Aims

• To observe a number of variable stars over the course of multiple weeks.
• To use the programming language Python to analyse the magnitude of these stars as a function of time
• To determine both the variable period and variation in magnitude of these stars
• Prior to this, take dark frames as detailed in Data and Logs dark study
• Use Python to analyse these dark frames via Histogram plots and plots of column mean and standerd deviation, to determine if the pixels follow a Poisson distribution.
• To compare my results regarding dark frames with Chris Haynes and Ryan Cheale's results.

List of Potential Targets

• Gamma Cassiopeia - Variable Star (Gamma Cassiopeia Variable), magnitude variation 1.5 - 3.0, period 0.7 day, Good Visibility
• Delta Cephei - Variable Star (Cephid Variable), magnitude variation 3.5 - 4.4, period 5.4 day, Good Visibility
• Beta Persei - Variable Star (Algol Variable), magnitude variation 2.1 - 3.4, period 2.9 day, Good Visibility
• Eta Aquila - Variable Star (Cephid Variable), magnitude variation 3.5 - 4.4, period 7.2 day, Poor Visibility
• RR Lyrae - Variable Star (RR Lyrae Variable) magnitude variation 7.06 - 8.12, period 0.6 day, Good Visibilty

Data and Logs

18/10/13 Dark Frames: Dark Study

23/10/13 FIrst Observation: Observation_RC_PH_CH

25/10/13 Dark Frames: Dark Study

1/10/13 Cooler Study: Cooler Study

Python Tutorial

semilogy(True)

ylim(ymin,ymax) i.e. .1 1*e^7

for help with arrays use array.

array.shape = -1 -> flattens array

Major Project Meetings

24/10/13 Project Meeting Minutes

Useful Information

• Autosave Feature tutorial, by Ryan Cheale: Auto Save Feature Maxim DL5