Aztec Project: Arizona Transient Exploration and Characterization
For the year 2015/2016, we will be using the U of A’s Kuiper 61″ telescope on Mt. Lemmon to explore transiting exoplanets. We will use photometric methods to calculate better parameters on known transiting exoplanets, explore Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere and possibly detect the presence of molecular hydrogen and/or water in the atmosphere of various exoplanets.
For more information, please contact:
Project Lead: Dr. Jennifer Andrews, jandrews@as.arizona.edu
Dr. Wen-fai Fong, wfong@email.arizona.edu
Project Advisor: Dr. Nathan Smith, nathans@as.arizona.edu
Exoplanet Project:
The University of Arizona Astronomy Club has had an active research project in the field of exoplanet study for multiple years.
In 2015/2016, We will be using the U of A’s Kuiper 61″ telescope on Mt. Lemmon to explore transiting exoplanets. We will use photometric methods to calculate better parameters on known transiting exoplanets, explore Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere and possibly detect the presence of molecular hydrogen and/or water in the atmosphere of various exoplanets. We will learn methods of observing exoplanets using photometry as well as data reduction methods.
For more information, contact:
Project Lead: Ryleigh Fitzpatrick, fitzpatrickm@email.arizona.edu
Project Advisor: Dr. Caitlin Griffith, griffith@lpl.arizona.edu
Binocular Telescope Project:
The Astronomy Club is building its own binocular telescope, inspired by the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) on Mount Graham. We call it the Small Binocular Telescope (SBT). We have secured two 10″ f/4.5 mirrors from Celestron, and have also purchased two 2.5″ secondary mirrors. We are currently working on structural design and final assembly.
Radio Astronomy Project:
We will be investigating a type of molecular cloud known as starless cores using the 12m Radio telescope on Kitt Peak. We will be looking to support or show evidence against a hypothesis that seeks to explain a mass discrepancy between starless cores and clouds that may already contain a protostar!
Project Lead: Jenny Calahan, jcalahan@email.arizona.edu
Project Advisor: Dr. Yancy Shirley, yancyshirley@gmail.com, yshirley@email.arizona.edu
If you would like to participate in the development of these or future projects, or if you would like to have a demonstration at an event, please contact Marina Dunn, the current University of Arizona Astronomy Club Outreach Functionary, using the email address listed on our "Contact Us!" page.
Planetarium Project: This past year, we built a portable planetarium that we can take with us to Star Parties! Now, if the weather keeps us from observing with telescopes, we can still look at the stars! For more information on this project, please contact Yaqing Su, using the email address listed on our "Contact Us!" page.
Local Astronomical Phenomena Project: We have completed 4 local star models; two of which are in use at the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter, one which currently resides in the Steward Observatory lobby, and one which we take to educational outreach events. Additional projects in the planning stages are the Local Group of Galaxies, and Globular Clusters in our Galaxy.
Educational Outreach: We are always seeking out ways to educate the public about astronomy. Throughout the year we host star parties, participate in College of Science events, help out at local schools, and many other events.
Star Parties: Throughout the year we host star parties at various locations. We hold a regular FREE star party for the public at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center every first Saturday of each month from 5:30-9pm, weather permitting. We safely look at the sun through telescopes with filters until sunset, at which time we look at other astronomical phenomena and track satellites as they cross the sky.