Project 11:
The student will use Markov-Chain Monte Carlo fitting methods to compare observed spectra of subdwarfs to 3 current subdwarf models. One goal is to determine statistically which model best fits the observed spectra. The student will also use the best fit model to determine effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity, and other parameters of the subdwarf.
The student will need to first build the code perform the Markov-Chain Monte Carlo calculations. This code will then need to be applied to each model and the the results compared to observed spectra using statistical methods (ex. Chi^2). The student will get the code running and then compare the results from the 3 different models for each of the 80 subdwarfs in the sample. Once this is complete, the student will use the best fit model to calculate several properties of each subdwarf. The estimated number of hours is 10hrs/week.
The student will present their progress at the AAS Conference in the Summer of 2025. We are also expecting one publication in the Astrophysical Journal detailing the project and results. Several astronomers and scientists at different universities and institutions are interested in the outcome of this work and will most likely use it in their own research in the future.