Title:
Discovering Cepheid and RR Lyrae Stars: PanSTARRS Science Archive @ STScI
and Robotically Controlled Telescopes
Abstract:
Cepheid and RR Lyrae stars are an integral part of the cosmic distance
ladder and are also useful for studying galactic structure and stellar
ages. This project aims to greatly expand the number of known Cepheid and
RR Lyrae stars in our galaxy through use of the PanSTARRS-1 3pi catalog and
robotically controlled telescopes. Candidate targets are selected from the
cataloged stars based on color and variability index. Then the candidates
are fully vetted using robotic telescopes: the RCT 1.3 meter (Arizona) and
RATIR 1.5 meter (Mexico). Here I present my work done this summer to
develop a full, semi-automated prescription from candidate selection, to
targeted follow-up photometry, to cataloging and classification. The goal,
through continued observation and analysis into the fall, is to identify at
least 10,000 new variables, hundreds of which will be new Cepheid and RR
Lyrae stars.
Powerpoint is attached.
Thank you!