A Fundamental Library of Stellar Spectra (2004)
Undergraduates: David Moschler, Jesse Richuso, Lauren Johnson, Lindsay Bartholomew
Faculty Advisor: James Rose
Department: Physics & Astronomy
In order to analyze the starlight of galaxies, astronomers must have a database of spectra from individual stars. The pattern of dark absorption lines carry important information such as age and chemical make-up of individual stars. In collaboration with Ranjan Gupta (IUCAA), Harinder Singh (Sri Venkateswara College), Frank Valdez (NOAO), and Dave Bell (NOAO), UNC Professor Jim Rose are producing a second generation spectral library.
I have worked with Dr. Rose on this project. I learned observation techniques on a 24-inch telescope at UNC?s Morehead Observatory. I gained experience with both direct imaging and spectroscopy. In October of 2002, I traveled to Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona for a six night observing run. While at Kitt Peak, I worked on the Coude Feed telescope to obtain spectroscopic data for the stellar spectra database. Plans are currently underway for a second trip out to Arizona in early April.