Young Astro-Scholars Summer 2023 Research Internship

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http://hdl.handle.net/1920/13588

This summer high school internship program is led by Dr. Peter Plavchan from the College of Science, and from the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. The program is an interactive STEM experience where students carry out a cutting-edge research program including the collection of data from the George Mason Observatories, and then analyze that data in support of genuine mission follow-up observations for the NASA TESS mission.

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Ground based light curve follow up confirmation of the planetary nature of TOI 3506.1
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Kanigicherla, Aarushi; Plavchan, Peter
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission gathers data for thousands of candidate exoplanets and their host stars (Zhang et al., 2022). In this paper we present research on candidate exoplanet TOI 3506.01, which orbits host star TOI 3506.01. The goal of this paper is to provide a ground based follow up of the planetary nature of TOI 3506.01. We took 249 exposures with the GMU 0.8 m telescope and reduced them, then we conducted ground based multi aperture photometry using AstroImageJ to generate a light curve. In addition, we plotted residuals and the fluxes of our target stars and adjusted trends within the data. We confirmed the planetary nature of TOI 3506.01, due to the visible transit on the ground based light curve.
Ground based light curve follow up observations and false positive testing for TESS Object of Interest 3553.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Kanigicherla, Aarushi; Plavchan, Peter; Collins, Kevin
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission gathers data for thousands of candidate exoplanets and their host stars (Zhang et al., 2022). In this paper we present research of TOI 3553, which is orbited by candidate exoplanet TOI 3553.01. The goal of this paper is to provide a ground based follow up of the planetary nature of TOI 3553.01. We also will confirm if TOI 3553 is a near eclipsing binary (NEB). We took 303 exposures with the GMU 0.8 m telescope and reduced them, then we conducted ground based multi aperture photometry using AstroImageJ to generate a light curve. Lastly, we conducted an NEB analysis on TOI 3553. We determined that TOI 3553.01 is not a near eclipsing binary. Due to the fact that the transit did not happen during the expected time, we did not confirm the planetary nature of TOI 3553.01.
Ground-based Light Curve Follow-up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest TOI 3792.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Ellis, Abigael; Plavchan, Peter
The goal of this study was to further confirm, characterize, and classify TESS Object of Interest (TOI) 3792.01. This was done by analyzing the stellar light curve of this object. We remotely obtained ground based data from the Observatory at George Mason University. The data was visualized using the software AstroImageJ. Although the data was skewed due to a fluctuating thin cloud cover and an 8 hour uncertainty period when observed by TESS, we found that by using less obscured reference stars and the WIDTH_T1 Detrending Parameter, we were able to find data clear enough to work with. However, this data still retained a scatter percentage (RMS) of 1.8%. While comparing the estimated light curve to the data collected, we found that the RMS dropped suddenly to 1.28% during an 8 hour period. However, this is obviously still imperfect. Therefore, the results for this study are inconclusive but suggestive. Though no direct conclusion can be reached at this time, more data should be collected to compare to the current data in order to confirm TOI 3792.01 as a transit.
Ground-Based Light Curve Follow-Up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest 5691.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Tong, Adam; Plavchan, Peter; Kriel, Aiden
Context. Transiting planets around host stars is crucial to understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Through TESS, TOI-5691.01 was identified around a host star, TOI-5691. Aims. The focus of this paper is on validating the transiting method leading to the identification of TOI-5691.01. We present the characterization and possible confirmation of a transiting exoplanet around a host star Methods. Using the software Lightkurve, we create TESS light curves. Through transit photometry, we also created a ground-based light curve and performed analysis using the software AstroImageJ to validate the transit of our candidate exoplanet. Due to the limited scope of our research, we did not perform other detection methods such as radial velocity measurement using a high-resolution spectrograph, and false-positive analysis using Vespa.
