Understanding the light curves of periodic masers

Project Description:

In this project, the student will analyse the light curves of selected periodic methanol masers, which are monitored with the HartRAO 26m telescope. The process includes a critical evaluation of the time series data to remove outliers and other bad data points, followed by periodic analysis, data folding, and waveform characterisation. We are particularly interested in characterising the differences in the waveforms of those periodic masers for which the light curve suggests that the periodicity is driven by the pulsation of the young star.

Research Area:

Astrophysics

Project Level:

Honours

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(NWU)

Special Requirements:

Data analysis will be done in Python. The student must have an interest in the broader field of star formation and radio astronomy.