For Students | Laboratory Work, Special Study Course
Laboratory Work in Physics C
C1 Numerical Computation and Simulation
In the first semester, exercises will be conducted to acquire basic skills and knowledge related to computers. The use of computers is indispensable not only for theoretical research, such as numerical simulations, but also for observational research, including the control of observational equipment and the processing of observational data. In the first half of this exercise, students will learn how to use graphing and document creation software in a UNIX/Linux environment, as well as programming methods and basic numerical computation techniques using languages such as C. Those interested can further study simple numerical simulations. In the second half of this exercise, students will work on simple problem exercises using computers, assuming a focus on theoretical astrophysics.
In the second semester, the following practical exercises will be conducted using the facilities of the Department of Astrophysics and the telescope at Kwasan Observatory.
C2 Observational Instruments
Through the construction and assembly of simple observational instruments, students will learn the basics of optics. They will also gain foundational skills in astronomical observation by attaching the instruments to a telescope to capture information from actual celestial objects and analyze the data. In the optics experiment, students will measure the focal length of lenses and the transmittance of filters. In the detector test, they will measure noise levels and conversion factors. Through the analysis of these results, students will also learn how to process one-dimensional and two-dimensional data.
C3 Stars & Galaxies
Photometric imaging observations of stars or galaxies will be conducted. Students will learn observation and data analysis techniques and understand the physical quantities that can be derived from the data. The topics covered may include the creation and interpretation of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram of star clusters, the measurement of the period of variable stars and its physical interpretation, and exploring the regularities in the surface brightness distribution of galaxies. The content varies by year, so please refer to the explanation provided in the guidance session. Observations using the telescope on the rooftop of the Department of Astrophysics and measurements using previously captured images are planned. Students will also learn how to use standard astronomical image processing software (IRAF), process data using C language, and apply modern numerical data analysis techniques using the statistical language R.
C4 The Active Sun
The surface of the Sun, our closest star, is the site of solar flares, where a large amount of energy is suddenly released near sunspot regions, as well as explosive events where gas is ejected at high speeds. These solar activity phenomena also affect Earth’s atmosphere and magnetosphere. In this exercise, students will conduct visible light spectroscopic observations and analyses of these solar activity phenomena, and also analyze the latest satellite observation data to determine magnetohydrodynamic physical quantities and understand the causes of these active phenomena. Observations will be conducted at the affiliated observatory.
The lecture courses particularly related to Exercise Assignments C are Introduction to Astronomy and Observational Astronomy.
Special Study Course S
S1: Instrument Development
Observation instruments covering the visible to infrared spectrum are used in cutting-edge observational astronomy, including at the Subaru and Seimei telescopes. Students will learn the basic knowledge and skills required for their development, such as optics, electronics, mechanical engineering, vacuum and cooling technologies, and data acquisition, and will engage in research. Prototypes of instruments will be created, and data collection will be attempted.
[Prerequisites] None
S2: Solar Physics
In this research project, “Solar Observation” and “Solar and Space Plasma Theory” will be studied jointly as appropriate. From the perspective of clarifying the fundamental physical processes of solar and cosmic magnetic plasma phenomena, students will first read basic literature and then proceed with specific research. In solar observation, focusing on the dynamic atmospheric structure and activity phenomena of the Sun—the only star whose activity can be analyzed concretely—students will analyze the latest observational data of solar activity phenomena obtained with the Hida Observatory telescope and space-borne telescopes. In solar and space plasma theory, numerical simulations will be conducted to analyze plasma magnetohydrodynamic phenomena observed in the Sun and other celestial bodies.
[Prerequisites] A solid understanding of the mathematics and physics fundamental to astrophysics is required.
S3: Stars and Black Holes
In this research project, students will focus on one or both of the following pillars: (1) Using data from the latest X-ray astronomy satellites, research on accretion flows in compact objects like black holes or the structure of active galactic nuclei will be conducted, providing a foundation in X-ray astronomy. (2) Through visible spectroscopic observations, students will investigate stellar activity phenomena in a broad sense and acquire spectral analysis techniques. After reading foundational papers, students will engage in actual observation and data analysis work.
[Prerequisites] None
S4: Galaxies
In this research project, alongside the review of the latest papers on active galactic nuclei (AGN), research will be conducted through the analysis of publicly available archival data and observations using the Seimei Telescope. Students will acquire basic knowledge about AGN activity, learn to handle large-scale data, and master observational data analysis techniques.
[Prerequisites] None
S5: Theoretical Astrophysics
The goal of this research practicum is to expose students to the forefront of theoretical astrophysics research, teaching research methods and deepening their understanding of the universe. In the first semester, students will read through several English textbooks to gain insights into the latest developments in a broad range of astrophysics topics. The textbooks will be selected considering student preferences, covering areas such as high-energy astrophysics (e.g., accretion disks, supernovae), planetary science, and stellar evolution. In the second semester, students will engage in research practice, with the objective of experiencing the cutting edge of theoretical astrophysics research and gaining a deeper understanding of the universe. Topics will mainly cover the areas researched by the theoretical faculty in the department (e.g., star and planetary system formation and evolution, high-energy phenomena such as black holes, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, astrophysical processes like accretion disks, magnetohydrodynamics, radiative transfer, etc.). The specific themes will be decided based on student preferences.
[Prerequisites] None, but it is desirable to have a basic understanding of astronomy.
S6: Astronomical Plasmas Physics
This research project focuses on theoretical challenges in astrophysical plasma. From the perspective of elucidating the fundamental physical processes of astrophysical magnetic plasma phenomena, students begin by reading foundational literature before advancing to specific research topics. In the research phase, students study multiple related papers on plasma magnetohydrodynamic phenomena observed in astrophysical contexts. Subsequently, they conduct numerical simulations and analyze the results.
[Prerequisites] A solid understanding of the mathematics and physics fundamental to astrophysics is required.