Coudé Feed Telescope application - Astronomy Research Based Science Education at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory

TOP Application for Coudé Feed telescope (spectroscopy), Fall 2007

There will be one observing run Nov 28-29. Applications are due Oct 24.

Background: Possible projects you may want to consider. You may also propose your own, but be sure to give sufficient detail about what you hope to study, and how you will carry out the project.

Spectroscopy of Variable Stars
Objective—correlate spectral changes in line strength, velocity, etc. with photometric variations to more fully understand the stars’ atmospheric structure. Examples: RV Tau stars,Mira variables
Eclipsing Binaries
Objective—To measure the radial velocity changes in spectral lines in order to determine the orbital period, stellar masses, and other properties. Examples: Algol binaries, W UMa binaries
Planetary Nebula
Objective—To search for chemical differences in various PN and within the nebula itself to aid in studies of PN formation Examples: NGC6543, Ring Nebula

Other examples (previous years’ successful projects):

Spectroscopy of the Planet Mars;
Spectroscopy of suspected Metal Poor Stars;
Spectral analysis of Planetary Nebulae
Spectroscopy of the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune
Analyzing Spectra of Stars on the Hertzsprung—Russell diagram
Spectroscopy of Comets

Teacher Team Member

Use the TAB key to move through the form. If you hit RETURN, the form will be submitted prematurely.

Name of Teacher:
School:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
What year were you in the RBSE/TLRBSE program?

Describe how you have implemented RBSE in your classroom

List any Science/Education Presentations (like at NSTA, AGU, etc.)

List any Science/Education Publications (esp. RBSE Journal)

Student Team Members

(maximum two students plus teacher permitted at Kitt Peak. Students must be at least Juniors by fall 2005)

Student 1

Name
Year in school
Science classes taken/enrolled in
Research experience (if any)
Previous Science Fair, presentation experiences (if any)

Student 2

Name
Year in school
Science classes taken/enrolled in
Research experience (if any)
Previous Science Fair, presentation experiences (if any)

Questions Describe briefly the type of project you would like to do. Include a title.

As a measure of your understanding of some astronomical concepts that are necessary for this observing project, please answer the following questions in your application.

Below we list four astronomical objects. Tell which us during which month each object is best observed on Kitt Peak with the 0.9 m.
RA = 20:00:00 Dec = -28:00:00
RA = 2:00:00 Dec +64:30:00
RA = 0:00:00 Dec = +20:00:00
RA = 4:00:00 Dec +30:00:00
In choosing stars to observe, it is important to consider their magnitude. What is the difference between apparent magnitude and absolute magnitude? What is the apparent magnitude of the sun? What is the absolute magnitude of the sun? Which of these (apparent or absolute magnitude) is most important in deciding how long to observe an object?
The coude feed can obtain spectra of objects brighter then about V=12th magnitude. One can observe at a variety of wavelengths in the optical region of the spectrum. Which wavelength region do you wish to observe at and why? What total wavelength coverage do you require to meet your proposed goals?
If you needed to measure the radial velocity of the spectral line due to Hydrogen Beta to a precision of 20 km/sec, what spectral resolution (in angstroms/pixel) do you require?
What optical wavelength region would be best (in terms of highest flux from the source) to observe the following object at?
1. the planet mars
2. a planetary nebula
3. a M5V Star
4. an O star
5. a typical spiral galaxy
Which of the objects in question 1 can be observed at the coude feed at any time during the year?
Data reduction is very important and critical to your successful completion of this project! Tell us what tools you will use (ex: Hands-On Universe, CCDSoft, Maxim DL, etc) What do you expect to do with your data in order to reach your conclusions and present the results?

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The Astronomy RBSE program is administered by the National Optical Astronomy Observatory with funds from the National Science Foundation.

ASTRONOMYResearch Based Science Education

TOP Application for Coudé Feed telescope (spectroscopy), Fall 2007

Student 1

Student 2

ASTRONOMY
Research Based Science Education