Deep Impact 9P/Tempel 1 Student Projects (Abstract)

Volume 34 number 2 (2006)

Mary Ann Kadooka

Abstract

(Abstract only) Students have been working on comet research projects using images from the 2.0 meter Faulkes Telescope North (FTN) located on Haleakala, Maui in Hawaii. In June, students attended sessions to do remote observing with FTN and to learn to use image processing software in preparations for the July 4 Deep Impact comet/impactor encounter. They operated FTN in real time during the encounter at a teacher/ student workshop held on Maui. Images of the comet as well as preliminary results will be shared. The mentoring provided by an AAVSO member has been instrumental in assisting us with developing a pilot mentor program that will utilize amateur astronomers.