ATNF/AAO Summer Vacation Student Symposium
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Marsfield Lecture Theatre, 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
ABSTRACTS OF TALKS
BELINDA NICHOLSON (AGUSS)
Supervisor: Bernadette Rodgers
Title: Observations of Herbig Ae/Be Stars with NICI: Searching for Companions
Abstract: ?
STEVEN SAFFI (AGUSS)
Supervisor: Percy Gomez
Title: The Formation History of Massive Luminous BCGs
Abstract:
JEFF HODGSON (CASS)
Supervisors: Björn Emonts and Ilana Feain
Title: Black-hole feedback in powerful radio galaxies
Abstract: Neutral hydrogen is extremely important in the universe, being the fuel for star formation and active galactic nuclei (AGN) among other things. The HI line in radio spectra allows us to trace the location of neutral hydrogen gas (the reason for this is due to complicated quantum physics...). By detecting the location of the gas, we can attempt to solve the problem of what triggers AGN and the difference between different kinds of AGN and radio galaxies. AGN are extremely massive and bright objects, thought to contain a super-massive black hole (SMBH) which emits matter out at near the speed of light in the form of jets. An HI 'bridge' was detected in a certain kind of radio galaxy, which was undergoing a galaxy merger. In this project we look at other similar radio galaxy types to investigate if this HI 'bridge' is a common feature.
BRIAN BAUMGARTNER (AAO)
Supervisor: Anthony Horton
Title: Focal Ratio Degradation for Novel Fiber Geometries
Abstract: Focal ratio degradation is the decrease in focal ratio (or equivalently the increase of numerical aperture) of a beam of light that has been transported through a multimode optical fibre. Multimode fibres are frequently used in astronomical instruments such as multi-object and integral field spectrographs due to poor coupling efficiency inherent to single mode fibre use. Focal ratio degradation has potentially serious consequences for these instruments, as it means that they require faster, more difficult to produce optics, and any focal ratio degradation beyond design specification will result in loss of light. Fibres with non-circular core cross-sections (square and octagonal) have been investigated for their suitability in astronomical application, however the focus has been primarily on scrambling properties, with focal ratio degradation, a secondary concern. More importantly, the fibres used in these investigations differed not only in core geometry, but also in core size, component thicknesses, and materials. The highly heterogeneous nature of the sample makes drawing any firm conclusions about the effect of any single factor impossible, however the results did suggest that lower focal ratio degradation may be possible with non-circular core fibres. For this reason we have undertaken a more systematic investigation to study the effects of core geometry and core size in isolation. We have obtained circular, square, and hexagonal core fibres that are identical in all respects, apart from core geometry, as well as a sample of circular core fibres that differ only in size. In order to perform the focal ratio degradation measurements, we an assembled experimental apparatus with several novel aspects designed to address issues that have limited the accuracy of previous measurements. We present project progress to date, including future goals and potential implications to astronomical research.
RICKY NEIL (CASS)
Supervisor: Mike Keith & George Hobbs
Title: Reprocessing the Parkes 70cm pulsar survey
Abstract: This talk will focus on the Fourier and single pulse search techniques along with the programs and operations used to determine whether a pulsar candidate is really a pulsar. A new type of RFI nicknamed a 'mimic' will also be discussed.
SUE KNIGHT (CASS)
Supervisor: Shane O'Sullivan
Title: Probing the Magnetic Field of the Relativistic Jet in the AGN 2200+420 on Milliarcsecond Scales
Abstract: A brief discussion of the study of the physical parameters and magnetic field properties of AGN jet 2200+420 on milliarcsecond scales. Data is taken from VLBA observations at 12GHz, 15GHz, 22GHz and 43Ghz frequencies.
ELISE HAMPTON (AAO)
Supervisor: Sarah Brough
Title: Close Companions of Brightest Cluster Galaxies and Non-Central Galaxies
Abstract: Brightest Cluster Galaxies (BCGs) are located at the centres of clusters of galaxies and are some of the most massive galaxies in the Universe. However, it is not yet understood how they came to be so massive, whether it is a result of their mass or their environment. Comparing the properties of BCGs to those of galaxies selected to be non-central galaxies (NCGs) of a similar mass allows us to disentangle the effects of mass and environment. I have analysed the numbers of close companions of BCGs and NCGs with the aim of determining whether it is only the mass of the host galaxy that determines the number of major mergers or if the environment of the host galaxy also plays a part.
DANIEL ROXBY (CASS)
Supervisors: Russell Gough and Kanapathippillai Jeganathan
Title: The ASKAP Prime Focus Cooling System
Abstract: The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder, situated in the desert of Western Australia, will be using complex electronics for the Phased Array Feed to be housed in the Prime Focus of each of the 36 telescopes. The performance characteristics of the Phased Array Feed amplifiers are very sensitive to changes in temperature and therefore good temperature stability is required. Several tests have been run to establish theoretical thermal models. These models have been used to develop a controller which will keep the temperature of the Phased Array Feed stable within a range. Initial results with a digital controller have validated the models, and the system is controllable. The amplifiers are also extremely sensitive to noise, and so an analogue system is ideal. With the thermal models shown to be valid, and a basic controller shown to work effectively, an analogue controller has been designed which will suit overall system requirements. Once the analogue controller has been realised, it will be tested as part of the overall system tests at Marsfield, Parkes and Boolardy. The design approach and philosophy will be presented, along with current results for the digital controller.