Ground-based Light Curve Follow-up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest TOI 5938.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Zeng, Alan; Plavchan, Peter
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has been extensively used to discover new exoplanet candidates. This ground-based follow-up aimed to provide further data and confirm the existence of TESS Object of Interest (TOI) 5938.01. This was done by using AstroImageJ to create and analyze the light curve. Observation data of TOI 5938.01 was obtained from George Mason University and was reduced and plate-solved using AstroImageJ. After generating a light curve using AstroImageJ, it is inconclusive whether or not there is a transit. This study aims to provide a foundation for future work that is necessary to determine if TOI 5938.01 has a transit or not.
Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations on TESS object TOI-5237.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Riotto, Allen; Kriel, Aiden; Plavchan, Peter
The goal of this observational study is to perform follow-up investigations on a potential exoplanet discovered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), and validate if the findings by TESS are accurate. Potential exoplanet TOI-5237.01, discovered in 2022, is located 604 parsecs away from Earth, and our observational study attempts to confirm the existence of this exoplanet. This process would involve using George Mason University’s 0.8m telescope, ansvr, and AstroImageJ to create a seeing profile and light curve to determine if an exoplanet transit is occurring. If one is detected, follow-up observations and false-positive validation can occur to account for any potential error. Unfortunately, our findings lacked sufficient data to make any concrete claims, as not enough measurements were gathered during the predicted ingress and egress. It is interesting to note that a transit was detected, and even though insufficient results were obtained from this investigation, future investigations can be performed to discover the origin of the detection.
Ground-based Light Curve Follow-up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest TOI-4064.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Howton, Cecilia; Plavchan, Peter
There have be 6,788 exo-planet candidates found by TESS alone, yet only 383 of them has been confirmed. We aimed to aid in the validation of these possible exo-planets, by checking for false positives (NEBs/EBs) and by using the transit method to analyze TOI 4064.01. Ultimately we did not receive a detection of a transit, possibly due to the dimness of the star or noise in our exposures.
Ground-based Light Curve follow-up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest TOI 5147.01 with V-Shaped Profile
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Xiao, Cindy; Plavchan, Peter; Collins, Kevin
Context The best-fit light curve model helps determine various characteristics of the exoplanet, such as its orbital period, radius, and sometimes even its atmospheric properties. Aims Conducting an analysis and interpretation of light curves derived from the provided dataset. The dataset contains various parameters for each observed slice of data, including saturated labels, Julian Dates, Heliocentric Julian Dates, Barycentric Julian Dates, air mass, object altitude, CCD temperature, exposure time, object coordinates, full width at half maximum (FWHM), source and sky radii, relative flux measurements, and associated errors for multiple comparison stars (C1 to C11) and the target star (T1). Methods Methodology employed for data processing, the extraction of photometric information, and the calculation of relevant parameters for each star in the dataset. The photometric measurements are compared to established values to validate the accuracy and consistency of the obtained results.
Ground Based Light Curve Follow-Up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest (TOI) 4620.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Cao, David; Pich, Leo; Plavchan, Peter
The TESS satellite scans the sky for possible exoplanets using the transit photometry method. Any possible exoplanet candidates are marked as Objects of Interest and selected for follow-up ground-based observation. This paper presents the results of follow-up ground based observation conducted on the candidate exoplanet TOI 4620.01. The goal of this observation was to determine if the transit detected for TOI 4620.01 occurred near the predicted star, and at the predicted time, with the predicted duration and orbital depth. Our observations showed that the transit occurred with all of the expected characteristics. This indicates that TOI 4620.01 is likely an actual exoplanet.
Ground-Based Follow-Up Observations of TESS Object of Interest TOI 3779.1
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Olaiz, Estefanía; Plavchan, Peter
This study presents the identification of an eclipsing binary system consisting of a 1.618-day orbital period, as determined through follow-up observations of the TESS Object of Interest (TOI) 3779.01 (TIC 275527293). Leveraging data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and ground-based observations from George Mason University's 16″ Dobsonian Strickland telescope in Fairfax, VA, Multi-Aperture Photometry using AstroImageJ (AIJ) was performed for photometric measurements, light curve plotting, and transit analysis. The resulting light curve and validation tests suggest TOI-3779.1 is likely an eclipsing binary system. All outcomes, including light curves, detrended data, and measurements, were submitted to ExoFOP (Exoplanet Follow-up Observation Program) for further examination and archiving.
