20th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Infrared Photoelectric Photometry of Mira Type Variable Stars
Oleksiy Golovin
Dr. Matthew M. Beaky, Faculty Mentor
Mira-type variable stars are pulsating red giant stars that are in the later stages of stellar evolution. Over sixty-six thousand stars are variable stars; of these, over six thousand are Mira-type variable stars, and about two thousand are suspected of being Mira-type stars. By studying this class of stars, we gain a clearer insight into the physical processes that take place in Sun-like stars as they reach the end of their lives. In this project we used an Optec SSP-4 infrared photoelectric photometer at the Truman Observatory to acquire data and construct light curves of Mira type stars. Very few observations of Mira type stars have been made in infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, so comparing light curves at infrared and visible wavelengths should yield new information about this important class of stars. Preliminary infrared light curves of several Mira type variable stars will be presented.
Keywords: astronomy, astrophysics, sun, variable stars, physics, infrared, photometer, observatory
Topic(s):Physics
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 13-3
Location: VH 1416
Time: 8:45 am