Progress and Development of a Template Space Science curriculum

Progress and Development of a Template Space Science curriculum
Abebe Kebede,
Department of Physics, North Carolina A&T State University
1601 East Market St. Greensboro, NC 27411
National Radio Astronomy Workshop II, Howard University, Washington DC
August 29-30, 2015
Currently there is a fully functional space science
concentration with in the BS in Physics program at
NC A&T State University. It is template curriculum
that allows students to take 18 cr. Space science
course and with electives course in Electrical
Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or Earth
Sciences. The new curriculum in undergraduate
space science concentration includes several
introductory and advanced courses in Astronomy,
Astrophysics, Solar Physics, Space Weather, Space
Radiation, High Energy Astrophysics and Special
Topics in Physics. In addition to offering courses, the
program introduces students to observational
astronomy using Skynet and locally developed
Observatory, ITS30 Radar, GPS Receivers, Radio Jove
and SID monitor for observation of near spaces. In
this communication we present the generalized
space science curriculum that can be adopted and
streamlined with STEM program.
North Carolina A&T Astrophysical Sciences Program
contact: Dr. Abebe Kebede (abkebede@gmail.com)
The program includes
• Development of Remotely controlled observatory: Equipment: 14
inch Celestron Telescope, Paramaount ME mount, APOGEE 15 CCD
Camera, Autofocusser, Filter wheel, and research grade filters
• Development of three General Education Astronomy courses with
labs using SKYNET (Current enrollment : 200 and projected
enrollment by Fall 2016 1000)
• Several advanced courses are being offered: Introduction to Solar
Physics, Introduction to Astrophysics, High Energy Astrophysics
• Astrophtography
• NCAT University Radio Observatory (NURO)
• Sudden Ionospheric Disturbances
• RadioJove (Radio emissions from Jupiter)
• Near Space Studies
• SCINDA GPS Receiver (Host for Air Force Research Laboratory)
• ITS30 Radar for ionospheric studies (in development)
• Tripple Axial Flux magnetometer (in development)
• Current collaboration: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
• We are seeking for more collaborators
NCAT Student Radio Observatory
(NURO)
Radio JOVE and SuperSID monitors are powerful
educational tools that give students hands-on
experience in learning radio observations. Recently the
Space Science and Technology Institute based at the
Department of Physics, received parts of two radio
receivers from Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers
(SERA). The RadioJove is a 21 MHz receiver that utilizes
a half wavelength antenna located the NCAT Poultry
Farm. This radio telescope is used to monitor Radio
Emissions from the Planet Jupiter. The SuperSID
monitor is 20KHz radio that is intended to receive
signals from the ionosphere, and used to monitor
sudden ionospheric disturbances caused by eruptions
from the sun.
Facilities for space and astrophysical studies
12 ft Astrohaven Dome
4’’ Celestron Telescope
Paramaount ME
CCD Camera and Filter wheel
GPS Receiver
and
ITS30 Radar
for Advanced
Space
Weather
studies
Radio Jove, SID Monitors to study solar activity
Deion Waddell, A. Patterson and H. Pegues and Abebe Kebede,
Abstract
Radio JOVE and SuperSID monitors are powerful educational tools that give students hands-on
experience in learning radio observations. Recently the Space Science and Technology Institute based at
the Department of Physics, received parts of two radio receivers from Society of Amateur Radio
Astronomers (SERA). The RadioJove is a 21 MHz receiver that utilizes a half wave antenna located the
NCAT Poultry Farm. This radio telescope is used to monitor Radio Emissions from the Planet Jupiter. The
SuperSID monitor is 20KHz radio that is intended to receive signals from the ionosphere, and used to
monitor sudden ionospheric disturbances caused by eruptions from the sun. While the two radio units
have different applications, the design and the operation of the two can be integrated into the student
learning experience in electromagnetism, Electromagnetic wave propagation and transmission. In
particular understanding the process that cause ionospheric disturbances allows researchers and
practitioners to mitigate their effects on Global Navigation Satellite System. In conjunction with the
Global Positioning System (GPS), the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Homepage (SOHO), GOES
geostationary satellite, the SuperSID can provide space weather data cheaply.
Our group also conducted astrophtography activities using SKYNET. The advent of CCD cameras allowed
professional and amateur astronomers to peer through the heavens, and produce the most stunning
images of our moon, the planets, exoplanetary systems, stars, star clusters, galaxies, nebula, molecular
clouds, dying stars, stellar nurseries. Astronomers use the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum
to generate detailed pictures and spectra that allow them to determine the age and the constituents of
the celestial objects. In this work we present several pictures taken in the visible spectrum. Each picture
is identified by name and coordinate, and its type is described.
Planets and Moons
Astrophotography
Majors: Dieon Waddell, Hope Pegues, Anthony Patterson and J. Pozzo
Abebe Kebede (advisor)
PICTURES WERE TAKE N USING UNC-SKYNET TELESCOPES
Star Clusters
Nebulae
Galaxies
Partnerships
• NCAT-UNC HBCU-TIP Collaboration for
intro Astronomy courses (on going)
• Partnership for Astronomy and Astrophysics
Research and Education (PAARE)- NCATNRAO-FIT (not funded)
NCAT-NRAO-UNCG-FIT--/02/29/08-2012
Abebe Kebede, Hakeem Oluseyi Terry D Oswalt, Niescja E Turner Nicole M Radziwill
PAARE-NCAT is a distinctive collaboration centrally coordinated by HBCU North Carolina
Agricultural & Technical State University (NCAT) and built on the strong capabilities of
its supporting partners: the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), the University of North
Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory
(NRAO). Together, the organizations provide expertise in astronomy, astrophysics,
computational science, space science and atmospheric physics. Because they
collectively manage programs targeting the full pipeline of candidates for research
careers in astronomy and astrophysics (K12 through PhD employment), these
institutions are uniquely positioned to facilitate progressive opportunities, particularly
for minorities. PAARE-NCAT builds on the efforts of strong education and public
outreach (EPO) programs such as the North Carolina Alliance for Minority Participation
(NC-AMP-NSF), GEAR-UP (Department of Education) and the Capacity Building
Partnership for Research and Education in Space Science (NASA). It will become the
hub for national and international participation of underrepresented groups in space
and astrophysical science, and a model for other programs linking educational
institutions with NSF supported facilities. It will facilitate the dissemination of research
results to the astronomy community, particularly showcasing student and early career
contributions that result from the partnership.
Nicole M Radziwill
NCAT-UNC collaboration
1) To incorporate UNC-CH's
very successful introductory
astronomy curriculum into NC
A&T's existing physics/space
science curriculum, and to
provide NC A&T's
physics/space science faculty
with the training and tools to
carry out these lecture and
laboratory courses successfully
ProjectAstro Training
Project Astro Lab
ProJect Astro Homework
Project Astro Lectures
Three workshops attended
AAPT Experienced faculty
workshop in Astronomy
NRAO: National Astronomy
Consortium
Three astronomy courses
were created (PHYS101,
PHYS214L and PHYS215).
These courses are now
designated as general
education courses. These
courses will use the
ProjectAstro concepts
during the Spring 2015.
The approval process took
longer than expected.
PARTICIPANTS
UNC (Dr. Daniel
Reichart, Dr. Adam
Trotter)
NCAT (Dr. Abebe
Kebede)
NCAT (Dr. Abebe
Kebede)
NCAT (Dr. Abebe
Kebede, Mr. Brian
Schuft and Dr. Ken
Flurchick)
2) To recruit talented and enthusiastic NC
A&T undergraduate students as Research
Fellows, who will work with telescopes at
professional observatories, engage in
astronomical research at both NC A&T and
UNC-CH, present their work at
conferences, publish their findings in
observing reports, conference
proceedings, and journal articles, and in
doing these things be inspired to pursue
graduate studies and/or careers in STEM
disciplines.
Since the start of the program in
2012
Group I
Mr. Caroll Miles
Mr. Patrice Prince
Ms. Dominique James
Mr. Christopher James
Group II
Deon Wadell
Hope Pegues
Anthony Patterson
Group III
Deon Wadell
Abubakr Hassan
Omar McKenny
Kamau Washington
Randolph Davis
3) To complete construction
and installation of scientific
equipment of NC A&T’s
REMO optical observatory,
and incorporate it as a
functioning instrument in
UNC-CH’s Skynet Robotic
Telescope Network
Since Summer of 2014 Dr. Abebe Kebede and
his students , with the support of the Physics
Laboratory manager mitigated most of the
technical problems with REMO. A new dome
controller was purchased and installed. A
new autofocusser was purchased. At this
time the autofocussor, the filter wheel and
the CCD camera are installed. The system is
sturdy and free of vibrations. What needs to
be done is to home and balance the
telescope. There is a small problem with the
DOME controller, this problem is being
addressed at this time
(PLEASE ADD HERE
NCAT
 Dr. Abebe
Kebede and
summer
students.
