During the introductory week of AstroPhysics Research at Siena College, I was given the task of plotting, graphing, and analyzing data from the WISE (Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer) Survey. While I haven't begun working with its data, I have been developing some tools to help me in the future. This week, I have made significant progress on CodeAcademy: Python edition and completed UNIX tutorials 1, 2, and 4. Knowing the basics of Python and UNIX will allow me to work extensively with the WISE Survey Data and collaborate with Debbie Johnson (Local Cluster Survey) and Brendan Gallagher (ESO Distant Cluster Survey).
I learned valuable information about WISE from looking at the December 2010 version of The Astronomical Journal:
The Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE): Mission Description and Initial On-Orbit Performance. In this paper, the design, mission, orbit, and scientific goals of the WISE Survey are outlined in detail.
On Friday, we used Python to create a program that examines the redshift of local cluster MKW11. The histogram I created looks like this:
Next week, I will continue working with UNIX and Python to create more figures like the one displayed above.
- Mike Englert
