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Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of Chicago

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Page 1: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West!

NRAOUniversity Wisconsin – Milwaukee

West Virginia UniversityYerkes Observatory

University of Chicago

Page 2: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Let’s introduce ourselves to each other. . .

(checks lab)

Page 3: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Pretests/Post-tests

• The grant needs to have data!• Mosart Astro test was taken before arriving (If

not, please take it now!)• 7 multiple choice questions on pulsars

– Take now– Take at end of today’s session

• There will also be the always needed evaluations

Page 4: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Intro to project . . .

Let’s start!

Page 5: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Citizen Scientists

• So much of scientific research today relies on the analysis of incredible amounts of data.

• Scientists cannot possibly look at it all – Computers do most, but human element is an

essential ingredient, as it always will be

• We already see some “citizen scientists” at work– Galaxy Zoo– Einstein at Home– Other “Zoo” type things

Page 6: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

• Educational outreach is important to scientists, and NSF is willing to bridge the gap!– Involving high school, and even middle school

students is highly desirable• Can undo stereotypes• Can ignite the interest in science• Can make science accessible to underserved students

(and to under achievers)

– Involving science teachers is also a plus!• An opportunity is also available at UWM

Page 7: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Astronomy!• It can really grab the interest of kids,• They like to ask the big questions:

– What’s out there?– How do we know?– Are there Aliens?

• Here is a way you can involve a student of any ability.

Page 8: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

This opportunity . . .

• National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia (NRAO)

• University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (UWM)• West Virginia University (Morgantown)

ARCC@UWM NRAO, WVU, Funded by the NSF

Page 9: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Some of the people involved . .Sue Ann HeatherlyEducation Director, NRAO

Rachel RosenAstronomer,Program Director ofPSC

Maura McLaughlin,Astronomer, WVU

Duncan LorimerAstronomer, WVU

Page 10: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

From UWM

Xavier Siemens , Physicist, UWM Larry Price, postdoc, UWM

Jean Creighton, Planetarium Director

David Kaplan, Astronomer, UWM

Dawn Erb, Astronomer, UWM

Page 11: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

(Sherry and my involvement – more pictures?)

Page 12: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

The group of teachers Sherry and I worked with summer 2009

Page 13: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Students at last May’s Capstone at WVU

Page 14: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

For this project . .

• Data is collected by Radio telescopes• The data is screened by a computer

to a certain point–Then a human must look at it to see if

it is worth a follow up• This is where students come in!

Page 15: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of
Page 16: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 16

A light wave is a light wave, no matter how A light wave is a light wave, no matter how long...long...

Page 17: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 17

Electromagnetic radiationElectromagnetic radiation

A traveling, massless packet of energy --OR an oscillating electric and magnetic field Also known as: radiation, light wave, photon

Animation from Nick Strobel’s Astronomy Notes (www.astronomynotes.com)

Travels at the speed of light (by definition).

Remarkably, all radiation travels at this speed, regardless of whether is carries a lot of energy or only a little

Page 18: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

All EM waves follow the equation:

• Let’s try a problem:– What do the above variables stand for?– (one or two problems will be added – simple,

c f

c

Page 19: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

What is the difference between radio waves and sound waves?

• This is a confusing point to a lot of students and non-science people

Page 20: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 20

Radio Waves are NOT sound!Radio Waves are NOT sound!

Page 21: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 21

The spectrum allows us to “see” the sky differently!

Page 22: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 22

The Visible Sky, Sagittarius Region

Page 23: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 23

The Radio Sky

Page 24: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Activity Time!

• Detecting Invisible Waves

Page 25: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Let’s look at radio telescopes . . .

Page 26: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Radio waves can be detected night or day

• They also can travel through dust and gas• So we can see further into our galaxy with

radio waves than with light waves.

Page 27: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 27

Optical and Radio can be done from the ground!Optical and Radio can be done from the ground!

