Astronomical Image Processing and Analysis

All modern astronomical telescopes use very sensitive digital (CCD) cameras to detect the light gathered by the instrument's main mirror.

After each observation the CCD camera produces an data file containing brightness information for each of the pixels on the CCD chip. These files can be reconstructed to create an image of the objects observed.

These are stored in a special file format, developed by astronomers, known as FITS files.

FITS files hold the image data (picture) taken by the CCD camera and extra information in a header giving details about the telescope, the instruments being used, sky co-ordinates, weather conditions, exposure time and much more . . .

Key to working with the National Schools' Observatory is learning how to use LTImage, the image analysis software developed by Liverpool John Moores University.

It has been specially designed so that pupils of all ages can view observations taken by the Liverpool Telescope, and analyse data in a similar way as professional astronomers.