UROP Project
Supernova observations and analysis
supernova, astronomy, physics
Research Mentor: Eric Hsiao, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Physics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ehsiao@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Physics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ehsiao@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Physics preferred, but open to all.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Physics preferred, but open to all.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
Supernovae are among the most energetic events in the universe, driving galactic evolution and serving as fundamental distance indicators. Despite their importance, the exact progenitor systems and explosion mechanisms of several supernova classes remain key open questions in modern astrophysics. This project engages students directly in observational time-domain astronomy to address these questions. Students will contribute to active monitoring programs using data from world-class ground-based and space-based observatories. By analyzing light curves and spectra gathered across optical and near-infrared wavelengths, the research team aims to decode the physical properties, circumstellar environments, and origin of these cosmic explosions.Research Tasks: -Coordinate and organize nightly observing queues for ongoing observational campaigns.
-Participate in remote observing runs using professional ground-based telescopes.
-Perform standard data reduction and calibration on raw datasets using astronomical pipelines.
-Conduct targeted literature reviews and independent data analysis on a focused research sub-project aimed at constraining specific supernova progenitor or interaction properties.
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: -A curious mind and a genuine love for astronomy/science.
-Basic familiarity with scientific programming or a strong desire to learn.
-Introductory knowledge of physics or astronomy concepts (completion of introductory astronomy/physics preferred but not required).