Prescott Observatory Team for Analyzing Telescopically Observed Spectra
Faculty Mentor Name
Noel Richardson
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
The Prescott Observatory Team for Analyzing Telescopically Observed Spectra (POTATOS) has created a team of observers to utilize the campus observatory to collect data and train new observers. By teaching these skills earlier in their college careers, students are better prepared for creating and working on their own research projects in upcoming years. This year, POTATOS has collected both spectroscopic and photometric data on four Be stars; Gamma Cas, HD6226, zeta Tau, and Alcyone. The team will look at the ways in which disks grow and dissipate spectroscopically and with brightness changes during times when the stars are also being observed with NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) mission. By regularly examining these stars, we will be able to correlate how stellar oscillations and pulsations compare to the disk growth and loss. POTATOS is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott campus’s first observation team. Moving forward, the team plans to continue expanding and encouraging retention in the astronomy degree program by training younger students in telescope operation and data analysis. Once fully trained, students will have the ability to create and pursue projects of their own.
Prescott Observatory Team for Analyzing Telescopically Observed Spectra
The Prescott Observatory Team for Analyzing Telescopically Observed Spectra (POTATOS) has created a team of observers to utilize the campus observatory to collect data and train new observers. By teaching these skills earlier in their college careers, students are better prepared for creating and working on their own research projects in upcoming years. This year, POTATOS has collected both spectroscopic and photometric data on four Be stars; Gamma Cas, HD6226, zeta Tau, and Alcyone. The team will look at the ways in which disks grow and dissipate spectroscopically and with brightness changes during times when the stars are also being observed with NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) mission. By regularly examining these stars, we will be able to correlate how stellar oscillations and pulsations compare to the disk growth and loss. POTATOS is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott campus’s first observation team. Moving forward, the team plans to continue expanding and encouraging retention in the astronomy degree program by training younger students in telescope operation and data analysis. Once fully trained, students will have the ability to create and pursue projects of their own.