M. F. Smutko, G. Wolf-Chase (Adler Planetarium)
The faculty of the Adler’s astronomy department carries out research on a wide range of astronomical topics in addition to their pubic outreach and educational activities. Since 2003, the Adler has partnered with the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) to involve IMSA students in this research process and to provide mentoring for students on site at the Adler. Students learn the fundamentals of professional research techniques and learn how to process raw image data into scientifically useful results. To perform their research, the students learn how to use the data-reduction packages IDL and IRAF. To date, student projects have included monitoring AGN variability at visible wavelengths and studying high-mass star forming regions in the near-infrared. Students participating in this program have done exceedingly well, winning awards for their work and continuing on to major in science as undergraduates. We describe the details of this ongoing program and present samplings of the students’ work.
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #2
© 2005. The American Astronomical Soceity.