[Previous] | [Session 48] | [Next]

[48.05U] ROVOR: Optical Variability in Galactic Nuclei and GRB Afterglows

P.J. Brown (Brigham Young University), S.R. McNeil (BYU - Idaho), J.W. Moody (Brigham Young University)

We plan to use ROVOR (the Remote Observatory for Variable Object Research under development by Brigham Young University) to monitor the nuclear regions of normal galaxies. This will build up a database of images for each of the program galaxies (currently M31, M32, and M81) which will allow us to search for long term variability in their nuclei. Since theories point to the possibility of a black hole in the center of nearly all galaxies, each should be active to some degree. In searching for this variability, the theoretical models for galactic evolution and the presence of black holes can be constrained.

Another high priority target of a more serendipitous nature will be imaging the afterglows associated with gamma ray bursts and providing BVRI photometry for observable targets.

We will also present preliminary data obtained using the 16-in David Derrick Telescope of the Orson Pratt Observatory on the campus of BYU in preparation for the work of ROVER.

[Previous] | [Session 48] | [Next]

Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.