Student Theses

BenjaminDerieg, "A Census of Dust and Gas Properties in Early-type Galaxies using the ALMA Archive" (Senior Thesis, 2024). Full Text PDF
DenzilWatts, "Color Index Analysis and Temperature Calibration of the High Amplitude δ Scuti V2455 Cygni" (Senior Thesis, 2024). Full Text PDF
Benjamin C NProudfoot, "Understanding the Origin, Evolution, and Dynamics of Transneptunian Binaries" (PhD Dissertation, 2023). Full Text PDF
Jared RDavidson, "Constructing Stellar Mass Models for Early-type Galaxies with Circumnuclear Disks" (Masters Thesis, 2023). Full Text PDF
WilliamGiforos, "nPSF: PSF Fitting Software for Trans-Neptunian Objects" (Senior Thesis, 2023). Full Text PDF
Savanah KayTurner, "A Large-Scale Survey of Brown Dwarf Atmospheres" (Masters Thesis, 2023). Full Text PDF
EdisonCarlisle, "Modeling Circumnuclear Dust Emission Using ALMA Observations of Early-type Galaxies" (Senior Thesis, 2023). Full Text PDF
NicholasFreeman, "Investigations of a Binary Asteroid Dynamical Model" (Senior Thesis, 2023). Full Text PDF
MayalenLaker, "The Emission Ratio of the [O III] λ λ5007, 4959 Å Doublet with Redshift" (Senior Thesis, 2022). Full Text PDF
EmmaCampbell, "Photometric Analysis and Modeling of a TESS Object of Interest" (Senior Thesis, 2022). Full Text PDF
Rochelle JuliaSteele, "An Analysis of Two Photometric Redshift Methods and Their Uses for Finding Void Galaxies" (Masters Thesis, 2021). Full Text PDF
JacksonSteele, "A New Photometric Redshift Method for Galaxies with 0.01 < z < 0.03" (Senior Thesis, 2021). Full Text PDF
AbigailGraham, "Surveying Hidden Planets in Kepler Exoplanetary Systems Using Transit Timing Variations" (Senior Thesis, 2021). Full Text PDF
IanClark, "The Periods and Stability of ZZ Piscium" (Senior Thesis, 2020). Full Text PDF
CalebGaunt, "Web-Based Controllers for the ROVOR Observatory" (Senior Thesis, 2020). Full Text PDF
Christian DDraper, "Search for Dwarf Emission Line Galaxies in Galaxy Voids" (PhD Dissertation, 2019). Full Text PDF
ElisabethFrischknecht, "Exoplanetary Candidates Around HD100546 in Archival ACS Data" (Senior Thesis, 2019). Full Text PDF
NateBenfell, "Reversing Time to Find Families: Reviewing Backwards Integration as a New Method of Family-finding in the Kuiper Belt" (Senior Thesis, 2019). Full Text PDF
AlexSpencer, "Automating Noise Reduction Procedures for Exoplanet Research" (Senior Thesis, 2019). Full Text PDF
RochelleSteele, "Photometric Survey for Dwarf Galaxies Within Intergalactic Voids" (Senior Thesis, 2019). Full Text PDF
MiriamPackard, "Standardizing Light Curves of RR Lyraes in the Globular Cluster NGC 5466" (Senior Thesis, 2019). Full Text PDF
DanielJones, "Photometric and Polarimetric Signatures of Geosynchronous Satellites" (Senior Thesis, 2019). Full Text PDF
NicholasVan Alfen, "Survey and Data Reduction of Blazars Using the ROVOR Telescope" (Senior Thesis, 2019). Full Text PDF
LaurenHindman, "Flaring Rate of Northern Blazars" (Senior Thesis, 2018). Full Text PDF
SeanPearce, "Photometric Calibrations of Gemini Images of NGC 6253" (Senior Thesis, 2018). Full Text PDF
StevenMaggard, "Statistically Weighted Orbital Elements for Kuiper Belt Objects" (Senior Thesis, 2018). Full Text PDF
Derek SeanFelli, "The Morphology and Uniformity of Circumstellar OH/H2O Masers around OH/IR Stars" (PhD Dissertation, 2017). Full Text PDF
