Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Matthew Hernandez, Freshman Jadia R. Ewing, Leila Alamos, Jacob Romeo, Kaelyn Weddle, Divyeshwari Vansadia, TJ Matney, Marcus Flesher, Desiree Robinson, Alexandra Beianu
Lead Presenter's Name
Matthew Hernandez
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Stephen Gillam
Abstract
Matthew Hernandez, Jadia R. Ewing, Leila Alamos, Jacob Romeo, Kaelyn Weddle, Vansadia, TJ Matney, Maybelline A. Flesher, Desiree Robinson, Alexandra Beianu Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stephen D. Gillam Department of Physical Sciences Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL USA. March 2026 This study investigates the pulsation characteristics of NGC 2264-196, a chemically peculiar star within the young open cluster NGC 2264. Classification as a suspected Rapidly Oscillating Ap (roAp) star is supported by its spectral type (F5/7) and the recurring detection of a pulsation frequency near 3.01~ mHz. Photometric data was obtained over eight recorded oscillations: 121520UT, 111923UT, 070124UT, 080124UT, 012525UT, 012625UT, 011526UT, 012026UT using the SARA-KP 0.9-meter and SARA-RM 1.0-meter telescopes, utilizing both Johnson B and Bessell B filters. Fourier analysis confirmed the presence of the 3.01~ mHz in it’s light output. A signal-to-noise-ratio of 0.91~ to 3.32~ was the data quality check to ensure the frequencies were real. The estimated pulsation falls within the characteristic range for roAp stars, reinforcing the classification of NGC 2264-196 as a member of this rare class of non-radial pulsators. Notably, a graphical analysis of the frequency data reveals a visible linear relationship with respect to time, suggesting a possible frequency drift that will need to be studied further to emphasize specifics on the star’s oscillation.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
The Mystery of NGC2264-196's Pulsation
Matthew Hernandez, Jadia R. Ewing, Leila Alamos, Jacob Romeo, Kaelyn Weddle, Vansadia, TJ Matney, Maybelline A. Flesher, Desiree Robinson, Alexandra Beianu Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stephen D. Gillam Department of Physical Sciences Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL USA. March 2026 This study investigates the pulsation characteristics of NGC 2264-196, a chemically peculiar star within the young open cluster NGC 2264. Classification as a suspected Rapidly Oscillating Ap (roAp) star is supported by its spectral type (F5/7) and the recurring detection of a pulsation frequency near 3.01~ mHz. Photometric data was obtained over eight recorded oscillations: 121520UT, 111923UT, 070124UT, 080124UT, 012525UT, 012625UT, 011526UT, 012026UT using the SARA-KP 0.9-meter and SARA-RM 1.0-meter telescopes, utilizing both Johnson B and Bessell B filters. Fourier analysis confirmed the presence of the 3.01~ mHz in it’s light output. A signal-to-noise-ratio of 0.91~ to 3.32~ was the data quality check to ensure the frequencies were real. The estimated pulsation falls within the characteristic range for roAp stars, reinforcing the classification of NGC 2264-196 as a member of this rare class of non-radial pulsators. Notably, a graphical analysis of the frequency data reveals a visible linear relationship with respect to time, suggesting a possible frequency drift that will need to be studied further to emphasize specifics on the star’s oscillation.