Project Description: The student will use python to simulate realistic observations of directly imaged exoplanets from ground-based observatories. They will benchmark their simulations with real observations from MMT Observatory and/or the Large Binocular Telescope. This work will help us understand the feasibility of detecting Earth-2.0 from 30-meter class telescopes.
NASA Relevance: Complementary observatories help strengthen the likelihood of characterizing habitable worlds that could be seen with HWO.
Work Description: The student will use python and a group research server to simulate observations of directly imaged exoplanets that could be studied from ground-based observatories. They will understand why certain wavelengths are important for detecting certain classes of exoplanets and which spectroscopic features will be observable. If observations allow they will be able to reduce on sky data and benchmark their simulations against realistic conditions.
Open or Reserved Project: Open, 1 position available.