24th Annual Student Research Conference
Observing Variable Stars in the Infrared
Zachary J. Minute
Dr. Matthew M. Beaky, Faculty Mentor
A A variable star is any star that exhibits a fluctuation in its brightness when viewed from Earth. We have made photometric measurements of several variable stars in the infrared, which is a relatively unexplored part of the electromagnetic spectrum for variable stars. Observations were made in the J and H bands (wavelengths of approximately 1.2 and 1.6 microns, respectively) using the Optec SSP-4 infrared photometer and the 10- and 14-inch telescopes at the Truman Observatory. We were able to track the changing brightness of these stars over the time periods appropriate to the various stars observed. We also investigated the effect of air mass on the apparent brightness of stars in the J and H bands of the infrared.
Keywords: variable star, infrared, airmass, photometry
Topic(s):Astronomy
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 27-3
Location: MG 1096
Time: 1:45