IRTF Observation Lab Report

IRTF Observation Report

September 10, 2015

Tracey Epperson

Abstract

Performed an IRTF observing on the night of September 10^th from the observatory at the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii.  The observations took place from 0530 to 1100 local time.  In this time the following stars were observed: EV Lac, LO Peg, and GJ 3305.  Flats were taken in between the looks at stars and at the end of the night darks were taken.  Towards the end of the night problems with the guider started to occur and guiding was lost at around 1030.

Introduction

The purpose of these observations were to determine if certain M class dwarf stars have exoplanets.  It is easier to detect exoplanets around smaller stars such as M class stars than it is to observe an exoplanet around a star such as our sun.  The importance of discovering exoplanets is the finding of another planet such as our own within our universe.  The discovery of more exoplanets help us to understand how solar systems such as our own are formed.

Procedure

1.    Prior to viewing the weather at the Mauna Kea facility must be taken into account.  Bad weather can lead to poor visibility which makes viewing the sky difficult.  Along with this comes humidity.  High humidity is bad for the telescope, so humidity greater than 90% can be a concern.

2.    Turn on the gas cell, input the wavelength into C-Shell, and focus the telescope.  The focusing of the telescope is done with the aid of the telescope operator at the facility in Hawaii.

3.    Next the target star is then lined up in the viewing of the telescope.  At this time the telescope is adjusted to achieve the maximum amount of counts while viewing.

4.    Look at the target star, ensure auto save is on to ensure data is saved.

5.    After looking at the target star flats are then taken.

6.    Repeat procedure for concurrent stars.

7.    After viewing of all stars, or if dawn approaches, darks are then taken.

Results

At the conclusion of the night the three following stars were observed: EV Lac, LO Peg, and GJ 3305.  LO peg was observed through a high air mass, and towards the end of viewing GJ 3305 the guider on the telescope began to give problems and guiding was lost.  The following images were taken at the time of observing:

Conclusion

The night was successful especially due to the forecast for the weather for the night being extremely bleak for viewing.  Some good data was gathered even with the guider problems beginning at the end of the night.