The investigators will analyze observational time-series near-infrared data of variable stars in order to reduce uncertainties in the Hubble constant, which is used to determine the age of the universe. They will focus on variable stars that belong to eclipsing binaries in nearby galaxies and us stellar atmosphere models, in order to calculate accurate stellar radii. The calculated stellar radii and measured periods and magnitudes will be used to derive distances that will be incorporated in the extragalactic "cosmic distance ladder," from which an improved value of the Hubble constant can be derived. This work will have broader impacts in that it involve the participation of a graduate student from an underrepresented group, and the PI will give bilingual talks to the public and maintain a public website in Spanish.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST)
Application #
1211603
Program Officer
Hans Krimm
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2012-09-01
Budget End
2017-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$200,801
Indirect Cost
Name
Texas A&M University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
College Station
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77845