I just got an internship! (now w/ pics)

[Kirin]

At Clemson University, SC. This summer I'm spending a little over two months researching visible/infrared wavelength supernovae. I'll be getting a stipend in addition to having expense-free travel and lodging, and my research findings will be published in the JSARA. I get to observe at both Clemson's observatory and at Kitt Peak, and present my findings at the AAS meeting next year in Washington DC.

[Bon]

Re: I just got an internship!

Felicitactiones, Kirin. *hugs*

Please don't kill me, Denmo.

[Denmo]

Re: I just got an internship!

It's rare to see her this excited. I'm really happy for her.

[Ωbright]

Re: I just got an internship!

You go, girl.

That sounds TRULY awesome.

[Alzar]

Re: I just got an internship!

It's rare to see her this excited. I'm really happy for her.

UR FAILING AS A MAN

[Nixon]

Re: I just got an internship!

[Translucid]

Re: I just got an internship!

I hope you invent the flying car, that's all I have to live for anymore.

[Magus]

Re: I just got an internship!

NEAT

WISH I HAD SOMETHING TO DO

[Caciss]

Re: I just got an internship!

Go back to grabbing coffee for assholes.

[Karr Lord of Chaos]

Re: I just got an internship!

sounds like a coveted spot. congratulations!

[Kirin]

Re: I just got an internship!

Long post, sorry...lots of stuff to tell/pictures to share! :>

sounds like a coveted spot. congratulations!

Turns out 250+ people apply each year, but they only select 7-8.

I've started working on my project: I'm studying a Type Ia Supernova, SN2009dc, which is <100 days old. I'm also helping grad students compile a paper that analyzes late-term supernovae (>500 days or so old). I help them determine the light curve of these supernovae which in turn can determine the energy output at the time of explosion.

Last Saturday (6/6) thru Tuesday night (6/9) was my observation run at Kitt Peak in Arizona. Murphy's Law was in full effect damn near the entire time, as we were plagued with high winds, rain, and dense cloud cover. Tuesday night I lucked out and managed to take some data on my supernova, ended up staying up until 5am Wednesday morning. Left 8am Wednesday morning for Tuscon, flew to Phoenix, then to Atlanta, then drove back to Clemson, SC. I was so tired (we stayed up until 6am nearly every day), I ended up sleeping through the entirety of Thursday.

Here are some pics, if you're interested:

Driving up the mountain:

The SARA Telescope:

The SARA control room:

Mayall 4-Meter 'Scope:

Solar Telescope:

Kitt Peak Summit:

Another view of Kitt Peak Summit-- see that little knobby mountaintop in the background? They say the Tohono Native Americans believe that's where the souls of their dead reside:

Arizona Desert Muesum (I wish I could have gotten a closer pic of this evolution chain):

Arizona desert: