Keynote Presentations
NASA’s Space Launch System: Big Science on the Big Rocket
By Dr. John Blevins
NASA Space Launch System (SLS) Chief Engineer Dr. John Blevins will discuss SLS—a super-heavy lift launch vehicle that is helping return astronauts to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis campaign. In addition to the success of the Artemis I mission, he will also present SLS’s capabilities for interplanetary science missions, telescope missions, and even a concept interstellar mission.
Image: NASA.
The Precision Frontier of Dark Matter Constraints from Direct Acceleration Measurements
By Dr. Sukanya Chakrabarti
For over a century, our understanding of dark matter has hinged on kinematic estimates derived from static snapshots of stellar positions and velocities. However, these methods are inaccurate for a time-dependent potential, and there are now many lines of observational evidence that show that our Galaxy has had a highly dynamic history. Recent technological advancements now empower us to carry out precision time-series measurements of the acceleration of stars that live within the gravitational potential of our Galaxy. I will discuss our comprehensive observational strategy to directly measure Galactic accelerations. Central to this discussion is our recent analysis of compiled pulsar timing data from which we were able to measure the Galactic acceleration for the first time, and derive fundamental Galactic parameters. Discernible differences in sub-structure exist among popular dark matter models on small scales, presenting testable nuances. I will discuss the potential for measuring dark matter sub-structure in the Milky Way by leveraging the diverse set of techniques we have developed, including pulsar timing, eclipse timing, and extreme-precision radial velocity observations. I will review initial results from our multi-pronged observing campaign, and end by discussing synergies between Galactic dark matter constraints and constraints on theories of gravity.
Image: ESO/S. Brunier, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
T CrB: Brightest Nova in Generations
By Dr. Brad Schaefer
T Coronae Borealis is a recurrent nova with observed eruptions in the years 1217, 1787, 1866, and 1946, plus a fifth eruption widely expected sometime in the year 2024. This peak will presumably get to V=1.7 (the same as the discovery by Mr. A. S. Kamenchuk in 1946), and be the brightest novae seen since 1946 (for T CrB itself). T CrB displays several unique and mysterious effects in its visual light curve, and it plays into the Grand Challenge Type Ia supernova progenitor problem. To solve these with the 2024 eruption, small telescope photometry and spectroscopy is the way to answer the big questions. For example, if T CrB displays bright [Ne III] lines three weeks after the peak, then the most-prominent single-degenerate models suffer a big failure. And the myriad of visual measures will define the orbital phase for measuring the apparently-huge orbital period change across the nova event. Already, AAVSO spectroscopy has solved the case of the `pre-eruption dip' (as discovered by L. Peltier), with this turning out to be a turning-off of the pre-eruption high state.
Contributed Talks
The Power of Combining AAVSO Photometry and High Angular Resolution CHARA Imaging
By Narsireddy Anugu
Co-authors: Douglas R. Gies, Rachael Roettenbacher, Gail Schaefer, and CHARA
collaboration
Abstract.
Rapid and Periodic Spectroscopic Variation of the Hα Line of the Be Shell Star Omicron Andromedae
By Rick Diz
Abstract.
Using TESS Data to Discover New Exoplanets Around Binary Stars
By Erika Dunning
Abstract.
An Innovative Approach to Eclipse Timing Variations Reveals the New Planet BX Trianguli b
By Mark Eaton
Abstract.
Engaging Amateur Astronomers with Dark Skies
By Vayujeet Gokhale
Co-Authors: John Barentine, James Lowenthal, Jessica Heim
Abstract.
Abrupt Pulsation Resumptions in Deneb: An Update
By Joyce Guzik
Co-authors: Brian Kloppenborg, Noel D. Richardson, Jason Jackiewicz, Nancy
Morrison, Tom Calderwood, Andrzej Pigulski
Abstract.
Possible Wavelength Dependence in Times of Maximum Light for Pulsating Variable Stars
By Mike Joner
Co-Authors: Peter Jensen, Oliver Hancock, Michael Holland, Tyler Jensen, and Denzil
Watts
Abstract.
Transient Stars in Cosmic Microwave Background Surveys
By Tom Maccarone
Co-author: Gil Holder
Abstract.