Current students
Deon Wadell
Omar McKenny
Abubakar Hassan
Hope Pegues
Kamau Washington
Randolph Davis
Associates
Dr. Galen Smith
Since Summer of 2014 Dr. Abebe Kebede and
his students , with the support of the Physics
Laboratory manager mitigated most of the
technical problems with REMO. A new dome
controller was purchased and installed. A
new autofocusser was purchased. At this
time the autofocussor, the filter wheel and
the CCD camera are installed. The system is
sturdy and free of vibrations. What needs to
be done is to home and balance the
telescope. There is a small problem with the
DOME controller, this problem is being
addressed at this time
NCAT
 Dr. Abebe
Kebede and
Mr. Caesar
Lockhart
 and
summer
students.
VALUE ADDITION
High School Space Exploration and Astrophysical
Training (HiSEAT)
Outreach for Future University Students
• Event based learning
• Venus Transit
• Solar and Lunar Eclipse
• Planetary Alignment
• Astrophtography
• World Space Week
Expected Results
• Improved quality of incoming freshman
• Increase STEM Recruits
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
1. Course approval took a long time- This was
anticipated.
• The implementation will begin during spring
2015
2. Lack of expertise (BIG ROLE FOR NRAO )
• Visiting position can be very helpful
• Students need role models who can directly
work with them.
• One approach is to get such people through
seminar series.
• Collaboration compatibility – Capacity
building
Value addition
Role model Introduction: Future STEM Leaders Summit
The Department of Physics presents the First Annual Future STEM Leaders’ Summit On
October 23, 2014 on the occasion of Aggie Homecoming. The summit will be held in Marteena
Hall Room 321 at 1 PM and concludes at 5:00 PM. The summit will feature three former
alumni: Dr. Lynnae Quick, a postdoctoral fellow at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; Dr.
Marcel C. Buford, staff scientist at the Institute for Defense Analysis; and Dr. Tennille Presley,
assistant professor at the Biomedical Infrastructure Center, Winston Salem State University.
In consideration of the need for well-prepared STEM leadership in the present and near future times, the
Department of Physics at NC A&T State University is organizing a series of meetings of the STEM
graduates form the University and around the world. FUTURE STEM LEADERS’ SUMMIT will be
held annually on the occasion of the Aggie Homecoming This summit will feature former graduates of
NC A&T who continue to lead successful STEM careers, and rising stars in their research and education
undertaking. The department of physics is instrumental in shaping and training STEM leaders. The
summit has a lot of benefits. NCAT STEM students and faculty members will be able to network with
proven leaders of education and research. Former graduates can become bridges between the University
community and the institutions with which that they are affiliated. Research and education ideas can be
generated, which in turn will involve the former graduates directly with the department. The
participation of former graduates in this summit opens education and research opportunities for the
students, and provides a platform for further networking on personal level and welcomes their unique
position to transform society because of their STEM education. During this summit, several talks and
panel discussion will be conducted followed by poster presentations by STEM students on research they
have done during the academic year and during the summer. We will publish a small booklet “Where are
they now?” featuring successful future STEM leaders, including their roles.
Dr. Lynnae C. Quick
Planetary Geodynamics Laboratory
NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Lynnae.C.Quick@nasa.gov
Dr. Lynnae Quick is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, where she graduated from
James Benson Dudley High School in 2001. In 2005 she obtained a B.S. in Physics from
North Carolina A&T State University. While at A&T, Dr. Quick participated in REU
programs at the North Carolina A&T Environmental Studies site and at the National
Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), in Charlottesville, VA. She was also a research
associate in the NASA Academy Intern Program at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, in
Greenbelt, MD.
Value addition
Role model Introduction: Future STEM Leaders Summit
Dr. Deatrick Foster, Astrophysicist
CEA - Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
South African Astronomical Observatory, Vanderbilt University
The nature of ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) found in nearby galaxies continues to be a
subject of intense speculation and debate. Because of their extreme brightness and welldetermined distances, ULXs had been considered possible hosts of the long-sought
intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs); however more recent models invoke slightly
heavier than stellar-mass black holes (20--50 solar masses) in extreme accretion states to
account for their observed spectra and luminosities. Uncovering the true nature of ULXs is
hindered by their extragalactic locations, which makes measuring basic properties such as
their orbital periods and inclination—properties that play a role in constraining the black
hole mass—more difficult. We focus here on the need for a systematic investigation of their
long-term periodic and aperiodic modulations which may link ULXs to high-mass X-ray
binaries (HMXBs), and therefore more firmly establish ULXs as stellar-mass black holes.
Supportive Environment
College of Arts and Sciences, Specially Dean Byrd are supporting
this program with purchases of needed supplies.
We will request nominal equipment support to enable the
observatory to work. Once completed it will reach many students
and informal learners within the underserved communities
Hard to do STEM Education type research –there is no long range
support by way of faculty hiring
THERE ARE DREAMERS
CAN WE DO THIS ?
Nicole M Radziwill