Blog Post #2

This is Siril, the platform I use for stacking and processing my data before doing photometry. 

This is AstroImageJ, the platform I use for photometric measurements. 

In summary, my project is, as an amateur astronomer, to determine how well I can determine distances to galaxies using photometry of Type Ia supernovae. I am performing photometry on two clusters of stars to determine the accuracy of the the process before doing it on the supernova. If accurate, it can have huge implications for the field of astrophysics and cosmology. See the rest of the site for more information on this. 

So far in the process, I have collected all of my data for 2025rbs. I have also imaged the clusters, but I have not began the photometric analysis of the clusters themselves. I am soon to analyze the rest, but I have to finish stacking the images of the clusters and the method I will use to extrract the maximum brightness on the supernova. Dr. Igel and I will be working together more in the coming weeks to help resolve and clean up these last kinks. 

The hardest thing I've encountered in the research process so far is the difficulty maintaining consistent work output. This is a combination of timing, motivation, and an unlikely lack of supernovae in the sky. For the most part, I am on track, but I have had to shift my project slightly so that I can do photometry on open clusters. Specifically, M36 and M38, colloquially known as the Pinwheel and Starfish clusters respectively. For more information, see the methodology section. I am now done with data collection as a whole, but getting the numerical numbers and analyzing it will take a long time more. What's going well is the actual process of collecting and analyzing data. The methods I've been using have been working smoothly. The only hiccup left lies in statistical analysis because I am unfamiliar with the different ways to go about it. I will begin to bring everything together soon, and with Dr. Igel, and synthesis it into the presentation and paper that are due in April. The thing that I've learned the most in the process is that consistent work over time is difficult, but rewarding. I've grown in that way, although I still have far more growth ahead of me, especially in relation to the mental health management involved as well. 

So far, the data that is the most interesting to me is my rough prelinimary distance measurement that is fairly accurate. Later, I will calculate my accurate number, but this is hopeful. Additionally, the cluster images were much more precise and well-focused than much of my other images of the supernova which will only improve accuracy in photometry. 

I am very happy with the overall project and process overall. I have made great progress and will continue to make great progress as I have closer to the presentation. I am excited to see where it goes going forward.