Building a Photometric Research Capability at Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory: Progress and Prospects
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. James Dull, College of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
The IDAstro Collaboration between Idaho colleges and Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory was established to expand opportunities for astronomical research and education throughout Idaho. In this study, we present preliminary CMOS photometry of the SX Phoenicis variable star AE UMa in three color bands: red, green and blue. Observations were obtained using the 27-inch PlaneWave CDK700 telescope equipped with a ZWO6200MP Pro camera. The data were reduced using AstroImageJ and light curves were generated, and the pulsation period was determined. Our analysis produced a period consistent with the accepted literature value of 2.064 h and revealed possible wavelength-dependent behavior, with the declining portion of the blue-band light curve appearing steeper than that of the corresponding red-band light curve. Additional observations and analysis will be required to determine whether this behavior is intrinsic to AE UMa. These preliminary results show promise that Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory is capable of producing scientifically useful photometric data and provide a foundation for future photometric observations.
Building a Photometric Research Capability at Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory: Progress and Prospects
The IDAstro Collaboration between Idaho colleges and Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory was established to expand opportunities for astronomical research and education throughout Idaho. In this study, we present preliminary CMOS photometry of the SX Phoenicis variable star AE UMa in three color bands: red, green and blue. Observations were obtained using the 27-inch PlaneWave CDK700 telescope equipped with a ZWO6200MP Pro camera. The data were reduced using AstroImageJ and light curves were generated, and the pulsation period was determined. Our analysis produced a period consistent with the accepted literature value of 2.064 h and revealed possible wavelength-dependent behavior, with the declining portion of the blue-band light curve appearing steeper than that of the corresponding red-band light curve. Additional observations and analysis will be required to determine whether this behavior is intrinsic to AE UMa. These preliminary results show promise that Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory is capable of producing scientifically useful photometric data and provide a foundation for future photometric observations.