Today was the first day without a morning meeting since interns would arrive at different times throughout the day. I arrived at nine in the morning, so I could work on the research project with Matt. On Monday I had finished with displaying the offsets for each epoch's light emission, which would account for the heat interference of the telescope. However, due to no apparent reason, the offsets were larger than expected, leaving Ben, Matt, and me with a big problem. We compared out results to those recently published by one of Ben's colleagues, and we figured that our data was off. After a brief discussion before lunch, Matt and I realized it was the program's fault, which did not take the actual average offset. I fixed this in my code, which solved the issue. Using the offsets, I was able to program my first light curve in just 5 hours. Now the research project is 95% done, as the Julian dates are not yet completely finished. It is a great feeling to know your own code has analyzed thousands of previously untouched stars.
The group (interns and REU students) met at 6 to board the bus to Mees Observatory. We stopped for dinner at Amiel's Submarine Shop, were I ate a 14" sub (a very big mistake, although it tasted great). RIT paid for everything, which made the sub even better. At around 8:30 the bus made it to the observatory; however, the sky was still too bright. The observatory's director mentioned a nearby trail, so me and 6 other interns spent an hour exploring the surrounding woods. Once the sky darkened, we went on top of the observatory to look through the telescope. In addition to seeing several planets and constellations, I made friends with the rest of the interns. We talked and created a group chat, which broke down any remaining ice between us. Overall, the trip to the observatory was a great experience, something I hope I can do again very soon.
The group (interns and REU students) met at 6 to board the bus to Mees Observatory. We stopped for dinner at Amiel's Submarine Shop, were I ate a 14" sub (a very big mistake, although it tasted great). RIT paid for everything, which made the sub even better. At around 8:30 the bus made it to the observatory; however, the sky was still too bright. The observatory's director mentioned a nearby trail, so me and 6 other interns spent an hour exploring the surrounding woods. Once the sky darkened, we went on top of the observatory to look through the telescope. In addition to seeing several planets and constellations, I made friends with the rest of the interns. We talked and created a group chat, which broke down any remaining ice between us. Overall, the trip to the observatory was a great experience, something I hope I can do again very soon.