Wavelength Calibration Of The Full-Sun Ultraviolet Rocket Spectrometer (Furst), 2019 University of Alabama in Huntsville
Wavelength Calibration Of The Full-Sun Ultraviolet Rocket Spectrometer (Furst), Nicolas Donders, Amy Winebarger, Charles Kankelborg, Genevieve Vigil, Ken Kobayashi, Laurel Rachmeler, Gary Zank
Von Braun Symposium Student Posters
No abstract provided.
Space Telescope And Optical Reverberation Mapping Project. Viii. Time Variability Of Emission And Absorption In Ngc 5548 Based On Modeling The Ultraviolet Spectrum, 2019 Space Telescope Science Institute
Space Telescope And Optical Reverberation Mapping Project. Viii. Time Variability Of Emission And Absorption In Ngc 5548 Based On Modeling The Ultraviolet Spectrum, Gerard A. Kriss, Gisella De Rosa, Justin Ely, Bradley M. Peterson, J. Kaastra, M. Mehdipour, Gary J. Ferland, Maryamossadat Dehghanian, S. Mathur, Rick Edelson, Kirk T. Korista, N. Arav, Aaron J. Barth, Misty C. Bentz, W. Niel Brandt, D. Michael Crenshaw, E. Dalla Bonta, K. D. Kenney, C. Done, Michael Eracleous, Michael M. Fausnaugh, E. Gardner, Michael R. Goad, Catherine J. Grier, Keith Horne, Christopher S. Kochanek, I. M. Mchardy, Hagai Netzer, Anna Pancoast, L. Pei, Richard W. Pogge, Daniel Proga
Physics & Astronomy Faculty Research
We model the ultraviolet spectra of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope during the 6 month reverberation mapping campaign in 2014. Our model of the emission from NGC 5548 corrects for overlying absorption and deblends the individual emission lines. Using the modeled spectra, we measure the response to continuum variations for the deblended and absorption-corrected individual broad emission lines, the velocity-dependent profiles of Lyα and C iv, and the narrow and broad intrinsic absorption features. We find that the time lags for the corrected emission lines are comparable to those for the original data. …
The Power Of Principled Bayesian Methods In The Study Of Stellar Evolution, 2019 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
The Power Of Principled Bayesian Methods In The Study Of Stellar Evolution, Ted Von Hippel, David Van Dyk, David Stenning, Elliot Robinson, Elizabeth Jeffery, Nathan Stein, William Jefferys, Erin M. O'Malley
Ted von Hippel
It takes years of effort employing the best telescopes and in- struments to obtain high-quality stellar photometry, astrometry, and spectroscopy. Stellar evolution models contain the experience of life- times of theoretical calculations and testing. Yet most astronomers fit these valuable models to these precious datasets by eye. We show that a principled Bayesian approach to fitting models to stellar data yields substantially more information over a range of stellar astrophysics. We highlight advances in determining the ages of star clusters, mass ratios of binary stars, limitations in the accuracy of stellar models, post-main-sequence mass loss, and the ages of individual …
Bayesian Analysis For Stellar Evolution With Nine Parameters (Base-9): User's Manual, 2019 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bayesian Analysis For Stellar Evolution With Nine Parameters (Base-9): User's Manual, Ted Von Hippel, Elliot Robinson, Elizabeth Jeffery, Rachel Wagner-Kaiser, Steven Degennaro, Nathan Stein, David Stenning, William H. Jefferys, David Van Dyk
Ted von Hippel
BASE-9 is a Bayesian software suite that recovers star cluster and stellar parameters from photometry. BASE-9 is useful for analyzing single-age, single-metallicity star clusters, binaries, or single stars, and for simulating such systems. BASE-9 uses Markov chain Monte Carlo and brute-force numerical integration techniques to estimate the posterior probability distributions for the age, metallicity, helium abundance, distance modulus, and line-of-sight absorption for a cluster, and the mass, binary mass ratio, and cluster membership probability for every stellar object. BASE-9 is provided as open source code on a version-controlled web server. The executables are also available as Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud …
The Disk Structure Of Late Type Galaxies: Determining The Black Hole Mass Function Of Low Surface Brightness Galaxies Through Logarithmic Spiral Arm Pitch Angle Measurement, 2019 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
The Disk Structure Of Late Type Galaxies: Determining The Black Hole Mass Function Of Low Surface Brightness Galaxies Through Logarithmic Spiral Arm Pitch Angle Measurement, Michael S. Fusco
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation pertains to the geometric structure of late type (spiral) galaxies, specifically on the relation between the logarithmic spiral pitch angle of the galactic spiral arms with other properties of the galaxy, such as central Supermassive Black Hole (SMBH) mass. Our work continues a study of the Black Hole Mass Function (BHMF) in local galaxies by recording the pitch angles of spiral galaxies with lower surface brightness than were previously included. We also conduct a case study on the structure of an interestingly shaped galaxy, UGC 4599. Previous studies on the topic of spiral arm pitch angles have measured …
Phase Retrieval Using A Genetic Algorithm On The Systematic Image-Based Optical Alignment Test Bed, 2019 Marshall University
Phase Retrieval Using A Genetic Algorithm On The Systematic Image-Based Optical Alignment Test Bed, Jaime R. Taylor
Dr. Jaime R. Taylor
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center’s Systematic Image-Based Optical Alignment (SIBOA) Testbed was developed to test phase retrieval algorithms and hardware techniques. Individuals working with the facility developed the idea of implementing phase retrieval by breaking the determination of the tip/tilt of each mirror apart from the piston motion (or translation) of each mirror. Presented in this report is an algorithm that determines the optimal phase correction associated only with the piston motion of the mirrors.
