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Laband's Project Page |
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Teacher Intern: Adela Laband
Faculty Supervisor: Robert Geller
Department: Physics |
2001 Research Project: A Search for Dead Quasar Flares
An average galaxy is thought to contain a black hole at the center,
otherwise known as a dead quasar. When a dead quasar pulls in a local star,
it gives off a flare of light as it is torn apart. Flares occur once in
10,000 years, lasting for over a year. Automated monitoring of galaxies
over time and spotting flares will reveal the location of now hidden black
holes. Currently the UCSB telescope is used to take non-automated pictures
of potential galaxies. First we scan the Harvard University databank to
locate potential sources. Then we determine the best date and time for
observation, using declination and right ascension values of the celestial
coordinate system. We print out a specific star finder chart that is used
to guide the telescope. Observations and photographs are made on clear
local nights. Data is saved on a remote computer for later photometry
analysis of images. Image subtraction is used to reveal the presence of
flares.
2002 Curriculum Project: Students as Presenters in the Science
Classroom
Download Curriculum Project as a PDF file
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