Reduce Spectra of Quasars

This opportunity is for Caltech students only

Project Title:

Project Description:

Help reduce spectra of quasars taken with the Palomar 200 inch telescope. The main goal is to look for the absorption signature of galaxies that happen to be in front of the quasar sight lines. Ultimately, galaxies discovered this way will be carefully studied in the future with various techniques. The project involves learning, then use of IRAF, a major astronomical software commonly used for processing astronomical data.

Background Information:

The formation and evolution of galaxies is one of the most fascinating areas of research in astronomy. The best way to study these processes is to examine galaxies at different stages of their evolution. The goal of this program is to discover young galaxies in the very early universe (when the universe is about 1/10 of its current age) which can then be studied in detail in order to understand their formation and evolution.

Literature references or articles that may provide more information on the project:

Wolfe, et al, (1986) Astrophysical Journal, supplement series V61, p. 249
Wolfe (1997), OJD Absorption Lines: Probing the Universe, eds. J.C. Blades, D.A. Turnshek, & C.A. Norman, Cambridge University Press, p. 297

Requirements (skills, specific coursework, academic major, year in school, etc.):

Should be familiar with Unix systems; preferable astronomy or physics major; 2nd year and up. Previous experience with astronomical research highly desirable, but not required.

Research Sponsor Name: Limin Lu
E-Mail: ll@astro.caltech.edu
Division: PMA
Telephone: 4421
Address: 105-24

For further information contact Dr. Lu, Room 6, Robinson

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