Astrophysics and Astronomy Commons^™

From Poetry To Policy: How H-Stem Has Guided My Research Path, Kayla D. Taylor

Student Works

Embry-Riddle PhD student Kayla Taylor was invited to share how Humanistic STEM has shaped her educational journey at the third annual Humanistic STEM symposium.

The Origin And Properties Of Ionized Gas In The Inner Milky Way Disk, Dylan J. Linville

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The interstellar medium (ISM) plays a crucial role in the evolution of the Milky Way and other spiral galaxies, but numerous gaps remain in our collective understanding of its properties. The now-complete Green Bank Telescope (GBT) Diffuse Ionized Gas Survey (GDIGS) and the ongoing extension, the GBT Diffuse Ionized Gas Survey at Low Frequencies (GDIGS-Low), offer the opportunity to study the ionized component of the ISM at unmatched sensitivity and resolution. In this dissertation I will utilize GDIGS and GDIGS-Low data to improve our understanding of discrete regions of ionized gas. I first use GDIGS to provide improved measurements of …

Legal And Ethical Considerations For Balancing Space Innovation And Dark Sky Preservation, Sara M. Langston, Kayla D. Taylor

Publications

The proliferation of satellites in Earth’s orbit has significantly enhanced capabilities in communication, Earth observation, and scientific research. However, this rapid expansion presents considerable legal and ethical challenges, particularly regarding the preservation of dark and quiet skies. As low Earth orbit becomes increasingly congested, the implications for astronomical observation, environmental integrity, and cultural heritage require critical examination.

This presentation provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the legal, practical and ethical considerations essential for preserving dark and quiet skies. It begins by exploring the legal frameworks governing the use of space, highlighting relevant international treaties, national responsibilities, and emerging issues aimed at …

Blazing Trails, Erik Johnson

Natural Science Faculty

Comets have always captivated people. Some cultures saw the appearance of comets as omens and some have hypothesized that a comet served as the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.

Let There Be Light, Erik Johnson

Natural Science Faculty

On May 10, Earth experienced the greatest solar storm in decades. When scientists predicted a high chance for auroras, also known as the northern lights, observers around the world traveled away from light-polluted cities to look for them.

Identifying The O’Connell Effect In Eclipsing Binary Stars, Nicholas Paolella

Computer Science and Information Technology Faculty

Data science techniques have wide-ranging applications throughout scientific explorations. One, is filtering astronomical data to better understand specific populations, such as binary stars. Specifically, binary stars that exhibit the O’Connell effect are worthy of study as this phenomenon is still not well understood. The O’Connell effect can be defined as the asymmetry of maxima in the light curves, as captured by the instrument, while observing the eclipsing binary system in question. There is significant data captured by NASA and curated by Villanova University, which enabled the investigation of eclipsing binary stars and the attributes of which may help identify the …

Unraveling The Physics Of Quasar Jets Using Hst Polarimetry, Devon Clautice

Theses and Dissertations

We present a multiwavelength study of three high-power FR II (quasar) jets -- 3C 273, PKS 0637-752, and 1150+497 -- with an emphasis on new high-quality Hubble Space Telescope (HST) optical polarimetry and Chandra X-ray Observatory imaging. Relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei transport energy and mass from the supermassive black hole’s accretion region out to Megaparsec-scale lobes, with effects that feedback into galaxy formation and cluster energetics. We build on recent work which has called into question our fundamental understanding of FR II jet physics, and suggest that highly-efficient particle acceleration must be taking place in situ …

Mapping Out The Sky, Erik Johnson

Natural Science Faculty

Astronomers are often asked to help identify UFOs. It's a reasonable request since the term means "unidentified flying object." An untrained observer may not know which celestial objects are visible at night, even in light-polluted skies. They may mistake a plane for a planet, a bright star, or a satellite.

A Shining Star In The Field Of Astronomy, Erik Johnson

Natural Science Faculty

Humans have observed stars since prehistory. Although Earth's rotation and orbit adjust where they are in the sky each night, they appear to be fixed in place relative to each other. This allowed people to recognize consistent patterns over time which we now identify as constellations.

