Analyzing the Universe from Coursera

Using publicly available data from NASA of actual satellite observations of astronomical x-ray sources, we explore some of the mysteries of the cosmos, including neutron stars, black holes, quasars and supernovae. We will analyze energy spectra and time series data to understand how these incredible objects work. We utilize an imaging tool called DS9 to explore the amazing diversity of astronomical observations that have made x-ray astronomy one of the most active and exciting fields of scientific investigation in the past 50 years.

Each week we will explore a different facet of x-ray astronomy. Beginning with an introduction to the nature of image formation, we then move on to examples of how our imaging program, DS9, can aid our understanding of real satellite data. You will using the actual data that scientists use when doing their work. Nothing is "canned". You will be able to appreciate the excitement that astronomers felt when they made their important discoveries concerning periodic binary x-ray sources, supernovae and their remnants, and extragalactic sources that have shaped our understanding of cosmology.

What's inside

Syllabus

Light and the Nature of Images....Plus, an Introduction to DS9

Welcome to Week 1 of "Analyzing the Universe!" This week we explore the nature of light, and how we get astronomical information from the images we obtain. The lectures and "wiki" material address these themes: light, image formation, and DS9. Dive right in!

Basic Astronomical Data and a DS9 Smorgasbord

Welcome to week two of "Analyzing the Universe". This week we will be exploring some of the means we have at our disposal to find out many things about the stars. It is really quite incredible that these tiny pinpoints of light can yield so much information about their nature and about the structure of the Universe as a whole. And if this is your first visit to the course, welcome and jump right in!

Stellar Evolution and White Dwarfs

This week is our first in-depth look at an x-ray source, and it involves a white dwarf in a binary system. So sharpen up your detective skills, keep your copy of DS9 at the ready, and let's get down to business. It should be an exciting week.

Orbits, Gravity, and Clocks in the Sky

This week we turn our attention to another fascinating cosmic source, discovered in the infancy of x-ray astronomy: Cen X-3. In so doing, we will see how binary stars can determine and influence many of the interesting and surprising features of our observations.

Supernovae, Our Cosmic Recycling Centers

This week, we will be examining supernovae, and their remnants. These fascinating objects are the breeding grounds for future stars, and were the sources of virtually all the atoms that make up our solar neighborhood. Every atom of calcium in every bone in your body, for example, was once shot out of a supernova, billions of years ago.

To the Ends of the Universe; Quasars, 3C273, and beyond

This week we wrap things up with trips to galaxies and exotic objects, seen long ago and far away. The mysterious quasars provide clues about the way our Universe is evolving in time. They are incredible objects (actually, come to think of it, what isn't incredible in the x-ray sky?) discovered almost exactly a half century ago, quite by accident. We will explore the astonishingly prodigious x-ray output of 3C 273, one of the nearest ones, at a mere 2.5 billion light years away.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how to interpret different x-ray sources, developing skills highly relevant to astronomy

Uses actual data gathered by NASA satellites to explore astronomical x-ray sources, mimicking the experience of a scientist

Develops an understanding of astrophysics, the nature of images, and astronomical data, building a strong foundation for beginners

Taught by Dr. Terry A. Matilsky, an astronomer specializing in x-ray astronomy, providing students with insights from a recognized expert

Course material is composed of lectures, wiki content, and hands-on analysis of real satellite data, providing a multi-modal approach to learning

Requires students to have prior knowledge of light, image formation, and astronomy, which may be a barrier to some students

Reviews summary

Analyzing the universe with professor matilsky

According to students, this course titled Analyzing the Universe is very highly-rated, earning largely positive reviews. Great course! learners say, giving credit to the enthusiastic, entertaining, and informative Instructor, Professor Matilsky. The course provides a challenging yet rewarding experience that learners report enjoyed. Learners say Professor Matilsky presents engaging assignments that cover both numerical and theoretical topics and also teach students to use the software DS9 to analyze x-ray imagery. Many learners say they recommend the course with ratings of 10/10 and express gratitude to Professor Matilsky.

Variety of Topics

"Vast amount of topics are covered over 6 weeks."

"The course as well as the instructor are both awesome"

Well-Structured

"An excellent review of some basic astronomy concepts, stellar evolution and X-ray astronomy."

"Prof Terry has done an impeccable job structuring the course so that you don't feel threatened by the math involved."

Challenging and Rewarding

"Assignments are amazing and challenging as they cover both the numerical and theoretical aspect."

"The assignments aren't difficult, but there's a lot of calculations, however easy ones, and half of them include DS9 work."

Amazing

"Amazing and Amusing Professor."

"Professor Matilsky is very interesting and entertaining."

"I just loved the way Terry Sir taught each and every concept"

Valuable Tool

"Introduction to ds9 was a treat and really feels like a very valuable asset to go ahead with astronomy."

"We learned this fantastic method for analyzing astronomical images using ds9."

"This course gave me an excellent introduction to many astronomic phenomenons and observational techniques. I particularly loved the hands on approach with DS9 software and how it is used for studies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Analyzing the Universe with these activities:

Follow a tutorial on X-ray astronomy

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X-ray astronomy is a relatively new field, and there are many resources available to help you learn about it. In this activity, you will follow a tutorial on X-ray astronomy to learn about the basics of the field.

