Abstract
We have observed four open star clusters and three globular star clusters using Mendel Observatory’s 18” Richey-Chrétien telescope. Our photometry data was obtained using nonstandard R, G, and B filters. We plotted the results in the form of a Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram in an attempt to determine the so called “turn-off point” for the observed clusters, which is a strong indicator of age. Due to our limited sample size of stars in each cluster, we were not able to determine the turn-off points and obtain relative ages for the clusters. However, we find that the shapes of our H-R diagrams at fainter magnitudes are consistent with that from other studies [4], despite our much smaller sample size. This project demonstrates for the first time that the Mendel Observatory is capable of obtaining scientifically relevant photometry data [3], specifically of faint stars with a magnitude of 14.65. The methods and techniques we learned from this study will be applied to future related projects involving students and faculty.
Recommended Citation
Biegel, James
(2019)
"Photometry of Star Clusters from Mendel Observatory,"
Across the Bridge: The Merrimack Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 1, Article 7.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/atb/vol1/iss1/7