Multi-Wavelength Astronomy

Course Description

This course provides an overview of multi-messenger astronomy, focussing on three main aspects: multi-wavelength electromagnetic (EM) astronomy, particle/cosmic ray astronomy, and gravitational wave (GW) astronomy. The telescope technologies, data analysis, and the primary science questions relevant to each of these will be studied. For radiation, the telescope technologies at each wavelength will be discussed individually, as each region of the electromagnetic spectrum (radio, microwave, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray) requires different detection technologies and analysis techniques. Objects in space that produce radiation, gravitational waves and particles spanning many orders of magnitude in frequency/energy are studied. Different particle detectors (muon and neutrino/detectors, Imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes) and GW detectors (e.g. LIGO, LISA) are reviewed. Each frequency range and domain tells us about different aspects of astronomical sources and the Universe as a whole. We will be studying the universe as it is seen at all wavelengths of light, and the methods we use to image and analyze this light. As well as electromagnetic radiation, we will also cover cosmic rays and the recently discovered gravitational waves, and consider predictions for future discoveries. The structure of the course is largely organized by wavelength and domain, and includes a significant lab / data reduction and analysis component. As a case study we will analyse observations of the first GW event with an EM counterpart, GW170817. A final research project will be carried out using data from state of the art telescopes. Imaging, spectroscopy, polarimetry and time variability are also introduced, for the 3 domains when appropriate. Telescope networks and global collaborations will be discussed, such as those set up for the electromagnetic follow-up of gravitational wave, particle, or high energy transient phenomena.

Code

PHYS-GA 9001

Credits

4

Subject

Physics