The A²Π-X²Σ⁺ Band System Of Sco For M-Type Star Spectral Analysis, Léo Lavy, Adam Pastorek, Peter F. Bernath

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

M-type stars are the most abundant stars in our Galaxy. Their visible spectra are characterized by strong TiO and VO absorption bands with occasional ScO bands near 6000–6100 Å. This region corresponds to the A²Π–X²Σ⁺ band system and can be used to measure the abundance of ScO. In this work, a new Doppler-limited resolution spectrum of ScO obtained in a hollow-cathode experiment is presented. The A²Π–X²Σ⁺ electronic transition is analyzed with special care dedicated to fitting the A′²Δ(v+2) ∼ A²Π(v) perturbation. Spectroscopic constants of the A²Π(v) states are reported for v ≤ 9, and a partial fit of …

Exploring The Hot And Gaseous Universe From Infrared To X-Ray, Chamani Gunasekera

Theses and Dissertations--Physics and Astronomy

Over 90% of baryonic matter in the universe exists as astrophysical plasmas. The gas
is often far from thermodynamic equilibrium, so numerical non-equilibrium spectral
synthesis simulations are used to understand observations. cloudy simulates vari-
ous physical conditions, providing spectra predictions. This thesis aims to meet the
challenge of new observatories like the JWST (James Webb Space Telescope) and
XRISM (X-Ray Imaging Spectroscopy Mission). These simulations are no better
than the underlying atomic and molecular database and the fourth chapter details
a long-needed update to an evolving database. The predicted spectra are strongly
affected by the composition of the gas, which …

A Multi-Wavelength Determination Of The Total Luminosity And Star Formation Rate Of The Milky Way, Joshua L. Mascoop

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The star formation rate (SFR) of the Milky Way is poorly understood in comparison to the SFR of other galaxies. In order to better find the Galaxy's place in the universe, it is imperative to understand the star formation activity occurring within it. We characterize the Galactic \hii\ region luminosity function (LF) at multiple infrared and radio wavelengths using a sample of 797 first Galactic quadrant \hii regions compiled from the WISE Catalog of Galactic \hii Regions. This sample is statistically complete for all regions powered by single stars of type O9.5V and earlier.

We find that neither a single …

Young Atmospheres Spiriting Away, Keighley Elizabeth Rockcliffe

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

The astronomy community has spectacularly achieved the first step in characterizing exoplanets: discovery. Over three decades of exoplanet detection have populated the Milky Way's exoplanet mosaic with thousands of planets, and more are on the way. Key trends within this mosaic reveal atmospheric escape as an underlying evolutionary process that has significantly shaped the population. While we are aware that atmospheric escape plays some role in exoplanet evolution, we do not know the extent of its influence, how it compares to other processes, and its specific physical mechanisms. Detailed studies of individual systems at known, young ages are direct tests …

A Closer Look At Our Ever-Changing Solar System, Erik Johnson

Natural Science Faculty

What is a planet? It's a question that was controversial when Pluto was reclassified in 2006. The definition has changed over time as people have learned more about the universe. There are still unresolved differences between the cultural usage and its various scientific uses.

An Introduction To The Veritas Observatory, Alexander Bittle, Ian Kuhl, Jingze (Justin) Zhou, Avery Archer

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Located at the base of Mount Hopkins, Arizona, at an elevation of approximately 4200 feet, the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) is a ground-based gamma ray observatory containing four Cherenkov telescopes designed to detect very high energy gamma rays with energies ranging from 100GeV to 10TeV using the Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Technique. In April 2007, VERITAS began successful operations with all four telescopes. As of today, over 15 years of data has been taken by the VERITAS array, stored in an archive of data, and used for a wide variety of research, publications, PhD theses, and conventions …

Analysis Of The Crab Nebula And Pulsar, Alexander Bittle, Ian Kuhl, Jingze (Justin) Zhou, Avery Archer

Annual Student Research Poster Session

Although the Crab Nebula is well understood, the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) still regularly observes the Crab's highest energy emissions. These emissions are used to calibrate the telescopes, further, document the system, and investigate the validity of physical models. Our research this summer is geared to analyze data from 2018-2022 to add to an ongoing research project investigating the long term variability of the Crab Nebula’s emission.

Astr 103

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Astr 204

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Astr 224

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Syllabi

No abstract provided.

A Colorful Tribute To Staerkel Planetarium, Erik Johnson

Natural Science Faculty

On October 1, 1987, the William M. Staerkel Planetarium was dedicated at Parkland College. Alongside the debut of the 50-foot wide dome, the Zeiss M1015 opto-mechanical star projector, dozens of slide projectors, and a 35-mm film projector, a stained glass art piece was installed in the lobby. The piece, called the solar window, was a gift from William and Mary Lou Staerkel in memory of their parents and a tribute to the faculty and staff of the college. The solar window was created by Arthur Stern and has brought light into the planetarium in several unique ways.

