Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca
Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Study Cycle: Master
SUBJECT

Code	Subject	
MM262	Observational Astronomy	

Section	Semester	Hours: C+S+L	Category	Type	
Applied Mathematics	1	2+1+1		optional	
Mathematical Models in Mechanics and Astronomy - in English	1	2+2+0		compulsory	

Teaching Staff in Charge	Assoc.Prof. BLAGA Cristina Olivia, Ph.D., cpblaga@math.ubbcluj.ro	
Aims	The aim of the course is the acquirement of the principles of the general relativity, which let us to obtain a model of the large scale Universe close to the observed one. We introduce the mathemetical tool, with physical meaning, which let us explain observational facts unexplained in the framework of the classical theories. 	
Content	I. Nature of light. Light as electromagnetic wave. Energetic and photometric quantities.
II. Elements of geometrical optics.
1. Principles of the geometrical optics. Ideal optical systems. Cardinal elements of the ideal optical systems.
2. Spherical diopters. Spherical mirror. Eyepieces. Lenses. Optical prism.
3. Optical instruments used in Astronomy (refracting and reflecting telescopes, transit instrument, meridian circle, theodolite, coelostat and horizontal telescope). Instrumental mounting. 
III. Astronomical spectroscopy.
4. Formation of the specters of chemical elements and their compounds.
5. Spectroscopes with optical prism or diffraction grating. 
VI. Observations in other spectral ranges (gamma rays, Roentgen, ultraviolet and infrared). Radioastronomy.
V. Astronomy of other forms of energy (cosmic rays, neutrinos, gravitational waves).
VI. Astronomical photometry.
6. Radiation detectors and filters for the visible domain.
7. Photometric systems. Atmospheric extinction.
8. Some applications of the UBV photometry.	
Bibliography	1. BIRNEY S.D.: Observational Astronomy, Cambridge University Press, 1991. 
2. BURKE B.F., GRAHAM-SMITH F.: An Introduction to Radioastronomy, Cambridge University Press, 1997.
3. LENA P., LEBRUN F., MIGNARD F.: Observational Astrophysics, Springer, 1996.
4. MARAN S. (ed.): The Astronomy and Astrophysics Encyclopedia, Van Nostrand Reinhold& Cambridge University Press, 1992.
5. MURDIN P.(ed.): Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics,  Nature Publishing Group& Institute of Physics Publishing, 2001. 
6. POP V., BLAGA C.: Astronomie observationala, Editura Risoprint, Cluj-Napoca, 2005.
7. STERKEN C., MANFROID J.: Astronomical Photometry, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1992.
8. URECHE V.: Universul, Astrofizica, vol. II, Editura Dacia, Cluj-Napoca, 1985.	
Assessment	The mark is a weighted mean between the mark obtained for the activity during the semester (50%) and the mark obtained at the written exam at the end of semester (50%). For the evaluation of the activity during the semester we will take into account the active participation of the students to the didactical activities (25%) and the implementation of their assignments (25%).