Emily DianeSafsten, "Using advanced PSF subtraction techniques on archival data of Herbig Ae/Be stars to search for new candidate companions" (Masters Thesis, 2017). Full Text PDF
ParkesWhipple, "Blazar Polarimetry with the ROVOR Telescope" (Capstone, 2017). Full Text PDF
McKayOsborne, "Extracting Long-term Periodicity in Markarian 501 from Optical Wavelength Filters" (Senior Thesis, 2017). Full Text PDF
JoeRivest, "Optical Photometric Evidence for a Binary Black Hole in Mrk 501" (Senior Thesis, 2017). Full Text PDF
AndrewPatterson, "Data Reduction Script for Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope Transit Survey" (Senior Thesis, 2017). Full Text PDF
MelissaHallum, "A Comparison of the Light Curves for NGC 4151" (Senior Thesis, 2017). Full Text PDF
KatrinaPedersen, "Automating the Data Reduction Process for Geosynchronous Satellite Spectra" (Senior Thesis, 2016). Full Text PDF
RyanLesser, "Measuring Redshifts of Emission-line Galaxies Using Ramp Filters" (Senior Thesis, 2016). Full Text PDF
MarcusHolden, "Periodicity of Markarian 501" (Senior Thesis, 2016). Full Text PDF
BenFischer, "Reduction and Analysis of KELT Data \\to Confirm Transiting Planets" (Senior Thesis, 2015). Full Text PDF
ClementGaillard, "Detecting Planets around Low-mass Stars in the Kepler Field" (Senior Thesis, 2015). Full Text PDF
Carla JuneCarroll, "A Feasibility Study of Photometric Reverberation Mapping with Meter-Class Telescopes" (Masters Thesis, 2015). Full Text PDF
MuxueLiu, "Re-Calibration of the Periods of Selected Cepheids from the Hubble Space Telescope Key Project Using Time Correction" (Masters Thesis, 2015). Full Text PDF
Adam KJohanson, "Radio Emission Toward Regions of Massive Star Formation in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (PhD Dissertation, 2015). Full Text PDF
BrigitteStewart, "Morphological Variation in Dune Parameters on Titan Reveals Formation Environment of Dunes" (Senior Thesis, 2014). Full Text PDF
MatthewMcNeff, "Observing Astronomical Redshift Through Optical Red and Blue Slope Filtes" (Senior Thesis, 2014). Full Text PDF
Daniel RobertBlakley, "Introduction to the Development of a Radio Astronomy System at Brigham Young University" (Masters Thesis, 2014). Full Text PDF
AdamGeorge, "Light propagation through multilayer finger model" (Senior Thesis, 2014). Full Text PDF
EmilyStoker, "A Model for A Contact Eclipsing Binary System in the Field of KOI 1152" (Senior Thesis, 2014). Full Text PDF
ChuckHonick, "Single Dish Radio Astronomy: Reaching First Light" (Senior Thesis, 2014). Full Text PDF
EmilyRanquist, "A Compilation and Description of Scripts Written for the Optimization of Photometric Procedures" (Senior Thesis, 2013). Full Text PDF
TessLarson, "Using DAOPHOT to Locate KOI 667.01" (Senior Thesis, 2013). Full Text PDF
ThayneMcCombs, "Development of a Data Reduction Pipeline for the ROVOR Observatory" (Senior Thesis, 2013). Full Text PDF
Nichole MillwardMaughan, "Simulation of 810 nm Light Propagation Through the Human Finger for Non-Invasive Blood Analysis" (Masters Thesis, 2013). Full Text PDF
MichelleSpencer, "Photometric Observations Of Supernovae In BVR And I Filters" (Senior Thesis, 2013). Full Text PDF
CarlaCarroll, "Broadband Photometric Reverberation Mapping with Meter-Class Telescopes" (Senior Thesis, 2013). Full Text PDF
