Astronomy Research
Dr. Buckner and several students make up the
Variable Star Observing Group (VSOG) at APSU. Variable
stars are stars whose intrinsic brightness varies in
some way. Many vary in a regular cycle but others vary
erratically. The VSOG at APSU looks at regularly
varying stars* and tries to determine their
oscillation periods and type (Cepheid, RR Lyrae, Mira
or other). Studies of these types of stars may lead to
a better understanding of stellar evolution and
stellar distances.
The Group does its observing at Olsen's
Observatory, a private observatory south of Erin,
Tennessee. The observatory houses a 14" Meade
Schmidt-Cassegrain on a computer-controlled mount with
an ST-8 CCD camera and a 10" Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain
with an ST-7 CCD camera. The APSU VSOG is a member of
the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO).
*Of course if we happen to discover a new nova or
supernova we would happily report it. |
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