“Lets do some great science.” With these words Wayne Rosing announced that the LCOGT Southern ring was complete. Like many projects, science on the LCOGT network began before the completion of construction. Christopher Kim, from Maui High School, used data from the 1.0 meter telescopes in Chile to study Cataclysmic Variable (CV) stars. His project entitled, “Spectral and period analysis of Catacalysmic Variable System FO Aqr” was entered into the Hawai'i State Science and Engineering Fair, where he received awards from the:
NASA Pacific Regional Planetary Data Center
Hawaii Astronomical Society
Armed Forces Communications/Electronics Association
Institute for Astronomy - UH Manoa award for Best Astronomy Research Project
Chris started working with data from LCOGT when he attended the HI STAR program at the University of Hawaii. Chris commented on his success, “I am brainstorming project ideas for next year already!” Several other students, also HI STAR participants, attended the Hawai'i State Science and Engineering Fair and won a long list of honors.
Congratulations to the LCOGT team for completion of the 1.0 meter ring and to the students who have already been putting this asset to great use!