Explosions in the sky and small, dim stars are just some of the things that the Ball State Physics and Astronomy Department will be able to view more clearly in the coming months.
In September, the Ball State Physics and Astronomy Department became a member of the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA) located in Arizona. Ball State is the first member of SARA to be located outside the American Southeast and is one of only six other universities in the group.
"Joining this consortium will make it much easier for students to get involved in the program and observing," Ron Kaitchuck, professor of physics and astronomy and director of Ball State's planetarium, said. "Before, we could only have four to six students come to Arizona and observe because the cost got to be very expensive. Now, we have better access because we can observe everything over the Internet and not have to travel."
Jim Webb, observatory director of SARA, professor at Florida International University of Miami and a graduate of Ball State, said he knew SARA was looking for another observer. After meeting with Kaitchuck, he knew Ball State was looking for more observing time.
"Having the skills of Dr. Kaitchuck and Dr. [Thomas] Robertson makes everybody better, and when all the universities come together, all of the astronomers' talents compliment each other," Webb said.
The 36-inch diameter SARA telescope is operated via the Internet.
"With the 36-inch diameter telescope, we will have access to four times more area, so four times more light can get in," Kaitchuck said. "The bigger telescope means we will be better able to collect digital images and determine distances of stars from their temperature, wavelength and brightness."
Robertson, professor of physics and astronomy, said Ball State was a member of the National Undergraduate Research Observatory (NURO) in Flagstaff, Ariz., for the past 15 years but changed to SARA because the department constantly seeks ways to provide opportunities for students.
Courtney Rowe-Bultinck, a junior undergraduate student, said she would be publishing research soon and the to access to better telescopes in Arizona would make the research more precise and reliable.
"It is better for the university because we will have better equipment," Rowe-Bultinck said. "Now that everything can be done online and the telescope can be controlled from a single room, more students can be involved. Plus, having fewer costs will make it easier to do things and attract more people."
Ball State will have 30 days reserved for use of the SARA telescope. A couple nights of observing will begin later this month to get used to the equipment, and serious training and researching will begin in December.
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