Page 28: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 28

Radio TelescopeRadio Telescope

Optical TelescopeOptical Telescope

Nowadays, there are more Nowadays, there are more similarities between optical similarities between optical and radio telescopes than and radio telescopes than ever before.ever before.

Page 29: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of
Page 30: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of
Page 31: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of
Page 32: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

• Itty Bitty telescope• Radio Jove• Let’s go outside . . . .

Page 33: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Radio Astronomy is a relatively young science

Page 34: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Pioneer of Radio Astronomy

Karl Jansky

1928: Karl Jansky, working for Bell Laboratories discovers radio waves coming from space.

Page 35: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Chart recordings from Reber's telescope made in

1943.

First Surveys of the Radio Sky

Pioneer of Radio Astronomy

Grote Reber

Page 36: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

In 1967, Cambridge graduate studentJocelyn Bell was using a radio array to study interplanetary scintillation – SURPRISE!

Page 37: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of
Page 38: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 38

Accelerating charged particles emit Accelerating charged particles emit radio waves.radio waves.

One Way: high speed electrons and One Way: high speed electrons and magnetic fieldsmagnetic fields

How Radio Waves are producedHow Radio Waves are produced

Page 39: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 39

Electrons accelerate around magnetic field lines

Page 40: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 40

Page 41: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 41

Page 42: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 42

Page 43: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

NRAO/AUI/NSF 43

Page 44: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of
Page 45: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of
Page 46: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

What we’re looking for!

pulsars –spinning, neutron stars

Page 47: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

–Pulsars signals are used to find gravitational waves.

–Pulsars are used to study interstellar space.

–Pulsars are inherently interesting in themselves!

Page 48: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

A pulsar is the collapsed core of a massive star

• It is like taking the mass of the sun and making it into a ball the size of Milwaukee.

• It spins very fast, like an ice skater who has brought their arms in.

Page 49: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Pulsars are neutron starsPressure becomes so high that electrons and protons

combine to form stable neutrons throughout the object.

Typical size: R ~ 10 km

Mass: M ~ 1.4 – 3 Msun

Page 50: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

What kinds of properties might we expect?

Page 51: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Angular momentum conservation

=> Collapsing stellar core spins up to periods of ~ a few milliseconds.

Magnetic fields are amplified up to B ~ 109 – 1015 G.

(up to 1012 times the average magnetic field of the Sun)

Page 52: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

• Extremely dense - 100,000,000,000,000,000 kg m-3

=

Pulsar Properties

Page 53: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

• Extremely dense - 100,000,000,000,000,000 kg m-3

• Very rapid rotation - up to 700 Hz

Pulsar Properties

Page 54: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

• Extremely dense - 100,000,000,000,000,000 kg m-3

• Very rapid rotation - up to 700 Hz

• Ultrahigh magnetic fields - 1,000,000,000,000 times Earth’s

Pulsar Properties

Page 55: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

• Extremely dense - 100,000,000,000,000,000 kg m-3

• Very rapid rotation - up to 700 Hz

• Ultrahigh magnetic fields - 1,000,000,000,000 times Earth’s

• High space velocities - up to 1,000 km/s

sprinter - 10 m/sf1 car - 100 m/snormal stars - 10 km/s

Pulsar Properties

Page 56: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Why do they pulse?• Pulsars sweep their

beam of radio (electromagnetic) waves across the face of the earth at a very periodic rate.

beam of radio waves

magnetic field

rotation axis

Page 57: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

What do the telescopes “see”?

Page 58: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Back to the telescopes:

Page 59: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Process . . .

• A computer program analyzes the data for possible candidates

• A “viewer” page is produced• Ratings are made and submitted• Potential pulsars are followed up with

additional observations• This is what we will learn next time!

Page 60: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

• The basic question:• Is it a Pulsar?

– Or is it Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)?

Page 61: Welcome to the Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) – West! NRAO University Wisconsin – Milwaukee West Virginia University Yerkes Observatory University of

Let’s visit the GBT control room . .