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Title:
Spitzer Student Research Project: Summary for Z Cha research and data interpretation
Authors:
Jones, Virginia; Tetler, J.; Thomas, B.; Zielinski, L.; Carter, B.; Dzakovich, M.; Hopkins, S.; Kong, C.; McDunn, M.; Mendoza, M.; Milos, W.; Rice, L.
Affiliation:
AA(Bonneville High School), AB(Lynwood High School), AC(Great Falls School District), AD(Glenbrook North High School), AE(Lynwood High School), AF(Glenbrook North High School), AG(Glenbrook North High School), AH(Lynwood High School), AI(Great Falls High School), AJ(Bonneville High School), AK(Great Falls High School), AL(Bonneville High School)
Publication:
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #213, #463.03; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.408
Publication Date:
01/2009
Origin:
AAS
Bibliographic Code:
2009AAS...21346303J

Abstract

Z Cha is an eclipsing cataclysmic variable star with some unusual features. This binary system consists of a white dwarf, which pulls a stream of mass away from its red dwarf companion, resulting to the formation of an accretion disk around the white dwarf.

We hereby present the first mid-infrared (Spitzer/IRAC 4.5 and 8 micron) light curves of the system and compare it with the optical counterpart. Scientists, students and teachers involved with the Spitzer Teacher Observing Program obtained data of the eclipsing cataclysmic variable Z Cha with the Spitzer Space Telescope, May 14, 2008. These observations yielded a light curve for Z Cha in channels 2 (4.493 microns) and 4 (7.872 microns) from IRAC. Photometric observations were also made in March of 2008 with the 0.9-meter telescope of the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, located in Chile, and light curves were constructed from these data as well. Data reduction of both the Spitzer and ground-based photometric observations completed by the students and analyzed by our team using the Image Reduction and Analysis Facility (IRAF) package. The scientific results of these observations will be presented in a separate poster. The teachers and students developed inquiry-based educational materials and activities that convey the conceptual background necessary to interpret these light curves, cataclysmic variables, and stellar evolution. The Spitzer Science Center, and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory supported this work.

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