NSF Research Experiences
for Undergraduates
Mapping the CO environment of L134
Many problems in physics and astronomy may be addressed through modeling, computer simulation, and data visualization. Tools for visualization and interactive steering can help physicists to better understand and fine-tune their default parameters and to understand complex data sets. In this project the student will examine and display the gas motions for a group of molecular clouds known as the L134 dark cloud complex. More than 10,000 CO(J=1-0) spectra were obtained for a region more than 100 square degrees in area centered on the Lynds 134 dark cloud complex. Several dark and translucent clouds are in the region and the kinematic relationship between the objects needs to be elucidated. This can be done by creating position-position and position-velocity maps of the region. This is a graphics oriented project which will involve the manipulation of large data sets and will be carried out primarily using the IDL software package. Familiarity with this package is preferred, but the only requirement is facility and confidence with computers and varied software.