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Find a tutorial on X-ray astronomy online
Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises
Write a summary of what you learned from the tutorial

Review stellar evolution

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In order to understand the many different cosmic sources we will be studying this semester, a solid understanding of stellar evolution, and the many different types of stars that exist, is a must.

Browse courses on Stellar Evolution

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Read chapters 4 and 5 of the textbook
Review your notes from any previous astronomy or astrophysics courses you have taken
Watch the Crash Course Astronomy video on stellar evolution

Practice using DS9

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DS9 is a powerful tool for analyzing astronomical data. In this activity, you will practice using the basic features of DS9 so that you can use it effectively in your coursework.

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Open DS9 and explore the interface
Load an astronomical image into DS9
Use the DS9 tools to zoom in and out, pan around the image, and change the color map

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Join a study group

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Studying with other students can help you to learn the material more effectively and to stay motivated. In this activity, you will join a study group and meet with your group members on a regular basis to discuss the course material.

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Find a study group to join
Meet with your group members on a regular basis
Discuss the course material and work on problems together

Image analysis project

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One of the most important skills you will learn in this course is how to use the DS9 imaging program to analyze astronomical data. This project will give you the opportunity to practice your skills and to learn how to interpret the results.

Browse courses on Image Processing

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Choose an astronomical image from the Chandra X-ray Observatory website
Download the image and open it in DS9
Use the DS9 tools to analyze the image
Write a report summarizing your findings

Create a presentation on X-ray astronomy

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One of the best ways to learn about a topic is to teach it to others. In this activity, you will create a presentation on X-ray astronomy and present it to your classmates.

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Choose a topic for your presentation
Research your topic
Create your presentation
Present your presentation to your classmates

Participate in an X-ray astronomy competition

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Participating in a competition can be a great way to test your knowledge and to learn from others. In this activity, you will participate in an X-ray astronomy competition and compete against other students from around the world.

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Find an X-ray astronomy competition to participate in
Prepare for the competition
Compete in the competition

Contribute to an open-source X-ray astronomy project

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Open-source projects are a great way to learn about a topic and to contribute to the community. In this activity, you will contribute to an open-source X-ray astronomy project and work with other developers to improve the project.

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Find an open-source X-ray astronomy project to contribute to
Read the project documentation
Make a contribution to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Analyzing the Universe will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Astronomer

Astronomers study the universe and everything in it, including planets, stars, galaxies, and more. They use telescopes and other instruments to collect data on celestial objects, and then analyze that data to understand how the universe works. According to NASA, the Analyzing the Universe course may be helpful to you if you are interested in becoming an astronomer. This course will help you develop skills in using telescopes and other instruments, as well as analyzing data.

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Planetary Scientist

Planetary Scientists focus on planets, moons, and other objects in our solar system. They use telescopes and other instruments to collect data on these objects, and then analyze that data to understand how they formed and evolved. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a planetary scientist. This course will help you develop skills in using telescopes and other instruments, as well as analyzing data.

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Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists study the physical properties of celestial objects and use the laws of physics to understand how they work. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming an astrophysicist. Both astrophysicists and the Analyzing the Universe course utilize data collected from satellites and other instruments. You will also gain experience working with astronomical data and using imaging tools.

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Cosmologist

Cosmologists study the origin and evolution of the universe. They use telescopes and other instruments to collect data on the universe, and then analyze that data to understand how the universe came into being and how it has changed over time. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a cosmologist. This course will help you develop skills in using telescopes and other instruments, as well as analyzing data.

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Spacecraft Designer

Spacecraft Designers are responsible for designing and developing spacecraft, which are used to explore space. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering to create spacecraft that are able to withstand the harsh conditions of space and to carry out scientific missions. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a spacecraft designer. This course will help you develop skills in using telescopes and other instruments, as well as analyzing data.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They write articles, books, and other materials that explain scientific concepts and discoveries in a clear and engaging way. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a science writer. This course will help you develop skills in writing and communicating about science.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They use their knowledge of science and engineering to write documents that are clear, accurate, and easy to understand. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a technical writer. This course will help you develop skills in writing and communicating about science.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They develop lesson plans, teach lessons, and assess student learning. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a science teacher. This course will help you develop skills in teaching and communicating about science.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They use their knowledge of computer science and engineering to create software that meets the needs of users. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a software engineer. This course will help you develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

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Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you will study large datasets in order to extract useful information for use by businesses. This could involve scientific methods, machine learning, and data mining. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful in helping you develop skills to prepare and analyze data using DS9. You will also gain experience working with satellite data.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use their knowledge of statistics and data analysis to identify trends and patterns in data, and to develop recommendations for action. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a data analyst. This course will help you develop skills in collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers use their knowledge of marketing and statistics to collect and analyze data on consumer behavior. They use their skills in survey design and data analysis to identify trends and patterns in consumer behavior, and to develop recommendations for action. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a market researcher. This course will help you develop skills in collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use their knowledge of finance and economics to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. They use their skills in mathematics and modeling to identify trends and patterns in financial data, and to develop recommendations for action. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a financial analyst. This course will help you develop skills in collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They use their knowledge of project management principles and tools to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a project manager. This course will help you develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They use their knowledge of marketing, engineering, and finance to create products that meet the needs of customers. The Analyzing the Universe course may be useful to you if you are interested in becoming a product manager. This course will help you develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

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