RUI: Charge Coupled Device (CCD) Observations of Supernovae, and Variable Stars

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

9417359 Benson The research to be carried out will include making BVRI observations of supernovae, novae, and variable stars with a Photometrics NU200 Charged-Coupled Device (CCD) camera on the Wellesley College 24" Boller and Chivens telescope. Observations will be made on most clear nights. The image reduction and photometry will be done with the IRAF software data reduction package. Further analysis will be done by using spreadsheets software programs. A database of observations will be kept. For most objects, differential light curves will be made of the stars. For objects with calibrated fields, standard magnitudes of the objects observed will be calculated. These observations are a continuation of a program begun about two years ago. Light curves of the objects observed will be published when appropriate. The objectives of the research program are to 1), improve the quantity of well-sampled light curves of supernovae, especially in the R and I bands; 2), provide well-sampled multicolor light curves of galactic novae; 3), correct classifications and periods for several variable stars; 4), improve the knowledge of light curves and search for outbursts or dimming of symbiotic and RCB stars; and 5) improve the human resources base of women in science. There are very few supernovae light curves that have been observed with standard B, V, R, and I filters and thus have well-sampled light curves. Recent observations of supernovae, which have well sampled light curves, seem to indicate that there is more variation in intensity of their light than previously recognized. Since supernovae are often used as standard candles to determine the distances to other galaxies, it is important to identify each kind of supernova, and to have well-calibrated samples of the various types. Many stars listed in the General Catalog of Variable Stars have incomplete information about them. Many of these stars will be observed and monitored. At least two misclassificat ions have already been discovered. It is important to monitor symbiotic stars in order to understand the interactions between the stars as well as to catch outbursts from interactions as they begin, in order to obtain observations in other wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum during outbursts. Similarly, RCB stars need to be monitored in order to detect dust events when they occur. Lastly, many of the observations will be made by female undergraduates at Wellesley College. They will learn the procedures for data acquisition, processing by using the IRAF software, and analysis of the light curves of various stars and supernovae. Although some of the participating students may not be majoring in science, they will learn how science is done. It is valuable to have a scientific literate society.