In this study, the authors investigate the relationship between iron/hydrogen ratio [Fe/H] of a type of variable stars commonly used as reference points RR Lyrae stars and their light curves to see if one can determine the composition of these stars solely by measuring their light curve characteristics.
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Color photometry and light curve modeling of apparent transient 2023jri
Observing transients like supernovae, which have short-lived brightness variations, helps astronomers understand cosmic phenomena. This study analyzed transient 2023jri, hypothesizing it was a Type IIb supernova. By collecting and analyzing data over four weeks, including light and color curves, they confirmed its classification and provided additional insights into this less-studied supernova type.
Read More...Measuring Exoplanetary Radii Using Transit Photometry
Studying exoplanets, or planets that orbit a star other than the Sun, is critical to a greater understanding the formation of planets and how Earth's solar system differs from others. In this study the authors analyze the transit light curves of three hot Jupiter exoplanets to ultimately determine if and how these planets have changed since their discovery.
Read More...Analysis of the Exoplanet HD 189733b to Confirm its Existence
In this study, the authors study features of exoplanet 189733 b. This exoplanet, or planets that orbit stars other than the Sun, is found in the HD star system. Using a DSLR camera, they constructed a high caliber exoplanet transit detection tracker to study the orbital periods, radial velocity, and photometry of 189733 b. They then compared results from their system to data collected by other high precision studies. What they found was that their system produced results supporting previously published studies. These results are exciting results from the solar system demonstrating the importance of validating radial velocity and photometry data using high-precision studies.
Read More...Ground-based Follow-up Observations of TESS Exoplanet Candidates
The goal of this study was to further confirm, characterize, and classify LHS 3844 b, an exoplanet detected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Additionally, we strove to determine the likeliness of LHS 3844 b and similar planets as qualified candidates for observation with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Read More...The Development and Maximization of a Novel Photosynthetic Microbial Fuel Cell Using Rhodospirillum rubrum
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical systems that utilize bacteria and are promising forms of alternative energy. Similar to chemical fuel cells, MFCs employ both an anode (accepts electrons) and a cathode (donates electrons), but in these devices the live bacteria donate the electrons necessary for current. In this study, the authors assess the functionality of a photosynthetic MFC that utilizes a purple non-sulfur bacterium. The MFC prototype they constructed was found to function over a range of environmental conditions, suggesting its potential use in industrial models.
Read More...Photometric analysis and light curve modeling of apparent transient 2020pni
Supernovas are powerful explosions that result from gravitational collapse of a massive star. Using photometric analysis Arora et al. set out to investigate whether 2020pni (located in galaxy UGC 9684) was a supernova. They were ultimately able to identify 2020pni as a Type II-L supernova and determine it's distance from earth.
Read More...Photometric analysis of Type Ia Supernova 2023jvj
Here the authors conducted a photometric analysis of Supernova (SN) 20234jvj. Through generating a light curve, they determined SN 2023jvj to be a Type Ia supernova located approximately 1.246e8 parasecs away from Earth.
Read More...Examining Heat Recovery from Electric Light Bulbs Using Thermoelectric Generators
Here the author investigates how much heat energy is output and recovered from a conventional electric light bulb.
Read More...What Can You See in the Dark? The Effects of Contrast, Light, and Age on Contrast Sensitivity in Low Light
Many of us take our vision for granted, but rarely do we measure how well we can see. In this study, the authors investigate the ability of people of different ages to read progressively fainter letters in dark light. They find that the ability to see in dim light drops drastically after age 30. The ability to read fainter letters worsens after age 30 as well. These findings should help inform lighting decisions everywhere from restaurants to road signs.
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