The Governors of the University of Calgary

Published purpose

The project will analyze data from the most recent Astrosat X-ray and ultraviolet observatory programs on M31 and Hercules X-1. M31 (Andromeda) is the nearest large neighboring galaxy to our own Milky Way galaxy. It presents astronomers with an ideal viewpoint of a galaxy, in contrast to our galaxy which is mostly obscured by dust. We will measure the hot stars in M31 to learn about the formation and structure of that galaxy. Hercules X-1 is a normal star in orbit with a neutron star that emits X-rays and ultraviolet light as it funnels matter from the normal star. The study will measure the matter flows from star to neutron star, and how the matter emits X-rays and ultraviolet light.