Optical Astronomy Education

Observational Astronomy in Fields of Cosmology & Stellar Evolution

The courses are organized by Horten Videregående Skole, Norway with external cooperation with the Nordic Optical Telescope and Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics University of Oslo. The courses are designed for participants in the subject: Technology and theory of research -2 and similar courses. 

 The courses last for six months starting in late August and specializes in quantitative research design with applications in astrophysics. It focuses especially on topics that coincide with the curriculum in school subject Technology and theory of research-2, with special focus on:

Hypothesis and empirical data, theory, use of instrumentation, validity, use of statistics, presentation of results / publication

Common feature of all courses is that they contain both theory and practical work at the school and at local observatory in Norway, note that it attaches considerable requirements for attendance and motivation during this period, and the first part of the course must be regarded as demanding. Then students have an examination before a one week tripto the Nordic Optical Telescope, La Palma where they perform the observations. Then after the trip: analysis and submission of report. All courses contain assignments that have the potential to contribute to the research fields. 

In research context, Optical Astronomy Education also collaborates with the institutions: Delaware Asteroseismic Research Centre DARC, Groupe Européen d'Observation Stellaire(GEOS), Gaia Science Alert Working Group and TESS Science Team as SoubGroup1 member in the TESS Follow-up Observing Program.