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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Astrophysics and Astronomy

Texas A&M University-Commerce

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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

The Rotational Period Distribution Of Massive Magnetic White Dwarfs, Zorayda Martinez Apr 2023

The Rotational Period Distribution Of Massive Magnetic White Dwarfs, Zorayda Martinez

Honors Theses

Rapidly rotating white dwarfs (WDs) have the potential to come about by either double degenerate mergers or weak coupling between the core and the outer envelope during the asymptotic giant branch (AGB). For both cases, knowledge of the rotational period distribution places tight constraints on the evolution of angular momentum transfer. Here we present initial results from a study of the rotational period distribution of 19 massive (M > 0:9M), magnetic, DA WDs observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and 17 observed with ground-based telescopes and analyzed with the Lightkurve python package. We present periodograms, folded light curves, and …


Membership Probabilities Of White Dwarfs In Open Star Clusters, Sarah Phillips Apr 2023

Membership Probabilities Of White Dwarfs In Open Star Clusters, Sarah Phillips

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the relationship between astronomical position data and star cluster membership. Our research project focuses on the mathematical probability of cluster membership for white dwarf stars (WDs), specifically membership candidates within the open cluster Messier 35. Through Gaussian analysis of proper motion data, we examine the membership probability of each candidate. Establishing cluster membership has broad applications and can allow further determination of a star’s characteristics including stellar age and evolution. Of particular interest are two WD member candidates for Messier 35: LAWDS 4, a DB WD with a helium-dominated atmosphere as opposed to the more common hydrogen-dominated …


Evaluating Neutron Star Binding Energies Using Rotating Accreting Models, Nathan Moore Apr 2023

Evaluating Neutron Star Binding Energies Using Rotating Accreting Models, Nathan Moore

Honors Theses

Neutron star binding energy increases due to accreting matter from neighboring astronomical bodies, and decreases due to the star spinning up, increasing its angular velocity. We present a novel set of models that account for both increasing angular velocity and accreting matter to track a neutron star’s evolution. We arrive at these models through studying and reconfiguring computational investigations from the past, particularly a code which generates a model for a given fixed baryon mass and angular velocity and another that takes it from one baryon mass and angular velocity to the next one through accretion, to obtain a full …


A Study On The Extrasolar Transits Of Wasp-89b, Wasp-32b, And Hat-P-23b, Conner Kelley May 2018

A Study On The Extrasolar Transits Of Wasp-89b, Wasp-32b, And Hat-P-23b, Conner Kelley

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.


Calculating And Analyzing Night Sky Brightness For The Commerce/Greenville, Texas Area, Rebecca Bosmans Dec 2016

Calculating And Analyzing Night Sky Brightness For The Commerce/Greenville, Texas Area, Rebecca Bosmans

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.