DrakeRanquist, "Asymmetric Magnetic Reconnection in the Solar Corona: Simulation vs. Observation" (Senior Thesis, 2013). Full Text PDF
Heather PattiJones, "Researching Effective Methods for Teaching the Phases of the Moon" (Masters Thesis, 2012). Full Text PDF
BenjaminBoizelle, "Establishing a Multi-year Monitoring Project of Low-luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei" (Senior Thesis, 2012). Full Text PDF
JosephRawlins, "Infrared Colors Of Trans-Neptunian Objects Observed With Hst" (Senior Thesis, 2012). Full Text PDF
StephenClouse, "H2O Megamasers: Measuring the Mass of The Black Hole in the Active Nucleus of Markarian 1210" (Senior Thesis, 2012). Full Text PDF
MuxueLiu, "Observations on the Transiting Planet around KOI1152" (Senior Thesis, 2012). Full Text PDF
BlakeStauffer, "H2O Maser Observations of Planetary Nebula K3-35" (Senior Thesis, 2012). Full Text PDF
NathanielCook, "Can The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Detect And Identify Interstellar Comets?" (Senior Thesis, 2012). Full Text PDF
KeriannaButler, "Observations Of Markarian 421 With VERITAS" (Capstone, 2011). Full Text PDF
Tabitha ChristiBuehler, "A Search for and Characterization of Young Stellar Objects in N206, An H II Complex in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (PhD Dissertation, 2011). Full Text PDF
AndrewDeWitt, "Sensitivity Measurements for Two West Mountain Observatory CCDs and Exposure Times for Observing Exoplanets" (Senior Thesis, 2011). Full Text PDF
EvanHansen, "Weather Station for the ROVOR Telescope" (Senior Thesis, 2011). Full Text PDF
JacobNelson, "The Variability of "Normal" Galactic Nuclei" (Senior Thesis, 2011). Full Text PDF
DerekFelli, "The Detection of OH-MASER Satellite Lines in High Mass Star Forming Regions" (Senior Thesis, 2011). Full Text PDF
BretLittle, "Telescope Automation through CelestialGrid" (Senior Thesis, 2011). Full Text PDF
CynthiaKnight, "The Nature of the Most Isolated Galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey" (Senior Thesis, 2011). Full Text PDF
Michael DeLossJoner, "High-Quality Broadband BVRI Photometry of Benchmark Open Clusters" (PhD Dissertation, 2011). Full Text PDF
Jessica LynnBugno, "Time-series Observations of the High Mass X-Ray Binary 4U 2206+54 to Monitor Light Variation" (Masters Thesis, 2011). Full Text PDF
Miriam AnneWest, "Comparison of H-alpha and H-beta Temperature Indices in the Hyades and Coma Star Clusters and Selected H-beta Standard Stars" (Masters Thesis, 2010). Full Text PDF
Daniel RAllen, "Temperature and Variability of Three Ionian Volcanoes" (Masters Thesis, 2010). Full Text PDF
Brian KBucklein, "In Search of Empty Places: Voids in the Distribution of Galaxies" (PhD Dissertation, 2010). Full Text PDF
Kirstin MarieCooprider, "OH Megamasers in Merging Galaxies: A Multi-Frequency Study of IIZw096" (Masters Thesis, 2010). Full Text PDF
CameronPace, "BVRI Comparison Stars Near Selected Very-High Energy Blazars" (Senior Thesis, 2010). Full Text PDF
RichardPearson, "Markarian 501 Monitoring Campaign Using ROVOR" (Senior Thesis, 2010). Full Text PDF
LauraAdams, "Standardization Of Hα Photometry" (Senior Thesis, 2009). Full Text PDF
JanaleeHarrison, "Monitoring Variability In 1es 1959+650 With Rovor" (Senior Thesis, 2008). Full Text PDF
JonathanDaniels, "Light Curves For Supernova Sn2006jc" (Senior Thesis, 2008). Full Text PDF
