0.9m Telescope application - Astronomy Research Based Science Education at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory

TOP Application for 0.9-meter Telescope (imaging), Fall 2007

There are two observing runs of 2 nights each in October and November, 2007.

The 0.9-Meter WIYN Telescope is equipped with a CCD camera, UBVRI and H-alpha filters. See the 0.9-meter website for information on this telescope. This opportunity applies to imaging only, using the ccd chip S2KB. Note: The 0.9 m can only observe objects north of declination -20 degrees, and objects must be within 4 hours of the meridian.

Below are some 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.

CCD Imaging: Nova project, scientific applications of "Pretty Pictures" (not just "here are images of five galactic clusters," but quantitative analyses ) Example: color-magnitude photometry of stars in open clusters
CCD Photometry: intrinsic variable star light curves, Visit the web site of the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) to learn more eclipsing binary star light curves,
Asteroid Search and/or follow up: light curve

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?

Student Team Members

(maximum two students plus teacher. Students must be at least Juniors by fall 2006)

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. Explain why the 0.9M is an appropriate telescope for this project. List typical objects, coordinates, and magnitudes that you hope to observe.

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 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 filters available on the 0.9 m include U,B,V,R,I and H alpha. What do these filter designations mean? Which of these filters do you want to use for your project and why?
Data reduction is very important! 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 a conclusion and present the results?

: : : : : :

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 0.9-meter Telescope (imaging), Fall 2007

Student 1

Student 2

ASTRONOMY
Research Based Science Education