Month: December 2021
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above 500
In which I learn valuable lessons about writing observing proposals, deadlines, and telescope time allocation, reflect on my self doubt, and bat above 500 in my first proposal season. I suppose it can only go down from here, right? Nearly all the astronomers I know submit tens, hundreds of proposals and have acceptance rates on…
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the once and future PI: my first observations as principle investigator using the ARC 3.5m telescope
In which I reflect on being responsible. I sit in the late hours of the night, towards the end of the year, in front of my bright computer screens. Tonight is my last scheduled observation for my Quarter 4 program, my fifth night of observing. My vision is filled with the multitude of windows which…
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de-trend setter (or, transit photometry from the MSGC-observatory)
In which I observe an exoplanet transit, and explain how I fit a model to my observations. For a brief intro to, and some artsy pictures of, the Maryland Space Grant Observatory I’ve been starting to use, visit this previous post. What if I told you I observed a planet, orbiting a star hundreds of…
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farewell, dragon of pendor
Now, big dragon, little wizard, take your true shape. I command you by the power of your true name… Your name is Yevaud! The Rule of Names,by Ursula K. LeGuin There is a solitude to an empty home that I have not yet had to face. This solitude is a shadow, which follows me through…