Contents

Scientific Research
Variable Stars
Josephson Junctions

Scientific Research: Variable Stars

V -band observations of the RR Lyrae star AR Her were obtained in 1992 and 1994-1995. During these years, AR Her continued to exhibit a strong Blazhko effect, showing light-curve variations more complex than pure amplitude modulation. The light curves of AR Her in 1992 and 1995 were modeled and compared with prior results.

Context	This project was part of work completed at Michigan State University as part of a research for undergraduates program. This was a summer long project in which we used the 1 meter telescope located on Michigan State University's campus to make observations of the variable star AR Her.
Conditions	I was part of a team that conducted the observations of the star AR Her. I began this project with very little knowledge regarding variable stars and as such had to quickly learn not only how to use the computer software and equipment but also about the physical properties that cause stars to be variable stars.
Scope	This project lasted for four years because long term study is needed to understand the behavior of variable stars. This part of the project I was a prt of lasted for approximately fifteen weeks and we usually conducted observations three-four times per week. During that time, I collected data during the summer and investigated the theoretical reasons why stars like AR Her have a secondary fluctuation known as the Blazhko effect.
Role	I entered the project in progress and primarily collected data and wrote a computer program that predicted the fluctuation rate of the variable star AR Her that was under study. I was a junior colleague learning how to use computer imaging software, computer programming, and learning about the underlying physics regarding variable stars.

Project Papers:

Smith, H. A., Barnett, M., Silbermann, N. A., & Gay, P. (1999). The blazhko effect of AR Her. The Astronomical Journal, 118(1), 572-579.