CraigSwenson, "Automated Iraf Reduction Scripts For Astronomy Group At Brigham Young University" (Senior Thesis, 2008). Full Text PDF
E. PaulIverson, "New Aperture Photometry Technique For Brigham Young University Astronomy Group" (Senior Thesis, 2008). Full Text PDF
SarahSchuff, "A Photometric Search And Analysis Of Short-Period Variable Stars In The Open Cluster Ngc 7092" (Senior Thesis, 2007). Full Text PDF
Tabitha ChristiBuehler, "Development of a Method for Calculating Delta Scuti Rotational Velocities and Hydrogen Beta Color Indices" (Masters Thesis, 2007). Full Text PDF
Kathleen ElizabethMoncrieff, "Development of a New Ca II H and K Spectrophotometric Temperature Index" (Masters Thesis, 2007). Full Text PDF
EricAllan, "Observing The Variability Of AGN: Aperture Photometry Vs. PSF Fitting" (Senior Thesis, 2007). Full Text PDF
JoelJolley, "Time-Series Ensemble Photometry Of The High-Amplitude Scuti Star Ae Ursae Majoris" (Senior Thesis, 2007). Full Text PDF
NicholasStanley, "Methods For Long Period Variability Detection Using Optical Photometry" (Senior Thesis, 2007). Full Text PDF
AdamJohanson, "Galaxy Nuclear Variability As A Probe Of AGN Structure" (Senior Thesis, 2007). Full Text PDF
CodyShort, "Characterization And Analysis Of The Site 1k Ccd As Used In The Tenagra Ii .81m Telescope" (Senior Thesis, 2007). Full Text PDF
JenniferStanley, "Radio Astronomy At Brigham Young University" (Senior Thesis, 2007). Full Text PDF
Liberty RaeEvanko, "Development of an H-Alpha Index for the Detection of PMS Candidates in Young Open Clusters" (PhD Dissertation, 2007). Full Text PDF
PatrickBaugh, "The Usefulness Of Flat Field Images Does Time Matter?" (Senior Thesis, 2006). Full Text PDF
BerneBroadbent, "A Photometric Search for Variable Stars in the Sparsely Populated Regions of NGC 2169 and NGC 5385" (Senior Thesis, 2006).
Michael BenjaminRose, "A Search for Low-Amplitude Variability Among Population I Main Sequence Stars" (Masters Thesis, 2006). Full Text PDF
AaronPaget, "ROVOR: Protection From The Elements Ensuring Safe Observational Conditions" (Capstone, 2006). Full Text PDF
Mana PhilipVautier, "Standardization of H Photometry Using Open Clusters III. The Pleiades" (Senior Thesis, 2006). Full Text PDF
TabithaBuehler (Bush), "A Photometric and Spectroscopic Study of Three 0 Scuti Stars: GW Ursae Majoris, BO Lyncis, and AN Lyncis" (Senior Thesis, 2005).
ChristopherOlsen, "Collimation and Focusing of the Optics of the 22 Inch Rovor Telescope" (Senior Thesis, 2005).
James EMaxwell, "Photometric Analysis of Cluster Fields Using Daophot and Bigphot " (Masters Thesis, 2004).
MariyaIvanushkina, "Monitoring Period Changes in High Amplitude Delta Scuti Stars " (Masters Thesis, 2004).
Aubrie AnnaMaxwell, "A Comparison of Radial Velocity Scanner and Charge Coupled Device Spectral Data for Six Stars" (Masters Thesis, 2004).
Stephen RichardMcNeil, "Detection of Small-Amplitude Optical Variability in Galactic Nuclei" (PhD Dissertation, 2004).
PeterBrown, "Observing Gamma Ray Burst Afterglows from BYU's Orsen Pratt Observatory" (Senior Thesis, 2004).
JosephHopper, "Current State of the Software Used to Control the Remote Observatory for Variable Object Research" (Senior Thesis, 2004).
Phillip BernellWarner, "A Theoretical Gamma Doradus Instability Strip " (Masters Thesis, 2003).
