ANU RSAA Siding Spring Observatory - Determining Atmospheric Transparency and Image Quality Using Acquisition Images Obtained with the WiFeS Autoguiding Camera
This is an opportunity to work at Siding Spring Observatory to develop code that determines the transparency and image quality by the WiFeS autoguider at the ANU 2.3-metre robotic telescope.
Student opportunity type
Degree level
About
Siding Spring Observatory is Australia’s largest ground-based optical astronomical observatory. It is home to the 3.9-metre Anglo-Australian Telescope, the ANU 2.3-metre telescope, SkyMapper and over a dozen other facilities run by national and international organisations. The telescopes at the Observatory are maintained by a staff of about 20 technicians.
The Observatory is located on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park in northern NSW about 25 km west of the town of Coonabarabran. It is about a seven hour drive from Canberra.
Project: Determining Atmospheric Transparency and Image Quality Using Acquisition Images Obtained with the WiFeS Autoguiding Camera
Internship details |
|
Internship Availability |
Summer, 2024 (29 Jan - 16 Feb) |
Internship Discipline/s |
Astronomy |
Internship Level |
3rd yr undergraduate, or PG coursework |
Available to International Students |
Yes |
Preferred Project Skills |
Python and Linux programming skills |
Clearances Required |
No |
Host Supervisor |
Chris Lidman, Director, SSO E: Christopher.lidman@anu.edu.au X50238 |
Location |
Siding Spring Observatory (please note that students will have to organise and pay for their own accommodation and expenses) |
Project Opportunities/Benefits for the Intern |
|
Summary:
The WiFeS autoguider at the 2.3-metre telescope uses images to acquire targets. These images can be used to assess the atmospheric conditions at the time the targets were acquired. The aim of the project is to develop code that determines the transparency and image quality (or “seeing”) at the time the exposure was started.