The Australia Telescope National Facility held the 2009 Radio Astronomy School at the Parkes Radio Telescope, NSW, from Monday 21st September to Friday 25th September 2009. The format of the school was similar to previous ATNF schools, with a mix of lectures and practical hands-on sessions. Material was presented by both radio astronomers and engineers and no prior experience with radio astronomy was required.

Key Topics

  • Introduction to the Parkes Radio Telescope
  • Fundamentals of radio astronomy
  • Scheduling and performing observations
  • Calibrating techniques and dealing with atmospheric effects
  • Data reduction and analysis
  • Tools of radio astronomy
  • Interpreting and callibrating polarisation measurements
  • Observations at millimetre wavelengths
  • Introduction to interferometry and VLBI

The programme is available here.

School Photo

Photo 1, Photo 2.

Registration

Registration closed for the Radio Astronomy School on the 04/09/09.

Accommodation Advice

"block booking" reservations were made at a couple of nearby motels:

  • Moonraker, 444 Clarinda Street (Newell Highway), Parkes, NSW, price per person is $99 to $104 depending on single or shared. Telephone +61 (02) 68622355 and mention CSIRO Radio School to book.
  • Station Motel, 82 Peak Hill Road (Newell Highway), Parkes, NSW, price per person is $120. Telephone +61 (02) 68628444 and mention CSIRO Radio School to book.

and students were asked to complete the ATNF visitor reservation form (here) including the name of the hotel booked.

Contact Information

For further enquiries, contact the school organisation team at radio-school@atnf.csiro.au.

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