The Haystack Observatory as an REU Site for Astronomy and Atmospheric Science

麻省理工学院每年将在其干草堆天文台接待8名学生，为本科生提供研究经验。干草堆天文台是一个多学科研究中心，致力于射电天文研究，使用直径37米的望远镜。该设施还利用其46米和67米的高功率雷达和现有的光学设备，用于研究地球上层大气。学生将参与使用仪器采集数据，对测量结果进行分析和解释，以及开发硬件和软件以提高设备的能力。天文学研究将包括星系射电发射源的特征和恒星形成的研究。大气研究将强调地磁暴对地球大气结构和动力学的影响，对高层大气中观测到的周期性变化的光谱研究，以及无线电传播效应。技术项目包括信号处理系统的数字设计、先进记录磁头的测试和实时控制软件的开发。整个夏天，学生们将与一名员工导师密切合作，并就他们的项目准备一份报告和演讲。报告将在全国会议上发表，并将提供在学年期间继续进行一些项目的机会。学生们将通过研讨会和各种独特设施的演示来了解研究设施的各个方面，并将在专门用于研究的设施中获得全面的科学研究实践经验。

Abstract Salah et al The Massachusetts Institute of Technology will host eight students annually at its Haystack Observatory to provide research experiences for undergraduates. The Haystack Observatory is a multi-disciplinary research center dedicated to radio astronomical research, using its 37-m diameter telescope. The facility is also used for studies of the earth's upper atmosphere by taking advantage of its 46-meter and 67-meter high power radars and available optical facilities. The students will be involved in the acquisition of data using the instrumentation, carrying out the analysis and interpretation of the measurements, as well as the development of hardware and software to improve the capabilities of the facility. Astronomical studies will involve the characterization of galactic radio emission sources and star formation investigations. Atmospheric studies will emphasize the effects of geomagnetic storms on the structure and dynamics of the earth's atmosphere, spectral studies of periodic variations observed in the upper atmosphere, and radio propagation effects. Technical projects include the digital design of signal processing systems, tests of advanced recording heads, and development of realtime control software. The students will work closely with a staff mentor throughout the summer, and will prepare a report and presentation on their projects. The presentations will be given at national conferences, and opportunities will be provided to continue some of the projects during the academic year. The students will be exposed to all aspects of the research facility through seminars and demonstrations at the various unique facilities, and will obtain a thorough practical experience of scientific research at a facility dedicated to research.