped with a cold chamber and accessories for deep space photography, enabling capture of high-quality, high-resolution images of celestial bodies.

The telescopes will be handled by the students themselves as part of the Experimental Techniques II option, during which they will learn the principles and methods of astronomical observation and also how to process and analyse the data obtained.

When all the equipment is ready we will go on weekend trips to a location with a good quality dark sky (exact location to be determined), where the students can put the knowledge they have learnt into practice and enjoy the experience.