Sample Student Projects

Following is a sample student project developed through the Gelb Observatory:

Radka Dancikova ‘09

The first part of my project (Fall 2007) focused on becoming familiar with the SBIG Self Guided Spectrograph (SGS). Attached to a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera, the spectrograph is used to take spectra of celestial objects. An objects’ spectrum provides astronomers with valuable information that would otherwise have been difficult to obtain. The second part of my project focused on collecting stellar spectra and analyzing it. Along with the spectra taken of a star, spectra also had to be collected using a calibration source. By comparing the spectrum of a calibration lamp with a star’s spectrum, I was able to determine the wavelength of every spectral line in the star’s spectrum. The relative strength and weakness absorption lines, especially those of hydrogen and helium, allowed me to classify the stars according to spectral type. Since the occurrence and strength of different absorption lines depend on temperature, the spectrum of a star reveals a star’s surface temperature.

In the Fall 2008, I will be using the 16” telescope in Gelb observatory, as well as SBIG’s CCD camera, to take a series of pictures of a main-belt an asteroid. By taking frequent pictures and using different colored filter, I will not only be able to refine the asteroid’s orbit, but will also be able to determine the asteroid’s rotation rate, light curve, and surface composition. I will use special-purpose astronomical software to analyze my results. From the images that I acquire, I will be able to measure the position of the asteroid over a few months as well as the brightness. The peaks and valleys in the light curve will allow me to determine the rotation rate as well as giving me an idea of the shape of the asteroid. By taking exposures using different filters, I will be able to determine the asteroid’s color that will also reveal its surface composition.