Astrophysics and Astronomy Commons^™

Weak Gravitational Lensing Analysis In Two Superclusters Of Galaxies, Sarah B. Rice

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Observations of the Universe on very large scales have shown it to be filled with galaxy clusters and superclusters connected by walls and filaments of galaxies, with vast areas mostly devoid of luminous matter separating them. It is widely accepted that the amount of luminous matter does not provide the mass needed to hold galaxies and galaxy clusters together, and the nature of the missing "dark matter" is one of the most prominent astrophysical mysteries today. Since dark matter interacts with luminous matter gravitationally, it stands to reason that dark matter might organize itself in a similar manner to luminous …

Utilizing Post-Newtonian Expansion To Determine Parameters Of Compact Binary Black Hole Mergers, Jarrod E. Rudis

Honors College

The process of determining parameters of black hole mergers requires complicated formulae like the Einstein Field Equations (EFEs) that can only be solved numerically with the help of supercomputers. This paper sought to explore an alternative method to prediction of parameters through the use of 1st order Post-Newtonian Expansion (PNE), which is a way of approximating solutions to the EFEs. Two binary- black hole mergers, GW170814 and GW170809 were analyzed with the use of 1st order PNE to obtain the chirp mass and radiated energy parameters. These parameters were then compared with the parameters obtained using numerical solutions to the …

Luminosity Functions Of Galaxy Clusters In The Aquarius And Microscopium Superclusters, Logan A. Hess

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We examine physical properties of several galaxy clusters located within the Aquarius (AQR) and Microscopium (MSC) super-cluster complexes via their luminosity functions, fitted using Schechter functions. Images of clusters were acquired via the DECam (Dark Energy Camera) imager of the 4-meter diameter telescope at CTIO (Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory). We observe six clusters in our sample; four from the Aquarius supercluster (AQR 2541, 2546, 2554, 2555) and two from the Microscopium supercluster (MSC 3695, 3696). Magnitude information and density of member galaxies in each cluster were extracted via the SExtractor software utility from obtained images. We correct for background by …

A Numerical Survey Of Multi-Planet Systems’ Inclination Excitation And Survival Under The Influence Of An Oblate, Tilted Star, Kathleen M T Schultz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Among the many exciting and thought-provoking discoveries facilitated by the Kepler telescope, one of the most puzzling is the very large proportion of systems with only a single transiting planet in them, relative to the number of systems with multiple transiting planets. Given that most of these multis are close together and have low mutual inclinations, and that planetary systems tend to form in such a configuration, the next logical step is to guess that at least some of the singles are part of multi-planet systems with large mutual inclinations between planets, excited by some other object’s gravitational perturbations. A …

Investigating The Stability Of Observed Low Semi-Major Axis Exoplanetary Systems With Hypothetical Outer Planets Using The Program Mercury6, Kendall Butler

Honors College

This project investigates the stability of observed planetary systems, and whether this stability remains in the presence of additional outer planets. This made use of the program Mercury6, an n-body integrator that computes the changes in planetary orbits over time. The Systems HD 136352, GJ 9827, and HD 7924 were studied with initial conditions taken from the available observational data. This information was curated using the online NASA Exoplanet archive of confirmed exoplanets. With these initial conditions, Mercury6 computed the changing planetary orbits of each system for 5 million years. For each of these systems, a single outer planet, which …

Design And Construction Of A Computer Controlled Astronomical Spectropolarimeter, Jacob Marchio

Honors College

A theoretical description of a simple optical train, modulated signal based spectropolarimeter is discussed. The design includes, after the telescope optical tube (in this case, a 9.25” Schmidt Cassegrain), a rotating quarter waveplate (compensator), a fixed linear polarizer (analyzer), and transmission grating of 100l/mm, with a ZWO ASI290mm astronomical camera. The practical constraints on implementing such an instrument are discussed, and the construction of the spectropolarimeter is detailed, including the necessary optics, optomechanics, and electromechanics. The rotation and recording of the rotating compensator is facilitated by a motorized connection with proportional feedback control, and the uncertainty in measuring the angle …

Covid-19_Umaine News_Emera Astronomy Center Supports Covid-19 Research Efforts, University Of Maine Division Of Marketing And Communications

Division of Marketing & Communications

Screenshot of Maine News release regarding the Emera Astronomy Center at the University of Maine contributing to global scientific research efforts to fight COVID-19.

An Inventory Of Student Recollections Of Their Past Misconceptions As A Tool For Improved Classroom Astronomy Instruction, Andrej Favia

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My Ph.D. research is about examining the persistence of 215 common misconceptions in astronomy. Each misconception is based on an often commonlyheld incorrect belief by college students taking introductory astronomy. At the University of Maine, the course is taught in alternating semesters by Prof. Neil F. Comins and Prof. David J. Batuski.

In this dissertation, I examine the persistence of common astronomy misconceptions by the administration of a retrospective survey. The survey is a new instrument in that it permits the student to indicate either endorsement or rejection of each misconception at various stages in the student’s life. I analyze …

Development Of Realistic Simulations Of The Interactions Between Stars And The Interstellar Medium In Disk Galaxies, Thomas M. Zeltwanger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

fWe have developed GALAXY, a two dimensional, self-consistent N-body plus hydro-dynamic computer program to model and study the behavior of disk galaxies like our Milky Way. Our goal is to better understand how such galaxies maintain their spiral structure for billions of years.

The program utilizes two independent gravitating N-body components. One simulates the collision-less star particles in the galaxy, and the other simulates colliding clouds. A gravitating hydrodynamic code simulates the interstellar medium. Additionally, a static spherical halo and a central black hole interact gravitationally with the other components of the model galaxy. All components interact with each other …

Book Review Of "Our Worlds: The Magnetism And Thrill Of Planetary Exploration: As Descibed By Leading Planetary Scientists" By Alan Stern, Nancy Curtis

Library Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Explorations, Vol. 3, No. 2, Maryann Jerkofsky, David H. Clark, David Ebitz, Alan Davenport, David C. Smith, Erodgan Kiran

Explorations — A Journal of Research

Cover: Edmund G. Schildknecht, Seated Figure, 1929, oil on canvas, 30” x 25”, acc. no. 85.6.31, bequest of Edmund G. Schildknecht

Articles include:
"Reyes Syndrome Under Attack at UMaine," by MaryAnn Jerkofsky

"Maine Service Abroad: Using Labor Market Results for Planning Education and Training in Developing Countries," by David H. Clark

"Feeling and Form: Four American Paintings in the University of Maine Art Collection," by David Ebitz

"We Stand Corrected," Volume 3, Number 1, of EXPLORATIONS

"Confessions of a Comet Huckster," by Alan Davenport

"H.G. Wells: Socialist, Feminist, Polymath, Educator and Hero," by David C. Smith

"Supercritical Fluids and …

Colonial Astronomers In Search Of The Longitude Of New England, Richard F. Rothschild

Maine History

This article deals with aspects of progress made between 1755 and 1785 to identify the longitude of New England and the reasons for the failure of the Harvard-American Academy of Arts and Sciences expedition to Penobscot to see the totality of the solar eclipse of October 27 1780.