Quantitative Astrophotography: Interpreting Astrophysics from Star-Formation Regions

Document Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.32374/AEJ.AECON.2023.109aepw

Journal Title

Astronomy Education Journal

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

As undergraduates produce their own high-quality astrophotography images, STEM identity is shown to increase. Can more be obtained? Specifically, what student learning is possible about the physical processes occurring within these images? In this workshop, we focused on star-formation regions (stellar birth) as a model for quantification of astrophysical values. Narrowband, photometric observations from Skynet were processed in Afterglow Access, which included aligning, stacking, and coloring. Next, within the context of Strömgren sphere modelling, threshold boundaries were established for the electron number density. By securing an upper- and lower-bound on a common astrophysical quantity, undergraduates better understand how observation and theory work together for practicing scientists. In summary, this workshop reveals the capacity of astrophotography to deepen STEM identity and belonging within undergraduates by carrying out the same activities as scientists.

Comments

This article is freely available through the website of the Astronomy Education Journal: https://www.astroedjournal.org/index.php/ijae/issue/view/5.  

Publisher Statement

AEJ aims to meet the needs of the astronomy education community by providing a location for all manner of practical, newsworthy and scholarly publications involving developments in the field. In a sense, the journal tries to capture the original spirit whilst taking on board the important lessons from the, now out-of-print, Astronomy Education Review. By focusing on building community collaboration, disseminating important news and opinions, while also maintaining a section on more formal, technical, Astronomy Education Research (AER).

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS