Week of March 24th

This week we found the measurements of Mars. It took a long time to figure out how to get the pixels to show up on the computer in order to measure the width of Mars in the photos. We probably spent a whole class just trying to figure out that dilemma until it was finally solved. When it was, we were able to take width and height pixel measurements for each image of Mars, as well as for the entire picture itself. They were then averaged out in order to find the average distance and size at that time. We did all the pictures because we wanted a very accurate reading. We can't do anything else in terms of measurements now until the opposition. Then we can find the distance using both measurements of the stars and Mars from start and opposition.

Week of March 17th

Last week we did not do much because it was spring break, so there wasn't anything to write about. This week we did mostly calculations for the project. We found out that the stars we took pictures of were not Castor, they were just near Castor. We found the stars on a map and printed out the picture. We were able to measure the distance of the stars that way using trigonometry. The map allowed us to put in the day and time we wanted to see the stars at, so it is just as accurate as our pictures. Professor Kern explained all the math to me and what we were doing because I was totally lost. Math isn't my strong suit. I sort of get it a little better now, but it is still difficult. We figured out all the calculations for the stars, but did not get to Mars this week.

Week of March 3rd

This week, we were finally able to continue our project and take pictures. On Thursday we were able to get pictures of Castor and Mars to measure distance. The sky was very clear and great to take pictures. Castor rose fairly early so we were able to take a picture of it a little after. We went over how to take pictures and how to use all the equipment that went along with the telescope. Before Castor, we also took flats in order to measure for any dirt or excess from the telescope in the picture.

After Castor, the other group that was with us took their pictures. I had to leave at 7, which didn't matter since Mars did not even begin to rise until around 9:45. I came back around them and we waited until after 10 so we could just see Mars to take a distance picture. Although the sky was still clear, it was bitterly cold which was unfortunate. We tried to get the picture as fast as possible to get out of there and warm up.

Since we just needed distance pictures, at least for now, we didn't have a difficult time. We would like to get some better pictures of Mars but in order to do that we would need to stay up pretty late, so I'm not sure what we will do. The best pictures will be at opposition and I do not believe that Mars even rises until past 10. This would mean we would have to wait until very late for Mars to rise high enough to get good pictures.

Past Two Weeks

The past couple weeks, I have had little to blog about. We got to the point in our project where we just needed to take pictures and had nothing else to do or research. We continuously tried to take pictures, but it just didn't work out. The weather has not cooperated and it has been very frustrating. Doing an astrophotography project, we need to be able to see through the telescope. That is not possible when it is even cloudy, never mind it being so snowy and rainy. So, things have not worked out the way we planned and it has been a little slow and boring.