U N I V E R S I T Y  O F  P I T T S B U R G H

October, 2001 

A Student Image Processing Lab at Allegheny Observatory

A Student Image Processing Lab at Allegheny Observatory, an award-winning proposal by David Turnshek, physics and astronomy, will equip Allegheny Observatory with new image processing computers to support the new course, Observational Astronomy Lab. The grant specifically provides for an astronomical image processing lab at Allegheny Observatory where the course will be taught. The process involves generating a celestial object with a digital CCD camera on a telescope at the observatory, followed by the reduction and analysis of the imaging data, the latter being made possible by the computers that will be purchased with the grant.

Beginning with the fall 2001 term, the class will meet one night each week at the Allegheny Observatory. This class will be limited to 15 students, and the University is arranging for transportation to the observatory from the Oakland campus for those who need it. Eventually, as many as three sections will be offered to students each term, meaning that as many as 135 students may enroll each year (including three summer sections). Students will be able to undertake projects that require the use of modern imaging devices (called CCD cameras) to photograph the sky and then use astronomical image processing techniques to study the photographs. For example, students will have the opportunity to construct photographic atlases of the moon’s terrain, planets, or objects such as nebula or globular clusters; they might measure the separations and colors of binary stars systems; they could undertake a search for supernovae in distant galaxies; or they can invent their own projects.

Most of Turnshek’s research has been in the area of observational cosmology, notably studies of quasars and the process of galaxy formation. Much of his most recent efforts has entailed making observations with the Hubble Space Telescope. Turnshek is also actively involved in all aspects of the educational experience at Pitt, from teaching undergraduate non-science majors to mentoring graduate students in physics and astronomy. His efforts to make astronomy enjoyable for non-science majors have included the design of the Stonehenge to Hubble course (geared specifically towards non-science majors). It is important to him that the Observational Astronomy Lab course be given at a level suitable for both science and non-science majors who simply want to learn how to use a telescope and enjoy “backyard astronomy.”


 

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