Empowering African Youth in Astronomy: The Impact of Pan-African Citizen Science e-Lab
By Miracle Marcel
Co-authors: All PACS e-Lab's contributors mentioned in the paper
Abstract.
A More Precise Measurement of the Rate of Change of the Period of δ Scuti Variable DY Her
By Abigale Moen
Co-author: Dr. Matthew Craig
Abstract.
Comparative Analysis of Variable Stars from the Kepler Space Telescope and the Oukaimeden Observatory and TESS
By Amrar Mohamed
Co-authors: Fes Boulemane, Abdelmajid Benhida, Katrien Kalonberg, Youssef el Jarir,
Zouhair Benkhaldoun, Sefyani Fouad, Khadija Chafaoui
Abstract.
Asteroseismic Analysis of GD358 and other White Dwarfs
By Nova Moore
Co-Authors: Paul Bradley, Aaron LaCluzye
Abstract.
Analysis of RR Lyrae Stars in the Globular Cluster NGC 3201
By Nicholas Peh
Co-Authors: Maiya Qiu, Eden Li, Kalee Tock
Abstract.
Long Secondary Periods in Red Giants: AAVSO Observations and the Eclipse Hypothesis
By John Percy
Co-Author: Melanie Szpigiel
Abstract.
Color and Brightness Studies of RZ Ari
By Richard Schmude
Co-Author: Qasim Ahmed
Abstract.
Independent Discoveries by Two British Amateur Astronomers of the 1946 Eruption of T CrB
By Jeremy Shears
Abstract.
Astrometric Measurements of Binary Star Systems using Speckle Interferometry
By Dinesh Shetty
Co-authors: Francisco Vasquez, Pat Boyce, Grady Boyce, and Mark Harris
Abstract.
Detecting Errors in Submitted Observations
By Mark Spearman
Abstract.
Posters
A Study of the High Amplitude Delta Scuti Star BP Peg
By Amelia Abst
Co-Authors: R. M. Blake, M. Guth, H. Wildharber
Abstract.
A Tool to Predict Binary Eclipses Observable from Your Location
By Gabriel Grant
Co-Author: Dr. Matthew Craig
Abstract.
Improved Variability Data for the Brightest Solar-type Stars with TESS
By Lauren Herrington
Co-author: Sara Seager
Abstract.
Spectroscopic Changes of Pleione
By Caleb Kettering
Co-Author: R. M. Blake
Abstract.
Sunspottery: A Century of Supposed Solar Effects on Human Behavior in the Popular Imagination, 1878-1978
By Dr. Kristine Larsen
Abstract.
Candidate Exoplanet Observations
By Jacob Mailhot
Co-Authors: Hannah Crumby, Dr. Matthew Craig
Abstract.
Astronomical Photometric Analysis with Cell Phone Cameras
By Anusha Mehta
Co-author: Lt. Col. Benjamin Roth
Abstract.
Period Analysis of Eclipsing Cataclysmic Variable Stars
By David Moffett
Co-authors: Menna Ellaqany, Valeria Garcia, Mridul Agrawal, and Emily Hatten
Abstract.
MESA Modeling of Blue Supergiants and Alpha Cygni Variables
By Ava "Nova" Moore
Co-author: Joyce Guzik
Abstract.
Observation and Data Analysis of the Newly Discovered δ−Scuti variable, 1SWASP J193127.17+465809.1
By Mohamed Abdel Sabour
Abstract.
Evolution of RCB stars, and a general law for the shape of isolated dips
By Dr. Brad Schaefer
Abstract.
Time Series Analysis of Mira SED Fits
By Atticus Stewart
Co-Authors: Zachary Goodrich, Dana K. Baylis-Aguirre, Michelle J. Creech-Eakman, and Gerard T.
van Belle
Abstract.
Revisiting RR Lyrae Periodicity in EY UMa: TESS Data and Ground-Based Observations
By Emily Watson
Co-author: Dr. Matthew Craig
Abstract.
The Continued Search for Variable Stars
By Tanner Weyer
Co-author: Dr. Matthew Craig
Abstract.