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South Carolina State University

Introduction to Astronomical Image Processing Workshop

A workshop on astronomical image processing was held on the campus of Norfolk State University October 8-9, 2004. The meeting was cohosted by Norfolk State University (NSU), Medgar Evers College (MEC) and South Carolina State University (SCSU). Funding was provided by NASA through the MU-SPIN project and the Office of Space Science MUCERPI 2003 awards to NSU, MEC and SCSU.

The purpose of the workshop was to introduce the participants to the analysis of astronomical images taken with CCD cameras. The format of the workshop included talks by scientists from NSU, MEC and SCSU as well as a hands-on session using PC-based software to process real astronomical images. A planned outdoor session using telescopes and CCD cameras had to be canceled due to cloudy weather.

attendees

Attendance at the workshop included:

Facilitators: 5 (NSU, MEC, SCSU)

Participants: 12 (Amateur Astronomers from Virginia)

Agenda for the Introduction to Astronomical Image Processing Workshop Norfolk State University October 8-9, 2004

Oct 8 Friday

7:00 PM Welcome & Introduction C.Salgado, NSU

7:15 PM Introduction to Astronomical Photometry C. Salgado, NSU

Oct 9 Saturday

9:30 AM Astronomical Image Processing D. Walter, SCSU
10:30 AM Image Conversion and Enhancement S. Austin, MEC
11:30 AM CCD Cameras L. Johnson, CUNY
12:30 Lunch (provided)
1:30 PM to 5:00 PM Laboratory Hands-on Image processing using AIP4WIM software

Workshop Overview

In this workshop we will review techniques for qualitative and quantitative astronomical image processing. It is designed to provide the essential techniques for astronomical photometry and astrometry using CCD cameras. It will include technical hands-on training using the AIP4WIN (Berry & Burnell) software. It is designed for people with some experience on observational astronomy and/or with introductory college science background. It will include lectures, lab exercises and an observational section on Friday night, where participants are invited to bring their own observational instrumentation (as weather permits).