SCIENCE
The following lists research projects I have conducted in my ongoing academic career in which I have gained a deep understanding of the methods and techniques used in observational astrophysics and data analysis. Through these projects, I have also developed a strong set of skills in programming and data visualization, which have allowed me to efficiently process and analyze large datasets.
Image Source: NASA/JHUAPL/SwRI
CONSTRUCTING A 3D GEOMORPHIC LANDSCAPE OF PLUTO’S CHARON
Coming soon
Tools Used: Python, Fastscape
CONSTRUCTING AND ANALYZING A V VERSUS V-I COLOR-MAGNITUDE DIAGRAM OF NGC 6791
Submitted to UCLA Department of Astronomy 180 Lab on November 27, 2022
Abstract: In this experiment, we observed the old, metal-rich open star cluster NGC 6791’s Color-Magnitude diagram by performing photometry on images from the Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 instrument with filters F606W (V band) and F814W (I band). We experimentally determined, through main-sequence fitting of the V versus V – I Color-Magnitude Diagram, the apparent magnitude in the V band to be 17.321 +- 0.05 mag, the V – I color to be 0.744 +- 0.041, and the distance to be 4.61 kpc.
Keywords: Photometry, Open Star Cluster, Age-Metallicity Relation, Color-Magnitude Diagram, Hubble Space Telescope
Tools Used: Python, MatPlotLib, MAST Archive
OBSERVING CY AQUARII PULSATION PERIOD AND COLOR VARIABILITY
Submitted to UCLA Department of Astronomy 180 Lab on November 9, 2022
Abstract: In this experiment, we utilized the UCLA 24-inch telescope to observe CY Aquarii’s pulsation period with V and I filters. We experimentally determined the magnitude of CY Aquarii to be in the range of 10.49 ± 3.3e-3 – 11.27 ± 5.9e-3 mag in the V band. These experimental values were used to determine a pulsation period of 82.3 with a percent uncertainty of 6.4% and to observe the color variability of CY Aquarii, in which we found it to experience shifts towards redder wavelengths during our observation.
Keywords: Variable Star, Photometry, Data Reduction, Calibration
Tools Used: Python, MatPlotLib
DETERMINING SOLAR SIDEREAL ROTATION PERIOD, ROTATIONAL VELOCITY, AND ANGULAR SIZE
Submitted to UCLA Department of Astronomy 180 Lab on October 21, 2022
Abstract: In this experiment, we utilized the UCLA Solar Heliostat to measure the Sun’s rotational velocity to be 1.87e3 +- 5.07106 m/s, the solar sidereal rotation period to be 21.57 +- 11 days, and the Sun’s angular size to be 0.487 +- 4.16e-5 degrees of arc. We then used these values to determine the Sun’s mass of 1.13e30 +- 3.33e46 kg, radius of 5.53e5 +- 2.07e10 km, and an Earth distance of 1.23e11 +- 1.22e27 m.
Keywords: Spectroscopy, Data Reduction, Doppler Shift, Sunspots, Solar Sidereal Rotation Period
Tools Used: Python, MatPlotLib
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY
Submitted to UCLA Department of Physics 18 Lab on March 13, 2022
Abstract: In this experiment, we aimed to measure the transition temperature of a superconductive material, BSCCO, by cooling it down with liquid Nitrogen (LN2). We compared our experimentally determined value for the critical temperature for the BSCCO material to be 107 ± 15 K to the accepted value of 110 K. This yielded a percent error of 2.7%.
Tools Used: myDAQ, Python, MatPlotLib
RADIOACTIVITY
Submitted to UCLA Department of Physics 18 Lab on March 12, 2022
Abstract: In this experiment, we were interested in measuring the radiation decay of a beta, gamma, and neutron source as well as calculating the half-lives of the two silver isotopes used for the neutron source. For 110Ag we determined a half-life of t(1/2) = 14 ± 1 s which is off from the theoretical value t(1/2)=26.6 s by a percent error of 43%. For 108Ag we determined a half-life of t(1/2)=77 ± 4 s which is off from the theoretical value t(1/2)=145.2 s by a percent error of 47%.
Tools Used: Geiger-Müller Counter, Pasco Software, Sr-90, Co-60, Ag, Polyethylene Absorber Set (0.01 - 0.6 cm), Lead Absorber Set (0.8 - 1.27cm), Python, MatPlotLib
VAN DE GRAAF GENERATOR
Submitted to UCLA Department of Physics 18 Lab on March 8, 2022
Abstract: In this experiment, we built a Van de Graaff generator that is capable of sourcing more than 30 kV using affordable materials. For our generator, we calculated a voltage output of 12000 ± 20 V, a current of 3.8e-9 ± 0.1 A, a capacitance of 3.3 ± 0.1 pF, and a holding charge of 3.96e-9 Coulombs. Through building our Van de Graaff generator and experimental analysis, we were able to gain a better understanding of Gauss’s Law, the triboelectric effect, and electrical impedance.
Tools Used: Low Voltage Power Supply, Digital Multimeter, Banana Plugs, Soda Can, Paper Clip, Rubber Bands, PVC Pipes, 3 VDC Motor, Disposable Cup, Electrical Tape, Stranded Wire
CHARGE-TO-MASS RATIO FOR ELECTRONS
Submitted to UCLA Department of Physics 18 Lab on March 5, 2022
Abstract: In this experiment, we were interested in determining the charge-to-mass ratio for electrons. Utilizing an e/m apparatus, we measured the electron beam inside a uniform magnetic field with calibrated current produced by two Helmholtz coils. The electron beam was measured by observing the radius of curvature the electrons traveled and results were corrected using a Gaussmeter. The charge to mass ratio for electrons we experimentally determined with the Gaussmeter’s correction was 1.69e11 +-0.06 C/kg
Tools Used: Kent e/m Experimental Apparatus Model Tg-13, GW 0-20 VDC (low voltage) Power Supply, 300 VDC (high voltage) Power Supply, Digital Multimeters, Ruler, Cloth Hood, Cables, Python, MatPlotLib
BALMER SERIES & RYDBERG CONSTANT
Submitted to UCLA Department of Physics 18 Lab on March 4, 2022
Abstract: In this experiment, we will utilize the method of spectroscopy to observe the line spectra produced by a Hydrogen tube, Sodium tube, and a mystery tube. Using an optical spectrometer with a diffraction grating, we will measure the diffraction angles of 1st and 2nd orders with slit interference maxima based on the principal 𝑑𝑠𝑖𝑛θ = 𝑚λ to help determine the Rydberg Constant for hydrogen 𝑅𝐻 = 10. 96776μ𝑚−1.
Tools Used: Precision Spectrometer, Hydrogen Tube, Sodium Tube, Python, MatPlotLib
THE PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT AND PLANCK’S CONSTANT
Submitted to UCLA Department of Physics 18 Lab on February 1, 2022
Abstract: In this experiment, students utilized the photoelectric effect to measure the ratio between Planck’s constant h and the charge of the electron e. The photoelectric effect was achieved by using a Planck’s Constant Apparatus that measured critical voltages of various LED lights with varying wavelengths. The critical voltages were obtained through the voltmeter on the apparatus and were fine tuned to an accuracy of -0.00 to 0.00 reading on the nanoammeter. Through data analysis, comparing the critical voltages to the frequency of wavelengths of the various LED lights will produce a graph of linear relationship and a slope of h/e.
Tools Used: Nano-Ammeter, Planck’s Constant Apparatus, Python, MatPlotLib