TRUMP Part 5: Telescopes and Instruments

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This part of the TRUMP Astrophysics resource package dealt with the design and performance of astronomical telescopes and instruments. Like all other parts of the TRUMP package, this part contains study notes (self-study material for teachers), teaching notes and photocopiable student sheets.

This part drew on some material from earlier parts of the package. The authors assumed that users of Part 5 would be familiar with the content of Parts 1 to 3.

In this part of the package, the project team deliberately included some material relevant to professional astronomical research and some material concerned with amateur observations. The study notes for teachers were written mainly from the viewpoint of a professional astronomer, while in the student sheets there was more of a slant towards amateur observing since that is what students were likely to experience themselves.

Contents of Teacher’s guide
INTRODUCTION TO PART 5
STUDY NOTES
Introduction
1.1 Making astronomical observations
Summary of Section 1
2 Imaging systems
2.1 General features
2.2 Focusing elements
2.3 Magnification
Summary of Section 2
3 Telescopes
3.1 Refracting telescopes
3.2 Reflecting telescopes
3.3 Resolving power
3.4 Interferometric telescopes
Summary of Section 3
4 Detectors
4.1 CCDs
4.2 Photographic emulsion
4.3 Radio detectors
Summary of Section 4
5 Spectroscopy
5.1 Observing astronomical spectra
Summary of Section 5
6 Other instruments and devices
6.1 Eyes
6.2• Cameras
6.3 Fibre optics
Summary of Section 6
Self-assessment questions
ITO answers and comments
SAO answers and comments
Glossary

TEACHING NOTES
Introduction
Student learning outcomes
1.1 Making astronomical observations
2 Imaging systems
Student learning outcomes
2.1 Basic ideas
2.2 Converging lenses
2.3 Curved mirrors
3 Telescopes
Student learning outcomes
3.1 Refracting telescopes
3.2 Reflecting telescopes
3.3 Resolving power
3.4 Interferometric telescopes
3.5 Buying a telescope
4 Detectors
Student learning outcomes
4.1 Comparing detectors
4.2 Astronomical photography
5 Spectroscopy
Student learning outcomes
5.1 Observing spectra
6 Other instruments and devices
Student learning outcomes
6.1 Cameras
6.2 Fibre optics
Resources
Books
Other resources

HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment. Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date. Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.