Measuring the cycles of variable stars.
Measuring the cycles of variable stars.
Variations in light intensity of variable stars can be used
to explore the frontiers of physics, as well as assisting
in the search for planets that might support life forms.
With support from the Teaching & Learning committee,
a number of astronomical telescopes (8-inch and 8.75-inch)
are available for use in fourth year projects, and
this project proposes that a student would carry out the
image processing and analysis to locate and accurately
measure the cycle of a variable start such as Beta Persei (Algol).