The supernova search team uses neutrino data to locate a supernova. The team compares new images to old ones in a search for exploding stars. If team members find one, they use a light curve to verify that the star is a supernova and not a variable star.

The stellar nursery team views the Omega Nebula (a star-forming region), using different wavelengths. The team identifies which wavelengths are best suited for viewing different classes of objects.

This research team explores the properties of variable stars. After identifying a Cepheid variable star in our galaxy, the team searches for a Cepheid in another galaxy. The team can use the Cepheid as a “standard candle” to determine relative distances.

This team leads a search for nearby stars. The motion of Earth around the sun leads to nearby stars exhibiting a slight movement in images taken six months apart. The team compares archival and current images to identify several nearby stars by the parallax technique.

The zoo research team explores the different types of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. The team’s objective is a deeper understanding of the scale of galaxies and clusters of galaxies.

This team reviews different types of objects located in the universe. The team examines two sections, or wedges, of sky to see differences as the views go deeper and deeper into space. Students then analyze two images to estimate the number of galaxies visible and ultimately the number of stars in the universe.

The wobbler team looks for a star that is wobbling in its motion in the sky. The team uses image processing to identify some wobbler candidates as binary stars. The goal is to find a wobbler with a very small wobble and no apparent companion. In essence, the wobbler team wants to find a star with one or more planets.

This team examines the Orion Nebula in its search for protoplanetary disks. The team uses image processing to construct multicolor mosaics of the star formation region. These mosaics help identify possible protoplanetary disks.

This research team applies image processing techniques to flat-field images in order to find asteroids on wide-field images. The team must process data to identify asteroids whose orbits are possibly Earth crossing.

This team is involved in the site selection process for an observatory. The site team creates and justifies its own rating scale for evaluating five potential sites. Among the factors the team considers are light pollution, atmospheric conditions, and accessibility. This investigation includes a comparison between ground- and space-based imagery.