Jacob JohnAlbretsen, "Expanding the Standard Star Library Using CCD Photometry" (Masters Thesis, 2002).
JonathanBarnes, "Goldhelox Phase 0/1 Safety Certification " (Masters Thesis, 2002).
Jacob P.Fugal, "Characteristics of a Slitless Spectroscopic Near-Infrared Emission-Line Galaxy Survey" (Honors Thesis, 2002).
Liberty RaeEvanko, "Baade-Wesselink Radii and Absolute Magnitudes for Ad Canis Minoris and Eh Librae" (Masters Thesis, 2001).
Matthew BodellGarvin, "Restoring the BYU Spectograph to Service on the 24 inch Telescope at West Mountain Observatory " (Masters Thesis, 2001).
Maureen LynHintz, "Photometric Abundance Calibration of Delta Scuti Variables Usig Caby Photometry " (Masters Thesis, 1998).
Peter W ARoming, "A Long-slit Spectral Analysis of the Nuclear Region of M101 and M33 and a Search for Non-Nuclear Seyfet Activity in M33" (PhD Dissertation, 1998).
David RichMiller, "A Simulation of Synthetic Aperature Stellar Interferometry Using Post Acquisition Time Correlation" (Masters Thesis, 1998).
Kenneth ANelson, "The Boots Void: A Study Determining the True Center and Degree Of Emptiness " (Masters Thesis, 1997).
Michael DeanRice, "Galactic Distribution Function of Two Superclusters" (Masters Thesis, 1997).
Bryan LeePaul, "Voids in the Nearby Universe: A Study of the CfA Redshift Catalog" (Masters Thesis, 1997).
John MorganPowell, "Properties of Yellow Supergiant Stars From Strogren-Crawford-Twarog Photometry " (PhD Dissertation, 1996).
Eric George BowHintz, "Multicolor, Two-Dimensional Photometric Study of Galaxies in Rich Abell Clusters" (PhD Dissertation, 1995).
Peter W ARoming, "An Imaging Search for Non-Nuclear Seyfert Activity and Evidence for Mass Outflow from the Nucleus of M101" (Masters Thesis, 1995).
KristenAdams, "A Presentation of the Mapping of LBN434 and Its Ramifications on the Assumption of Clear Seeing at high Galactic Lattitudes" (Honors Thesis, 1994).
Laralee GordonIreland, "Filamentary Structure of the Distant Magnetotail Lobes: ISEE-3" (Masters Thesis, 1993).
Stephen RichardMcNeil, "Changes in the Magnetotail Lobe Structure at -18 to -38 Re Due to Changing Solar Wind and IMF Conditions" (Masters Thesis, 1991).
John MorganPowell, "A Photometric and Spectroscopic Study of V567 Opiuchi" (Masters Thesis, 1989).
FabrizioPinto, "A Theoretical Scenario for the Dynamics of Formation and Early Evolution of Globular Clusters in Galaxies" (PhD Dissertation, 1989).
Michael ToddJohnson, "Computer Simulation of Plasma Interactions Near Titan" (PhD Dissertation, 1989).
Snehavadan EmaMacwan, "A Determination of Twisting of the Earth's Magnetotail at Distances 115-220 RE: ISEE-3" (Masters Thesis, 1988).
David WayneThomas, "Space Density Distribution of M-Type Giants in the MF17 and MF18 Regions" (Masters Thesis, 1988).
Mario RubenPerez, "The Young Open Clusters NGC 2244 and NGC 2264: New Observations and a Comparative Study" (PhD Dissertation, 1988).
Gordon RayWilson, "Simulation of the Plasma Interaction With Thin Dust Clouds" (PhD Dissertation, 1987).
Scott BJohnson, "The galactic foreground reddening in the direction of the nearby Triangulum galaxy M33" (Masters Thesis, 1987).
Aaron LAlexander, "A photometric study of BL Herculis" (Masters Thesis, 1987).
ChulheeKim, "The Color Excesses of Classical Cepheids and the Structure of our Galaxy" (PhD Dissertation, 1984).