Using Automation To Improve Telescope Accessibility, 2019 University of Alabama in Huntsville
Using Automation To Improve Telescope Accessibility, Samuel Bowling, Logan Curtis, Emma Leiser, Mary Roberston, Nicholas Schragal, Ridaa Fatima, Samuel Boggs, Lennen Madere
Research Horizons Day Posters
No abstract provided.
Kondo Signatures Of A Quantum Magnetic Impurity In Topological Superconductors, 2019 Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Kondo Signatures Of A Quantum Magnetic Impurity In Topological Superconductors, Rui Wang, Wei-Yi Su, Jian-Xin Zhu, Chin-Sen Ting, Hai Li, Changfeng Chen, Baigeng Wang, Xiaoqun Wang
Physics & Astronomy Faculty Research
We study the Kondo physics of a quantum magnetic impurity in two-dimensional topological superconductors (TSCs), either intrinsic or induced on the surface of a bulk topological insulator, using a numerical renormalization group technique. We show that, despite sharing the p+ip pairing symmetry, intrinsic and extrinsic TSCs host different physical processes that produce distinct Kondo signatures. Extrinsic TSCs harbor an unusual screening mechanism involving both electron and orbital degrees of freedom that produces rich and prominent Kondo phenomena, especially an intriguing pseudospin Kondo singlet state in the superconducting gap and a spatially anisotropic spin correlation. In sharp contrast, intrinsic TSCs support …
Applications Of Information Theory In Solar And Space Physics, 2019 Andrews University
Applications Of Information Theory In Solar And Space Physics, Jay R. Johnson, Simon Wing
Faculty Publications
Characterizing and modeling processes at the sun and space plasma in our solar system are difficult because the underlying physics is often complex, nonlinear, and not well understood. The drivers of a system are often nonlinearly correlated with one another, which makes it a challenge to understand the relative effects caused by each driver. However, entropy-based information theory can be a valuable tool that can be used to determine the information flow among various parameters, causalities, untangle the drivers, and provide observational constraints that can help guide the development of the theories and physics-based models. We review two examples of …
Normalization Of Leadville Neutron Monitor To Climax Neutron Monitor, 2019 University of New Hampshire
Normalization Of Leadville Neutron Monitor To Climax Neutron Monitor, Brian J. O'Connor
Honors Theses and Capstones
No abstract provided.
Improving Photometry And Astrophotography By Eliminating Dark Frames And Flat Fields, 2019 University of New Hampshire, Durham
Improving Photometry And Astrophotography By Eliminating Dark Frames And Flat Fields, Tom C. Ireland
Honors Theses and Capstones
I report on the efforts to improve the dark frames and flat fielding procedure for the charged-coupled device (CCD) camera for the Celestron C14 telescope at the UNH observatory. Dark frames are images taken while the shutter of the camera is closed so that only electronic and dark noise and other internal inconsistencies are recorded. These are important because they allow astronomers to subtract out interference from dark current. Additionally, flat fields are images of the entire field of the telescope so that the brightness in the pixels of the telescope’s field of view is uniform. Flat fields are vital …
Exomol Line List - Xxxiv. A Rovibrational Line List For Phosphinidene (Ph) In Its X³Σ¯ And A¹Δ Electronic States, 2019 Old Dominion University
Exomol Line List - Xxxiv. A Rovibrational Line List For Phosphinidene (Ph) In Its X³Σ¯ And A¹Δ Electronic States, Jonathan Langleben, Jonathan Tennyson, Sergei N. Yurchenko, Peter Bernath
Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications
A rovibronic line list for the ground (X3Σ−) and first excited (a1Δ) states of phosphinidene, 31PH, is computed. The line list is designed for studies of exoplanetary and cool stellar atmospheres with temperatures up to 4000 K. A combination of empirical and ab initio data is used to produce the line list: potential energy curves (PECs) are fitted using experimental transition frequencies; these transitions are reproduced with a root mean square error of 0.01 cm−1. The nuclear Schrödinger equation is solved using these PECs plus Born–Oppenheimer and spin splitting correction terms. …
Analysis Of Autoguiding For Exoplanet Transit Research At The Unh Observatory, 2019 University of New Hampshire
Analysis Of Autoguiding For Exoplanet Transit Research At The Unh Observatory, Anthony Cappuccio
Honors Theses and Capstones