Astr 103h

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Astr 117

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Geneseo Solar Eclipse Website, Anne Pellerin, Aaron Steinhauer, Sherry Larson-Rhodes, Leah Root

Myth and Science, 2023-24

The Geneseo Solar Eclipse website is a collaboration by Faculty from the SUNY Geneseo Physics & Astronomy Department and the Staff of Fraser Hall Library, highlighting Geneseo campus and local eclipse-related events, and demonstrating the science behind solar eclipses. Learn about the differences between partial and total solar eclipses, how eclipses are used to find new worlds, and find resources and Geneseo campus events celebrating the eclipses of Oct 14, 2023 and April 8, 2024!

This archived copy of eclipse.geneseo.edu, captured on July 16, 2024, can be viewed using The Internet Archive, Conifer, or by loading the WARC …

Connecting The Optical Regime To The X-Ray In Neutron Star Low Mass X-Ray Binaries, Alexander B. Igl

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Using Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer and Otto Struve Telescope data of low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) Cyg X-2 and Sco X-1, the optical regime’s relationship to the X-ray was investigated through several angles. Discrete cross correlations using the optical and X-ray data revealed evidence of reprocessing in both datasets. These were more consistently present in Sco X-1, where both small and obvious features were seen at less than 4 s of optical lag. The size of these lags makes it likely that most of the reprocessing is taking place on the accretion disk. Parameterization of the Z tracks led to …

It's All About Perspective, Erik Johnson

Natural Science Faculty

When we travel, we see obvious differences in the environment, such as terrain, wildlife, and climate. Our mostly spherical planet causes the sky to look different from different locations as well.

Optimizing Convolutional Neural Networks For Transient Detection In Optical Astronomy With Augmented Datasets, Wendy Mendoza

Theses and Dissertations

We present a technique for optical transient detection using artificial neural networks, particularly a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a deep learning algorithm. This method analyzes images of the same area of the sky captured by several telescopes, with one image serving as a reference for a probable transient’s epoch and the other as an image from a previous epoch. We train the CNN on simulated sources and test it on actual image data samples using data from the Dr. Cristina V. Torres Memorial Astronomical Observatory and Sloan Digital Sky Survey. This autonomous detection method replaces the standard procedure, which involves …

Using Deep Neural Networks To Classify Astronomical Images, Andrew D. Macpherson

Honors Projects

As the quantity of astronomical data available continues to exceed the resources available for analysis, recent advances in artificial intelligence encourage the development of automated classification tools. This paper lays out a framework for constructing a deep neural network capable of classifying individual astronomical images by describing techniques to extract and label these objects from large images.

Comet Nuclei Activity Simulation Using Percolation Theory On Comet 67p/Churyumov– Gerasimenko, Ahmad Sohani

Theses and Dissertations

Comets, remnants of the solar system's formation, exhibits partially unexplained outbursts that are closely tied to the physical structure of the nucleus. To investigate outbursts, we employed pore network modeling techniques, such as the Bower-Watson algorithm and Voronoi diagrams, to better represent the nucleus' complex porous structure and simulate gas transfer processes. We examined heat diffusion in the comet's subsurface and its influence on crystallization. The extra heat generated by crystallization can shift the crystalline front deeper into the nucleus, accelerating subsurface evaporation rates. This process results in the formation of a thicker ice mantle with reduced porosity on the …

Perspective Sky: A New Architectural Typology For Astronomy, Brendan Lydic

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis aims to reconnect modern humans to the night sky and the universe around us. A connection that has been lost to a multitude of barriers and distractions. Physical barriers like air and light pollution, and distractions like technology and overwhelming world events. I aim to restore this connection by creating a new architectural typology for the observation of and education about the night sky, the cosmos, and astronomy. It will serve as a site of pilgrimage, where visitors of all ages can re-engage with the stars and reintroduce themselves to the perspective of our ancestors. The questions I …

Mapping Galactic Acceleration With Pulsar Timing, Abigail Moran

University Scholar Projects

We have conducted a cross match of objects in Gaia Early Data Release 3 and millisecond pulsars (MSPs) in the International Pulsar Timing Array’s Data Release 2 (IPTA DR2) to identify binary systems. Gaia has parallax measurements for these optical companions, which we combine with pulsar timing based parallax measurements to calculate new combined MSP distances. Through this crossmatch with IPTA DR2 we improved five distance measurements and found the first parallax measurement for one MSP.

Using this Gaia crossmatch method now with a well-timed subset of the Australia Telescope National Facility’s database, we found three new pulsar distances. We …