Elkin R. Isaac Student Research Symposium

The 20th annual Symposium will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009.

Multi-Wavelength Photometry on Stellar Clusters: Applications in Telescope-Camera System Analysis and Galactic Formation
Norris 100, 3:00 PM

Lesley Simanton, '09 16
Major: Physics
Hometown: Niles, MI

Sponsor(s): Nicolle Zellner
Support: FURSCA, National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Toledo, Albion Department of Physics

Abstract:
Photometry is used to determine many properties of astronomical objects such as brightness, age, metallicity, and mass. These properties form the foundation of the vast majority of knowledge of all astronomical objects. Obtaining accurate values is crucial to conducting original research in astronomy. This study sought to use photometric analysis of well-known star clusters within the Milky Way to establish a telescope-camera system capable of research quality data at Albion College. By creating color magnitude HR diagrams for the well-known star cluster NGC 457, I was able to determine its age and compare the results to accepted values. Through studies of common errors inherent in imaging with telescope-camera systems, such as zero magnitude corrections and limited signal-to-noise ratios, I have determined some of the photometric corrections necessary for accurate results in the age of a stellar cluster, as well as created a procedure for obtaining photometric data at Albion. The system analyzed consists of the Department of Physics’ 14” Celestron telescope, custom equatorial mount, and ST-7XME CCD camera.

This presentation will also include a discussion of the applications of photometry on stellar clusters to understanding galactic structure. Finding cluster brightness, age, metallicity, and mass for those objects in other galaxies can tell us about the formation and evolution not only of the star clusters, but also of the galaxies. Such studies must be conducted with instruments capable of highly accurate measurements, and photometric errors must again be considered.