Interesting topics for undergraduate astrophysics research?

AI Thread Summary
Starting in the fall, an undergraduate research project will utilize the SMARTS consortium's telescopes, including the 1.5m CHIRON, 1.3m ANDICAM, and 0.9m 2KCCD telescopes. The primary research interests include exoplanets, variable stars, and black holes. The researcher aims to contribute meaningfully to the astrophysics community by exploring novel topics rather than re-evaluating existing data. Suggestions for impactful research areas are welcomed, with a particular interest in the study of magnetic fields around exoplanets, which are crucial for habitability in the "Goldilocks Zone." A relevant research paper on detecting magnetic fields in transiting exoplanets is recommended for review and potential expansion.
Bristlethorn
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Starting in the fall of this year, I'm going to get to start my own year-long undergraduate research project.
To summarize as briefly as possible:

Resources Available:
Our university has access to the SMARTS consortium's three telescopes:
- 1.5m CHIRON telescope
- 1.3m ANDICAM telescope
- 0.9m 2KCCD telescope

Current Fields of Interest:
I'm mainly interested in exoplanets, variable stars, and black holes.

I do have one key wish though, and it's that I'd really like to do something that adds value to the astro community, as opposed to "Let's look at a star that's already been looked at before, and make sure the data we already have is correct." If there are fields or topics out there that would allow me to do so, I'd definitely be open to looking at them.
Any and all feedback, ideas, and/or criticism is welcome.

Thanks in advance!
-Bristlethorn
 
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Magnets.

I say that facetiously, I mean magnetic fields around exoplanets. Without them, we could never live in the "Goldilocks Zone."

Check this research out, maybe it could use some review/expansion?
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258562688_Detecting_The_Magnetic_Fields_Of_The_Transiting_Exoplanets_Corot-1b_And_Wasp-3b
 
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