This week I was able to work even more or the categorization of outflow gas of M82. I accomplished this through several steps. The first part of the week I spent making graphs of two or more variables taken from fits files my mentor has given to me. Using these files I could divide one pixel value against another creating a new map of the ratio pixel values. After doing this for Oxygen III to Hydrogen Beta and Nitrogen II to Hydrogen Alpha I was able to start graphing an equation that would allow me to sperate the pixels into the two groups of ionization. The first being above the line and photo ionized and the second being below the line and shock ionized. I wrote code to use the graph I had created to make a map again. This map was imperfect however as I haven’t scaled either quantity (assigned different gradients in color based on how far away a value is from the equation) or separated the background and extra noise. However, I am excited in seeing my progress in coding ability manifest itself in each of my maps and graphs. Below is a map in the process of creating my final graph.
In addition to my project I also helped around the lab by cleaning some more parts for SPRITE. I used a technique called buzzing the parts that involved putting the parts into a beaker and that beaker into a machine filled with water. Each time I put the beaker of parts into the machine I would do it with a different cleaning liquid inside the beaker. The first time I used simple green, the second deionized water , and lastly isopropanol. After that process I had to keep the parts clean so I used two layers of gloves and put the parts into a sterile bag. This process can take a while because for each cycle the beaker has to sit in the water for up to 20 minutes.
This week we discussed the Big Bang and origins of the Universe during our coffee and galaxies meeting. This led to discussion of ionization and my favorite part of the meeting: dark energy and dark matter. Our universe is driven by a force that we cannot see that makes up about 70% of all energy. Dark matter is the same but matter. We can see the effect of dark matter on galaxies and other celestial bodies but we cannot see dark matter itself.
Outside of the lab this week I was able to spend time with my extended family. My aunt, uncle, and cousin were all in Boulder and in addition to joining them for dinner this week I was able to go see Vampire Weekend with them at Red Rocks on Friday. It was a great concert and and even cooler experience to share with my family.
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