Universidad de Jaén

TOPIC 1

1.1 Historical approximation.

1.2 New definitions from the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

1.3 Celestial baricentric and geocentric reference systems.

1.4 International celestial reference system (ICRS).

1.5 International celestial reference frame (ICRF)

1.6 Coordinate times (baricentric, geocentric, terrestrial, atomic, and others).

1.7 Coordinated universal time (UTC)

1.8 Tranformations.

TOPIC 2

2.1 Specific instrumentation: astronomical theodolite, cenit tube, meridian circle, CCD detectors, insertion of time signal, ...

2.2 Astronomical determination of azimuth (procedures and accuracy).

2.3 Astronomical determination of latitude and longitude (procedures and accuracy)

TOPIC 3

3.1 Specific instrumentation: antennae, receivers and digital signal processing in radioastronomy.

3.2 Fundamentals of acquisition, analysis and interpretation of Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) data of astrometric and geodetic interest.

3.3 Definition of observables and equations for solving the position vectors of antennae on Earth and/or radio sources on the sky.

3.4 Examples and applications.

TOPIC 4

4.1 Description of the motion of a satellite according to the perturbed two-body problem.

4.2 Gauss equations.

4.3 Changes of the orbital elements in a period.

4.4 Perturbations due to the Earth gravitational potential.

4.5 Perturbations due to the Earth atmosphere.

4.6 Perturbations due to radiation pressure.

4.7 Perturbations due to other distant celestial bodies.

4.8 Examples and applications: the NORAD algorithm for time propagation of orbital elements; the GPS satellite case.

Group lectures

In these lectures, the basic contents of the course will be developed. The students will become familiar with the reference systems mostly used in Astronomy, the different techniques of astro-geodetic measurements, and the fundamentals of orbital dynamics. Whenever possible, all derivations will be based on first principles.

Group practical sessions

In these sessions, some of the methods described during the course will be put at work, always within the limitations of the available instruments  and weather conditions. The main ideas is that students should perform their own astronomical calculations to be verified by means of astronomical observations, carried out either later or in advance.

The observations will be conducted from the Astronomical Observatory in the Campus de Las Lagunillas, located on the top of the Escuela Politécnica Superior de Jaén (building A3). The available instrumentation includes several electronic theodolites and, as a novelty for the 2015-2016 academic year, we will also use the new 41 cm astronomical robotic telescope recently purchased by the University of Jaén.

The practical sessions tentatively scheduled include:

1. The pointing system of the telescope and astronomical coordinates.
2. Calculation and observation of meridian transits of stars.
3. Calculation and observations of passes of artificial satellites in near Earth orbit.

Here, it must be pointed out that session #3 condenses and simultaneously  puts at work all the contents and competences of the course. The students will deliver a final report about it as part of their evaluation.

Individual/collective tutorial sessions:

Devoted to clarify doubts related to the contents of the course and difficulties when carrying out calculations. This activity, will intensify  towards the end of the semester,  when the exams and deadline for the final report approach.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

The written exam accounts for the highest fraction of the grade (65%). It will be scheduled according to the faculty academic calendar. Both theoretical and practical aspects will be covered in order to ensure an appropriate achievement of the expected learning results (#12). The acquisition of competences CB3, CE10, CE28 and COP1 will be specially assessed.

With respect to the deliverables of practical sessions, they will be of two kinds: a) Solved calculations related to sessions #1 and #2 account for 15% of the total grade; b) The final report of session #3 accounts for 20% of the total grade. This higher fraction is justified because this final report requires to have acquired a good knowledge of all contents and competences of the course. Moreover, in the deliverables special attention will be payed to assessing the competences COP2, CT4 and CT6.