Bryan GPeterson, "Spectroscopic Determination of the Electron Density and Electron Temperature in the BYU Topolotron: Operation NA Tokamak-Like Configuration" (PhD Dissertation, 1983).
Clifton DLaney, "Spectral types, color indices, and abundances for cepheids in the magellanic clouds and the galaxy" (PhD Dissertation, 1982).
Michael DeLossJoner, "A Photometric and Spectrographic Study of XX Cygni" (Masters Thesis, 1981).
Kent AFeltz, "Color Excesses of Classical Cepheids" (PhD Dissertation, 1977).
AlbertJohnson, "Measurements of Infared Brightness Temperatures with a Rapid-Scan Spectrometer System" (Masters Thesis, 1976).
Karen A HalbergYoung, "A photometric and spectrographic study of four dwarf cepheids" (Masters Thesis, 1976).
Wilbur ReedLangford, "Intermediate-band photometry of short period dwarf Cepheid variables" (PhD Dissertation, 1975).
Robert GordonGeorge, "A Search for the Sources of the Solar Wind in the 9.1 m Brightness Temperature" (PhD Dissertation, 1975).
Robert MichaelHall, " Uvbyβ Photometry of M39" (Masters Thesis, 1974).
Loren L.Dutson, "A Photometric Study of HS Herculis" (Masters Thesis, 1974).
Roger D.Tippets, "Narrow-Band Photometry of Visual Binaries" (Masters Thesis, 1973).
Stephen KerryWilcken, "A Photometric Study of the Eclipsing Binary RZ Scuti" (Masters Thesis, 1973).
Kent AFeltz, "Interstellar Reddening Near the North Galactic Pole" (Masters Thesis, 1972).
William DeanDaily, "Alfven Wave Propagation in Interplanetary Space" (PhD Dissertation, 1971).
Donald A.Steele, "9.1 cm Radio Emission of the Sun as an Indicator of Certain Solar Terrestrial Events" (Masters Thesis, 1970).
DarrellSmith, "Epoch Analysis of Solar Flare Producing Regions and Related Cosmic Ray Decreases for a Solar Cycle" (Masters Thesis, 1970).
Don MorrisWrathall, "Venus: A Measurement and Interpretation of Radiation Near 1.35 Centimeters Wavelength and the Microwave Phase Effect" (PhD Dissertation, 1970).
Stacy WenzelLuke, "The Origin of Long Period Micropulsations in the Geomagnetic Field" (PhD Dissertation, 1970).
Leroy EdisonSievers, "Large Scale Geomagnetic Activity and the Direction of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field" (PhD Dissertation, 1969).
Rick KarlSkousen, "On the Relationship Between Flare-Producing Regions and Cosmic-Ray Decreases" (Masters Thesis, 1969).
Carl SmythChristensen, "Solar Cosmic Rays and the Interplanetary Magnetic Field" (Masters Thesis, 1968).
Stephen Llew JrJohnson, "Narrow-Band and Intermediate-Band Photometry of Globular Star Clusters" (Masters Thesis, 1968).
Helen ClaireSievers, "An Abundance Analysis of the B3 Star HD 37058" (Masters Thesis, 1968).
John SmithBeardall, "Standardization of the KHG Index for Star Classification" (Masters Thesis, 1968).
John BurtonWinters, "Relationship Between Mariner IV Interplanetary Magnetic Field Measurements and Solar Photospheric Magnetic Fields" (Masters Thesis, 1968).
Keith HenryStirling, "Some Large Scale Variations in the Interplanetary Magnetic Field Observed by Mariner IV Spacecraft and Their Relationship to Geomagnetism" (Masters Thesis, 1966).
Bruce KCarter, "An Evaluation of General Education in the Physical Sciences at Brigham Young University" (Masters Thesis, 1966).
James H.Karle, "c & 1 Photometry of Visual Binaries and the Galactic Cluster-Messier 39" (Masters Thesis, 1966).
Don MorrisWrathall, "A Portable Photometric System for Observing the Nocturnal Variation of the Sodium-D Emission from the Night Sky" (Masters Thesis, 1965).
