GBT19A-180

Observations of Pulsar Search Collaboratory discovered pulsars

Abstract

The Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) is a joint program between the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) and West Virginia University (WVU), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program is currently expanding nationwide by engaging high-school students, teachers, and undergraduate mentors to search for pulsars using data collected with the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). The goals of the PSC are to engage high-school students in authentic scientific research and to promote their long term interest in science and STEM careers through online activities, workshops, and online and in-person interactions. In this proposal, we request time for confirming up to 20 candidate pulsars identified by high-school student participants in the PSC and for timing up to 5 candidates that are confirmed to be pulsars. The students will be involved in these observations as they can learn about observational radio astronomy, radio frequency interference, pulsar timing, and data analysis procedures. The requested observations will further provide rich scientific returns and lead to continued interest in the program and, ultimately, in STEM majors and careers for the student participants.

Investigators

Name	Institution
Harsha Blumer *	West Virginia University
Maura McLaughlin	West Virginia University
Dunc Lorimer	West Virginia University
Sue Ann Heatherly	Green Bank Observatory

* indicates the PI