Project Description: In collaboration with the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), we have recently installed a new wide-field fast-speed optical imager at the Bok 90-inch Telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). This imager uses 6 large-format (2500x10000 pixels) CMOS sensors specifically developed for astronomical applications by the NAOJ group, and it is one of the first imager of its kind with an unprecedented combination of a wide field of view (1.0 x 0.6 deg) and a fast readout speed (up to 1000 frames per second). The goal of this project is to explore the power of this new instrument, which will likely open up a new window for discoveries. We are seeking students who can work on either (1) technical development (e.g., data-processing pipeline), (2) science exploration (e.g., search for optical pulsars in globular clusters), or both. The students will be encouraged to participate in observing runs at the 90-inch Telescope, which is a 70-min drive from the UA campus.
NASA Relevance: This internship will allow students to gain experience in technical development and science exploration in the field of astronomy/astrophysics that is directly relevant to NASA's current research portfolio.
Work Description: Applicants can choose to work on either (1) technical development, (2) science exploration, or both:
(1) Technical development: To develop/improve observing software (e.g., how to determine the best focus/tilt of the imager by analyzing the images of stars in the field of view). To develop/improve data-processing pipeline (e.g., the data volume can be as large as 3 MB/s, so we need to optimize the performance and speed of data-processing pipeline carefully). To develop/improve data archive system that will make science exploration easy with the produced large data set (will be 100's of TB).
(2) Science exploration: To search for optical pulsars in globular clusters by detecting subsecond brightness variation of stellar objects. To produce space-quality high-resolution images by throwing away frames significantly distorted by atmospheric turbulence (so-called "lucky imaging" technique). To explore new science programs that are made possible by this new CMOS imager.
Open or Reserved Project: Open, 2 positions available.