Bruce K.Carter, "An Evaluation of General Education in the Physical Sciences at Brigham Young University" (Masters Thesis, 1965).
Ellis D., Jr.Miner, "Narrow-Band Photometry of F5-K5 Stars" (PhD Dissertation, 1965).
Douglas EmronJones, "A Measurement and Analysis of the Brightness Temperature Distribution over the Planet Venus at Wavelengths of 13.5 and 19 Millimeters utilizing the Mariner R II Spacecraft" (PhD Dissertation, 1964).
George EMatthews, "Narrow Band Photometry of the Beta Canis Majoris Variable Stars" (Masters Thesis, 1962).
Gordon CAugason, ""Photometry of Variable Stars - Part I: The Delta Scuti Stars" (Masters Thesis, 1961).
Wilford BruceHilton, "The Eclipsing Binary AW Pegasi" (Masters Thesis, 1961).
Loren RAnderson, "Astronomical Photometer" (Masters Thesis, 1960).
H KimballHansen, "A Spectrographic Study of the Eclipsing Binary RZ Scuti" (Masters Thesis, 1959).
KayBaker, "The Intensities of the H and H Absorption Lines of Early Type Stars" (Masters Thesis, 1958).
Duane R.Aston, "A Spectrographic Study of the Eclipsing Binary U Cephei" (Masters Thesis, 1957).

Theses, Captstones, and Dissertations

A New Photometric Redshift Method for Galaxies with 0.01 < z < 0.03 (by Jackson Steele)

We typically measure the redshift for distant galaxies using spectroscopy. Although spectroscopy is highly accurate, it requires the use of large telescopes (the time on which is limited). Photometric redshift, another technique, is highly imprecise but can be done on much smaller telescopes. We have created a new method to measure redshift photometrically that is an order of magnitude more precise than other photometric redshift techniques. To do this, we use three specialized narrow-band filters: two filters with variable (linear) transmission that are sloped oppositely (called 'ramp' filters), and a third 21nm FWHM filter to measure the continuum. These isolate the Hα emission-line for galaxies with 0.01 < z < 0.03. Because the transmission is variable in our ramp filters, the brightness of Hα in each filter is a function of the redshift. We have tested this method observationally with 16 Seyfert galaxies and computationally with 197 emission-line galaxies. We are able to predict the redshift with a standard error of 572 km/s. This error decreases for galaxies with stronger Hα emission, and we find that the error drops to 252 km/s if the Hα equivalent width is over 40 Angstroms.

Surveying Hidden Planets in Kepler Exoplanetary Systems Using Transit Timing Variations (by Abigail Graham)

During its prime mission, the Kepler Space Telescope found over 700 systems with more than one transiting planet. These multiple planet systems (multis) are the most information rich and dynamically interesting of all exoplanets. We picked 46 multis where one planet was experiencing transit timing variations (TTVs) not obviously caused by the other known planets. TTVs are caused by interactions between planets and therefore can provide evidence of additional, hidden planets in these systems. We first tried to determine if the TTVs could be reasonably explained by the known planets. We then projected six possible hidden planets for each system and performed the same analysis on the hidden planet in the strongest resonance with the TTV-experiencing planet that was estimated to be stable. Five of our systems have good fits with the known planets, 39 have good fits with the hidden planet added, and two require more work to find a satisfactory answer. This work significantly improves our understanding of the architectures of some of the most interesting multis from Kepler.

The Periods and Stability of ZZ Piscium (by Ian Clark)

In this paper, we present observations of ZZ Psc secured with the 0.4-meter OPO and 0.9-meter WMO telescopes at BYU and augmented with data from the AAVSO to search for previously unknown periods for ZZ Psc and verify those that have already been determined. We found what could possibly be a previously undiscovered period at 901 seconds. We found that many pulsation modes change in amplitude over the timescales of about a year. To find stabilities in these periods, we used O-C techniques. We found that nearly all these periods remained constant in observations with Johnson B, V, and clear filters.

