Observing excursions

Asiago 2023

Eleven students of Innsbruck University participated in an excursion to the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory (Italy, operated by the University of Padova) between April 12th and April 15th, 2023.
In addition to training in data analysis techniques and the use of smaller telescopes, the students in particular conducted observations of galaxies and quasars using the 122cm Galileo Telescope (see picture).

This yearly course is primarily directed at physics students who already followed an introductory astrophysics class, but who have not yet gathered major observing experience.
Given its focus on the observation of extra-galactic sources it is highly complementary to the Advanced Laboratory Class: Telescope, in which the 60cm telescope of the Institute for Astro- and Particle Physics of Innsbruck University is used to observe primarily galactic sources.

asiago_exkursion — Students and teachers standing in front of the 122cm Galileo telescope at the observing excursion to the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory in April 2023.

Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (July 2023)

For advanced students the University of Innsbruck additionally offers a scientific astronomical observing excursion. In July 2023 a group of 8 students visited the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (La Palma) and conducted spectroscopic observations with the 254cm Isaac Newton Telescope.

LaPalmaExkursion2023 — Students and teachers of the observing excursion to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory conducted in July 2023, standing between the two MAGIC Cherenkov Telescopes, which were among the telescopes visited during the excursion.

Calar Alto Observatory (December 2023)

In December 2023 a group of 7 students participated in a scientific astronomical observing excursion to the Calar Alto Observatory in Southern Spain and obtained Near-Infrared observations of galaxy clusters using the CAHA 3.5m Telescope.

CalarAltoExkursion2023_Pano — Left and Right: Participants of the observing excursion to the Calar Alto Observatory conduced in December 2023, standing next to the 3.5m telescope. Middle: CAHA at sunset with visitor accommodations in the foreground.