SIR Earth and Space Science Investigation Abstract
ANALYZING YOUNG STELLAR OBJECTS USING NEAR-INFRARED IMAGES
Presenters:
Yang Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506
John Powers, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506
Mentors:
Dr. Michael Smutko, Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL
Dr. Grace Wolf-Chase, Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL
Abstract:
Many questions still exist concerning the formation of stars. Recently, astronomers have discovered jets of material being expelled from newly formed stars. The purpose of this project is to study these jet streams. A series of near-infrared images have been obtained using the GRIM camera on the 3.5 meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory through a variety of filters. These images are reduced and viewed using the programs IRAF and ds9. These reduced images are analyzed to get relevant information about the jets. Using a 2.12 micron filter we have observed molecular hydrogen surrounding some objects. These observations support the current theories of material emissions from forming systems. Continued examination and processing of the images could potentially lead to the discovery of more examples of these jets and a better understanding of the role these jets play in star formation.