Research Projects

Carbon Stars Photometric & Spectroscopic Survey

Coordinator: Trương Ly (USTH) - Photometric survey, Nguyễn Đức Nguyên (USTH) - Spectroscopic survey

In this project, we will use all three telescopes (QNO, NTO, TNO) to conduct photometric & spectroscopic surveys towards newly classified carbon stars.

Targeted observations of artificial satellites at QNO, TNO, NTO

Coordinator: Duong Tuan Anh (CEA Saclay), John Hoang (Berkeley), Quang Nguyen-Luong (AUP), Le Quang Thuy (QNO), Nguyen Van Tue (QNO)

Artificial satellites play crucial roles in our modern way of life, contributing to advances in many areas ranging from communication, navigation to scientific research. However, the rapid proliferation of man-made satellites, particularly the satellite constellations from Starlink, has led to the concerns in the astronomy community about their impact on astronomical observations (Przemek, et al, 2022). This is a complex issue, requiring balances between our technological advances and our ability to explore the universe. On one hand, multiple satellite constellations from several countries, estimated to consist of more than 100,000 individual satellites (Lang, et al, 2023), promise to deliver internet coverage to even the remotest areas on Earth. However, many of these satellites are extremely reflective, capable of glinting or reflecting sunlight, creating optical signals that affects ground-based optical astronomical observations.
In this projects, we will develop a system to observe satellite using three optical observatories equipped with 20-inch class telescopes in Vietnam. This location is near the Equator so both hemispheres can be easily observed. The largest telescope with its 23-inch mirror is hosted at Quy Nhon Observatory (QNO) and is a part of Explorascience Quy Nhon. This complex, designed to encompass 12.6 hectares in the Ghenh Rang Ward of Quy Nhon City, aims to enhance the accessibility of science to the public and inspiring the youth’s passion for scientific inquiry and creativity. We will demonstrate the telescope’s capability of tracking satellites and the telescope’s sensitivity, and conduct quantitative analysis of the impacts on non-targeted (accidental) detection of satellite trails during regular observations. 

The dataset that we created can be used for various applications such as new calibrations of astrophysical parameters, the standardization of new observations, and as additional information for ongoing and forthcoming all-sky surveys with telescope from Vietnam. 

Publication

Hoang, et al. in prep.

Broadband High-Resolution Spectrograph for Small Telescopes - DAMSAN

Coordinators: Nguyen Duc Nguyen, Nguyen Thanh Hau. 

Abstract: The DAMSAN spectrometer project aims to design and construct an affordable, high-resolution cross-dispersed echelle spectrograph optimised for use with small telescopes. The spectrometer will achieve a resolving power of approximately R~15,000, covering the optical spectrum from 340 nm to 980 nm. DAMSAN will facilitate the study of X-ray binaries, compact objects, and other bright astronomical phenomena by providing an accessible yet powerful tool for amateur and professional astronomers alike. This project builds upon the foundation of the Bifrost spectrometer, improving and expanding its capabilities.

Mini observatory at Tay Nguyen University

Coordinators: Nguyen Van Manh, Bui Huu Hoang, Mai Le Vi, Dang Huu Linh, Nguyen Cuong Trieu, Nguyen Duc Nguyen, Le Minh Tan.

Abstract: We aim to develop a DIY Observatory using our design for telescopes at TNU. The observatory can be controlled remotely via Home Assistant. It also contains an All-sky camera for sky monitoring.

Eclipsing binary

Coordinators:

Abstract: 

Photometric survey of Blue Large-Amplitude Pulsators and Other Short-Period Variable Stars 

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.17715

Coordinator: Next student, need to be trained in photometry.

Spectroscopic survey

Coordinator: Next student, need to be trained in spectroscopy.

East Asian Occultation Monitoring Network

Contact: fumi.yoshida.ermei@gmail.com

https://www.perc.it-chiba.ac.jp/iota-ea/wp/

Projects in the past

Abcd

Coordinator:

Abstract: