Image Processing Workshop

July 8 - 10, 2002

 

 

The MU-SPIN NRTS schools SCSU and Medgar Evers co-hosted a faculty workshop on astronomical image processing at SCSU. Discussion topics included an overview of astronomical image processing, charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and the Hubble Space Telescope.

 

 

 

Hands-on training included the UNIX operating system, the IDL and IRAF software packages and the step-by-step process of reducing and calibrating astronomical imagery. The workshop objectives listed below were achieved and the participants are in the process of developing several proposals to submit to the Space Telescope Science Institute.

Workshop Objectives

• To provide hands-on experience with astronomical image analysis and processing software applied to ground-based and HST imagery and spectra so that the participants can return to their home institutions and use the software and techniques for coursework and/or faculty and student research projects in astrophysics or related fields.
• To explore possible collaborative research efforts with the intent of submitting a proposal to the Space Telescope Science Institute for an archival project using HST data by the next cycle deadline in early 2003.
• To serve as a pilot project for further promotion of scientific visualization within the MU-SPIN network and among other minority institutions