NICOLE SABATINO (CASS)
Supervisors: Chris Hollingdrake and Rob Hollow
Title: People, Pulsars, PowerPoint Presentations and Parkes
Abstract: Do they play cricket on the Dish? I got asked this question and many more everyday thanks to that famous Aussie movie about the Parkes Radio Telescope. My project was to develop exciting and informative presentations for people visiting the Parkes radio telescope over the busy Christmas, New Year period. I presented three shows daily, one about the “Dish’s” involvement in the Moon landing, another introducing radio astronomy and one that took people on an interactive tour of our solar system. The other part of my project was to develop a pre-visit teacher resources book for school students visiting the centre. This contains 10 mini science activities and experiments related to astronomy, space science and the NSW Earth and its Surroundings syllabus.
TYE YOUNG (CASS)
Supervisors: James Green and Shinji Horiuchi
Title: Mapping interstellar molecular emission lines with the Tidbinbilla 70m radio telescope
Abstract: The Tidbinbilla 70m telescope is the most sensitive single dish antenna in the southern Hemisphere and currently sees limited usage. The process of obtaining molecular maps at the Tidbinbilla 70m antenna is discussed. The ammonia emission of two sources, Orion-KL and Carina are observed and analyzed. These results asre used to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the telescope and demonstrate how implementation of On The Fly (OTF) mapping could improve the usage of the telescope and ultimately the scientific throughput.
GLEN REES (CASS)
Supervisors: Shari Breen, Lisa Harvey-Smith and James Green
Title: A new stellar fountain of water maser emission
Abstract: A short presentation on the author’s reduction and investigation of three high velocity water masers. These sources originally known by their galactic coordinates as 355.134-0.300, 15.969-0.241 and 21.800- 0.128 have been observed with the ATCA after being discovered by the H20 Southern Galactic Plane Survey (HOPS) and identified as interesting high velocity sources. For the purposes of a Summer Vacation project (29-11-2010 to 12-01-2011) I have reduced and analyzed the data from the ATCA observations and produced continuum, line and self-calibrated line images of the sources. The results were analyzed to better define the orientations, velocities and other properties of each maser. Multi-wavelength data has been used to try and classify the sources into Post Asymptotic Giant Branch (P-AGB) or High Mass Star-forming Region (HMSR) masers. Finally this project’s development as part of the summer student program and its significance are being used as part of CSIRO outreach and media material.
ALEX MATHEWS (CASS)
Supervisors: George Hobbs and Rob Hollow
Title: The PULSE@Parkes Single Pulse Module
Abstract: The Pulse@Parkes is an outreach project which allows high school to use the Parkes radio telescope to make observations of pulsars. I will be presenting a new interactive module which uses data collected by students to teach about pulse periods and pulse folding. I will also present some techniques for converting de-dispersed single pulse data into sound files suitable for outreach purposes.
SCOTT THOMAS (AAO)
Supervisor: Simon O'Toole
Title: SPADES: The Search for Planets Around Detached Eclipsing Systems
Abstract: I present the results of an investigation into the lightcurves of eclipsing binary stars observed by the 11cm SuperWASP survey cameras. A series of semi-automated routines for the analysis of these observations was developed and documented for future use by other SPADES astronomers. Twenty targets from SuperWASP were analysed this way. The periods of these targets were determined to better than 1 second accuracy, and times of minimum light to between 2 and 20 seconds accuracy. Three targets with eccentric orbits were also detected, including one displaying apsidal motion. This information will serve as the basis for a catalogue of eclipsing binaries, and the routines may be used in future for further SuperWASP or other data releases.
EMMA LINDLEY (CASS)
Supervisor: Ilana Feain and Björn Emonts
Title: The radio continuum structure of Centaurus A
Abstract: In 2009, a team led by Dr. Ilana Feain used the Compact Array to create a mosaic image of Centaurus A, the nearest radio galaxy to Earth. Its proximity, combined with the resolving power of the array, have resulted in a spatial resolution on the order of 600pc, making it the most detailed image of any radio galaxy to date. It is therefore an ideal case study on the structure and evolution of radio galaxies, providing information about both the intrinsic properties of its nucleus and the surrounding medium. In this talk, I will describe the main features present in the continuum emission and some possible explanations of their origins.
FLORENT BASTIEN (AAO)
Supervisors: Will Saunders and Jessica Zheng
Title: Liquid atmospheric dispersion corrector
Abstract: I am studying at the French Air Force academy to become an engineer officer. I am in my last year of study and to graduate I am doing an internship at the AAO until the end of March. I am working on a project of liquid atmospheric dispersion corrector. Because of the dispersion of light by the atmosphere, dispersion correctors have to be set up on telescopes, otherwise the different colours of the star we are looking are dispersed and its image is spread. Usually, the correctors are made with glass prisms but for giant telescopes, the required-size of the prisms makes them difficult to build. Moreover, the glass prisms have to be rotated according to the angle between the zenith and the telescope's axis. That is why, the idea of the project is to replace glass prisms by two non-miscible liquids in a little container placed very close to the focus plane. Liquid prisms are formed because the container follows the angle of the telescope whereas the interface of the two liquids remains horizontal thanks to gravity. Consequently, the system is automatically adaptive. However, the two liquids have to have some specific properties which make them difficult to find. Today, two couples of liquids have been found. The computer simulation of the effect of these two couples gives good results. Consequently, they have been ordered to be tested, which will be the next step of the project.
RIAN FINNEGAN (CASS)
Supervisor: Ryan Shannon
Title: The Crab Pulsar: Gamma-rays and Giant Pulses
Abstract: The crab pulsar is one of several pulsars that are known to emit giant pulses, which are some of the brightest objects in the radio sky. The goal of my project is to test for correlation between gamma-ray emission and giant pulse emission. By exploring the relationship between these two different forms of emission, we can test different models of giant pulse emission for validity. Further, we may find evidence for or against current models for normal pulsar emission.