Web-Based Controllers for the ROVOR Observatory (by Caleb Gaunt)

ROVOR is Brigham Young University’s remote observatory in Delta, UT that currently runs on TheSkyX software and other scripts. The current system, though, can be complicated and can only be accessed by one student or faculty member at a time. To solve these problems, a new observatory control system is being developed. The new system, Remote Observe, uses a web-based approach to provide easier access and greater extensibility to the system. Remote Observe has a user interface built using React and is hosted by Google Firebase with a database that tracks commands given to the system. Bret Little has programmed these parts to accept modules designed to interface with different pieces of equipment that utilize ASCOM Alpaca drivers, which present the equipment as an HTTP API. In order to complete a proof of concept, I have programmed a controller for a weather monitor and our custom Lifferth dome using Node.js. I researched the tools and libraries needed to accomplish the development of these controllers. After that, I engaged in a test-first development approach by writing code for automated unit tests that would verify the functionality of the controllers. I then developed the code for controllers until they functioned properly. To validate the system as it is, I found an ASCOM-made Alpaca equipment simulator and connected it the controllers, which I registered with the rest of the existing system. After finding a few bugs and writing a few more tests, I modified the code to where the system integrated with the simulator as expected. In the future, the system will be further developed by obtaining Alpaca-compatible equipment to connect the system to, developing the front-end, rewriting the script that controls the Lifferth dome in Node.js, and configuring the whole thing to run on Raspberry Pis onsite in Delta.

Search for Dwarf Emission Line Galaxies in Galaxy Voids (by Christian D Draper)

The population and formation of dwarf galaxies, Mr > −14, contain clues about the nature of dark matter. The best place to search for these dwarf galaxies without influence from nearby large galaxies is within galaxy voids, where no galaxies have yet been found. To search for this potential dwarf galaxy population we have developed and applied a new photometric technique. We use three redshifted Ha filters, designated Ha8, Ha12, and Ha16, along with the Sloan broadband filters, g', r', and i' to identify emission line galaxies. From the ratio of the object flux through the Ha filters, Ha12-Ha8 and Ha12-Ha16, we are able to determine the distance to these galaxies and the strength of the emission line captured in the filter set. One problem with using just the three Ha filters is that the system will be sensitive to any emission line which has been redshifted enough to fall within the set. Of particular concern are the [OII] and [OIII] lines which will contaminate the sample. To overcome this we use a color-color relation, g' - r' and r' - i', to help separate which type of emission has been detected. We have applied this method to search for galaxies within the void FN2 and FN8. From this we have found 23 candidate objects which could have Ha emission placing them inside of the void. To better understand the population density dwarf galaxies through voids we have also modeled the population of objects which we will detect having Ha emission compared to the contamination of back ground objects which we can then use to compare the density in the void with the mean galaxy density. We have also begun taking spectra of the emission objects, to ensure our method does detect emission line objects, to test how well the distance and emission strength determination is, and to begin identifying which type of emission we have detected. To date we have taken spectra on 6 objects. All 6 showed emission, 4 with [OII] and 2 with [OIII]. Though none was Ha we formed a “pseudo-redshift” to determine the accuracy of our measurements. This shows that our method is accurate to -127+-204 km/sec.

Exoplanetary Candidates Around HD100546 in Archival ACS Data (by Elisabeth Frischknecht)

Herbig Ae/Be (HAeBe) stars are classified as 2-10 solar mass pre-main sequence stars with protoplanetary disks. As a result, they are excellent candidates for observing exoplanets in the formative stages of their evolution. By constructing and then subtracting a model Point Spread Function from object frames, an image of the protoplanetary disk and any planets located within it is obtained. This technique was used to analyze archival Hubble Space Telescope images of HAeBe object HD100546, which is known to host at least one planet (HD100546b) that has been detected at near-infrared wavelengths by other telescopes. The supposed detection of HD100546b is likely a false positive, but it is possible that the planet is still located within the data and may be detectable upon further research.