This paper will discuss the proper calibration technique for an autoguider of a CCD camera and the results that follow from successful exoplanet transit observations. A brief background on exoplanets, the transit method, and the analysis of their parent stars through photometry will be examined. The results will be presented in a before and after framework that will visually represent the data improvements from autoguiding as graphical Light Curves (LC). The addition of being able to autoguide at the UNH observatory will work towards providing future students with the possibility of performing follow-up ground-based observations and archiving their work online …
Unh Observatory Exoplanet Transit Depth Limit, 2019 University of New Hampshire, Durham
Unh Observatory Exoplanet Transit Depth Limit, Nicholas R. Larose
Honors Theses and Capstones
Using the University of New Hampshire Observatory, we performed multiple exoplanet transits observations on a variety of systems. Of these transits, those performed with ideal weather conditions were chosen to do extensive analysis on. The transit chosen for initial analysis was HAT-P-56b. We then used Z-Score values, along with the average mean and standard deviation collected from multiple transits to determine a minimum possible transit depth of 7.4 +/- 0.6 mmag. This value will allow UNH to access exoplanet transit observation and / or confirm potential exoplanets, thus making the UNH Observatory more research capable. A follow up threshold transit …
Viewing The Eclipse From 109,000 Feet And The Road To Get There, 2019 Metropolitan Community College
Viewing The Eclipse From 109,000 Feet And The Road To Get There, Kendra Sibbernsen, Michael Sibbernsen
Department of Physics and Astronomy: Faculty Publications
The NASA Nebraska High Altitude Ballooning Program was one of 55 teams across the nation to fly weather balloons within the August 21st Total Solar Eclipse and stream live video to the internet. On this day, the Nebraska team launched three high altitude balloons to take scientific measurements and take photos and video ofthe Moon's shadow falling on the Earth. These balloons included the NASA common video streaming payload as well as experiments from students at Metropolitan Community College and from faculty and students at Omaha Public Schools. The launches took place at the "Gem Over the Prairie" event at …
Graphene Used As A Lateral Force Microscopy Calibration Material In The Low-Load Non-Linear Regime, 2018 University of Kentucky
Graphene Used As A Lateral Force Microscopy Calibration Material In The Low-Load Non-Linear Regime, Mathias J. Boland, Jacob L. Hempel, Armin Ansary, Mohsen Nasseri, Douglas R. Strachan
Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications
A lateral force microscopy (LFM) calibration technique utilizing a random low-profile surface is proposed that is successfully employed in the low-load non-linear frictional regime using a single layer of graphene on a supporting oxide substrate. This calibration at low loads and on low friction surfaces like graphene has the benefit of helping to limit the wear of the LFM tip during the calibration procedure. Moreover, the low-profiles of the calibration surface characteristic of these layered 2D materials, on standard polished oxide substrates, result in a nearly constant frictional, adhesive, and elastic response as the tip slides over the surface, making …
Anticoincidence Detector Performance Analysis, 2018 University of Alabama in Huntsville
Anticoincidence Detector Performance Analysis, Christopher Helmerich, Erik Korzon
Von Braun Symposium Student Posters
No abstract provided.
Applications Of Nasa Earth Observations For Monitoring Forest Loss In The Madre De Dios Region Of Peru, 2018 University of Alabama in Huntsville
Applications Of Nasa Earth Observations For Monitoring Forest Loss In The Madre De Dios Region Of Peru, Andrea Nicolau, Kelsey Herndon, Africa Flores, Robert Griffin
Von Braun Symposium Student Posters
No abstract provided.
Electrical Characteristics Of A Balloon-Borne Radiation Instrument, 2018 University of Alabama in Huntsville
Electrical Characteristics Of A Balloon-Borne Radiation Instrument, Elena Pradhan, Jared Fuchs
Von Braun Symposium Student Posters
No abstract provided.
Evaluating Methods For Identifying And Monitoring Factors In The Puget Sound That Indicate Eutrophication And Hypoxia, 2018 University of Alabama in Huntsville
Evaluating Methods For Identifying And Monitoring Factors In The Puget Sound That Indicate Eutrophication And Hypoxia, Christine Evans, Emily Kinkle, Helen Baldwin, Yu Han, Robert Griffin
Von Braun Symposium Student Posters
No abstract provided.