Analysis of the Exoplanet Host Star Candidacy of TOI 5938.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Harish, Harisudhan; Plavchan, Peter
This study aimed to confirm if there is an exoplanet for TOI 5938.01. This goal was accomplished by using AstroImageJ to run multi-aperture photometry to generate a light curve for the TOI and then analyzing the light curve for the results. Through the light curve generated, I was able to confirm that TOI 5938.01 has a planet. This result is important for future missions, as the list of known exoplanets will have expanded with my analysis.
Transit Method Analysis for Exoplanet Detection Validation Observations for TESS Object of Interest 3553.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Singh, Jayarsh; Plavchan, Peter; Collins, Kevin
The goal of this observational research was to further develop a conclusion for the confirmation of TIC 239628993 (TOI 3553.01) as an exoplanet, originally detected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). We used the transit method to measure the light emitted from a system's host star and plotted data values throughout the exoplanet's transit. To increase the effectiveness of the transit method, we used image calibration, stack editing, image stabilization/alignment, interactive macro settings, multi-aperture photometry, and differential photometry, all supplied via the software AstroImageJ. Using the features of AstroImageJ, we compared the emitted light of the target star to those of numerous surrounding stars, and generated light curves consisting of normalized and best-fit data. Based on the best-fit modeled light curve, TIC 239628993 (TOI 3553.01) was classified as an exoplanet However, the light curve showed that the host star's brightness consistently decreased towards the end of the data set, not showing the returning increase of brightness. The decrease in emitted light was deemed sufficient to further support the classification of TIC 239628993 as an exoplanet, but based on these tentative results, the transit of the exoplanet as it passed in front of its host star was rendered an incomplete (partial) transit.
Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object of interest TOI 3877.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Pierson, Kevin; Helm, Ian; Plavchan, Peter
Context Exoplanets have been a fairly recent topic of interest in the field of astronomy, only having been discovered for a few decades. However, despite the youth of their discovery, they’ve been a crucial part of astronomical studies; especially those orbiting their parent star in the “Goldilocks Zone”. These Earth-like planets could potentially serve as future homes for humanity, which is why they’re a huge topic of interest. Aims The goal of this investigation is to study data regarding the star Tess Object of Interest (TOI) 3877 to confirm suspicions that it is an exoplanet transiting in front of its star that is responsible for the dimming of its light levels. Methods The app AstroImageJ will be used to study and interpret the data of TOI_3877 by taking multiple images captured during the night of observation, sorting them based on shutter settings and exposure length, aligning them, and finally by cutting out outside noise to gather the light levels taken over the period of exposure and making a light curve graph.
Validation and Analysis of Exoplanetary Transit TOI594 4.01 Using Ground-based Observations
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Wang, Hanxian; Plavchan, Peter
This study explores the realm of transiting exoplanets, focusing on the TESS mission. Using data from George Mason University, we calibrated the images in AstroImageJ using Dark and Flat frames to optimize image quality. We examined TOI5944-01, extracting a detailed light curve showing potential exoplanetary transits. AstroImageJ tools enabled initial analysis, with further modeling in Python's exoplanet package. Comparing our results with existing research offers fresh perspectives on exoplanet dimensions and orbits.
Ground-Based Observations on TESS Exoplanet 5691.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Seeda, Rishab; Plavchan, Peter
Our study aimed to study and characterize data on Object of Interest 5691.01, an exoplanet detected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). We remotely obtained pre-reduced ground-based data of TOI 5691.01 from the George Mason University Observatory in Fairfax, Virginia. Using AstroImageJ software and Python collaboratories, we compiled a group of photos of our target exoplanet and detected its light pattern by creating charts that detail the exoplanet’s journey through its orbit. There is a certain period when the exoplanet passes in front of its star, allowing George Mason’s Observatory Telescope to intake light rays from the star that reflected off the exoplanet. The colors of these rays are altered by the biological makeup of the exoplanet and thus give us researchers an insight into the materials and makeover of the exoplanet. This is what we attempted to discover through our research.
Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object of interest TOI 3779.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Joseph, Samuel T.; Plavchan, Peter
The objective of this study is to determine if TESS object of interest TOI 3779.01 is an exoplanet which is currently classified as a possible candidate in the NASA Exoplanet Archive. The raw telescope data of TOI 3779.01 was collected from the GMU Observatory. These images were reduced, plate solved, and aligned using AstroImageJ to generate a light curve of TOI 3779.01’s transit. There is a dimming of the host star during the transit period, however, since there was notable light pollution during the observational night and nearby reference stars failed the NEB (Nearby Eclipsing Binary) check, the aperture could have been contaminated. To find the planet-to-star radius ratio of TOI 3779.01 we first used the transit depth (6.93 ppt) calculated from our transit model in AstroImageJ to get a ratio value of 0.083246. Using the transit model ratio and transit depth, the radius of TOI 3779.01 is 0.09152 R☉(stellar radius). This value comes close with two other estimates: the first is using the TESS predicted transit depth (8.8) which yielded 0.103189 R☉ and the other is a python probabilistic model which predicted 0.037. These calculations assumes that the stellar radius of the host star is 1.1 R☉. Based on the large radius, we classified TOI 3779.01 as a Hot Jupiter. However, since the aperture was contaminated, the findings of this study can be further used by the TESS team to do more research employing other methods like spectroscopy and chromaticity.
Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object of interest TOI 3616.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Bhardwaj, Tanush; Plavchan, Peter
TESS object of interest TOI 3616 was investigated using George Mason University’s ground-based telescope. The goal of this investigation is to provide follow-up research on TOI 3616.01. Using AstroImageJ, a light curve was generated to provide more insight into the flux data. Due to the large amount of exposures needed to be removed, the data remains inconclusive. However, the generated light curve may produce viable data for future analyses.
Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object ofinterest TOI 3576.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Suphian, Tayba; Plavchan, Peter
TESS is a satellite dedicated to finding exoplanets that may be orbiting nearby stars. Since its launch, it has discovered more than 6000 TO Is, or Targets of lnterests. The goal of this study is to confirm that TOI-3576.01 is an exoplanet. We used multi-aperture photometry to analyze data and extract a light curve. Then, we analyzed the light curve in order to verify that there was a transit.
Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object of interest TOI 3737.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Yang, William; Plavchan, Peter
Context: The study focuses on TESS Object of Interest (TOI) follow-ups, by light curve analysis of data taken by ground based observatories. TESS has provided a wealth of photometric data, but ground-based observations are essential to refine parameters and confirm planetary candidates. Aims: Our primary goal is to enhance the understanding of a TOI by conducting a meticulous ground-based follow-up. Through precise light curve analysis, we aim to confirm the planetary nature of TOI and refine its orbital parameters, ultimately contributing to the characterization of a possible exoplanet. Methods: We collected high-quality ground-based photometric data using observatory telescopes and instruments. By reducing and analyzing these data, we carried out a light curve analysis to validate TOI's planetary status.
Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object of interest TOI 4620.01
(George Mason University, 2023-10) Chen, Zirui; Plavchan, Peter
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a space telescope for NASA's Explorer program, designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method in an area 400 times larger than that covered by the Kepler mission. During its first two years in orbit, the TESS spacecraft concentrated its gaze on several hundred thousand specially chosen stars, looking for small dips in their light caused by orbiting planets passing between their host star and us. Because of the low spatial resolution of its cameras, TESS is expected to detect several false positives (FPs). It can identify as NEB (Nearby Eclipsing Binary), BEB (Blended Eclipsing Binary) or EB (Eclipsing Binary).We use AIJ(AstroImageJ) to find the TOI 4620.01 and create the lightcurve. We found that the brightness of the planet tends to decrease around the predicted time. After that we identify there is a transit.