Classification and Analysis of Distant Radio
Emission Sources
Names: Gaby Miller, Andrew Rohrbach, and Stephanie Tritchler
Abstract: This project is associated with the "Low-Frequency Observing
and Data Reduction" project headed by Dr. Joseph
Lazio of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). As part of the mapping survey of
the sky at 74 hertz, data of radio emission sources obtained using the Very
Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico will be imaged and classified into a
comprehensive database. The emission sources will be classified as pulsars,
quasars, or colliding galactic clusters, the last of which is most
scientifically interesting. Eventually, such emission sources will be
investigated more thoroughly. The information gathered from this investigation
will be incorporated into the NRL survey.
Observing Jovian Radio Emissions
Names: Kathleen Brown
Abstract: This project will take place in two parts. The first segment will be the construction of a radio telescope.
The second will be the monitoring of Jupiter. The results obtained will be compared with those radio emissions recorded by other RadioJove observers.
Searching for Supernovae
Names: Shelby Rudd, Graham Halstead.
Abstract: We will search for supernovae in several spiral galaxies using two
methods. The images will be obtained from various telescopes on the internet,
primarily the Hands On Universe website. First, we will employ image analysis
software, both Hands On Universe, to adjust for subtle differences
in contrast, background lighting, and image orientation. We will then subtract the two images and see if any possible supernovae are found.
Secondly, we will analyze the images visually so that results found with the software can be confirmed. While our most ambitious goal would be to discover unknown supernovae,
even finding one that had been discovered would confirm the techniques used.
Also, we will be using the Las Campanas telescope in Chile in coordination with
the TIE (Telescopes in Education) Program. This telescope will give detailed
visual images. In this way, future high school groups could continue the search more easily and with a proven process.
An
Optimization of Power Sources and Propulsion Types for Intra-system Spacecraft
Names: Austin Goodnight
Abstract: The purpose is to find the best combination for power sources and
propulsion systems for an intra-system spacecraft. One design being examined
uses a small fission reactor as a power source, and supplements an electric-ion
drive with a specially modified solar sail apparatus.
Design of a Re-entry Cargo Microcapsule (in Conjunction with RNDAVUS Project)
Names: Chris Gabriel
Abstract: Working in conjunction with a leading aerospace company, Space Adventures, Ltd., and the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (Rosaviakosmos), Chris is designing a cargo capsule for returning experimental materials to earth from the international space station.
2004 -2005 Mentorship Projects
Developing a Difference Algorithm
Names: Eric Price
The objective of this project is to develop a more accurate algorithm for
determining differences between two images in the presence of blurring. More
specifically, to search for supernovae occurring in one of two images of a
galaxy despite different atmospheric seeing effects. This will be conducted at
the Naval Research Lab.
Dried Lake Beds and Shorelines
Names: Lindsay Graves
Shorelines are remnants of pluvial lakes formed from receding water levels as
slight grooves in the land. A closer examination and study of these land
formations will help to compare them with similar features on Mars. The
objective is to help find evidence significant enough to prove prior water on
Mars, through comparing dried lake beds in Nevada and Oregon with evidence
retrieved from Mars to show that there was water on Mars. My job is to collect
the photographs, examine them, find shoreline evidence, interpret the image, and
produce final detailed and annotated maps to help guide my mentor to the
shorelines in Nevada and Oregon for onsite data collection. I am working at the
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, D.C. under the
guidance of Dr. James Zimbelman.
The Operation of the Satellite Terra
Names: Merri Estren
During the course of my mentorship at Goddard Space Flight Center, I plan to
gain an understanding of the operation of satellites and specific instruments in
NASA’s Earth Observing Satellites (EOS) project. I will observe and learn about
all stages of a satellite – from design and launch to instrument operation and
the monitoring of telemetry during contact. By working with instrument
engineers, flight operations teams, and project managers, I will be able to gain
insight into all aspects of operating a satellite. In addition, I will be
observing the scientific data and photographs that come back from the satellite
Terra. The most advanced photographic equipment on Terra is MODIS (Moderate
Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), and I will be working with that
instrument team to obtain, maintain, and analyze data.
Calculating the Rate of Collisions of PAHs
Names: Christine Bertoglio
The objective is to calculate the rate of collision between dust particles
(specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs) and electrons and
protons in the Interstellar Medium (ISM). To date, a rate has been calculated
given a charged, conducting PAH. We will verify that calculation, and then build
on it to include the intrinsic dipole moment of PAH molecules to make the
calculated rate more precise. This will be accomplished at George Mason
University, under Dr. Joe Weingartner.
International Space Station Spectroscopy
Names: Larissa Smith
This research team will develop a spectrograph to be attached to the front end
of a Sensors Unlimited Camera which will act as tool for scientific
investigation aboard the International Space Station during the trip of Greg
Olsen (CEO of Sensors Unlimited). The spectrograph will need to be able to
scramble light from a wide angle source and produce a spectral image of the
collective light from Earth. Studying the light emissions of the Earth can
provide more data to analyze and interpret spectral line features, allowing for
comparisons with exoplanets and the possibility for discovering life outside of
our solar system. This will be constructed in the Infrared Laboratory at the
University of Virginia.