Research Project Ideas - Taylor's Brainstorming

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around brainstorming ideas for an upper-level research project in physics, specifically focusing on mathematical modeling of black holes and the analysis of intergalactic/interstellar clouds using spectroscopy. The scope includes theoretical modeling, observational techniques, and the challenges associated with conducting original research.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes designing a mathematical model for the growth of a non-rotating, non-polarized Schwarzschild black hole but expresses uncertainty about its practical applications in observing black holes.
  • The same participant raises concerns about obtaining a telescope capable of high-resolution spectroscopy and questions whether access requires payment.
  • Another participant suggests utilizing existing data from the 2 degree field galaxy redshift survey (2dfgrs) and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) for analysis.
  • A later reply proposes investigating the correlation between line broadening and redshift as a potential research direction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of interest in the proposed research ideas, with some supporting the spectroscopy approach while others highlight challenges and seek further refinement. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific direction of the research project.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations regarding the availability of high-resolution spectroscopy equipment and the need for originality in research topics, indicating a dependence on existing studies and data sources.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and researchers interested in astrophysics, mathematical modeling, and observational techniques in spectroscopy may find this discussion relevant.

TmanMrT
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Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting. Basically, I need to design and carry out an upper level research project for a class I'm taking.

My two ideas so far:

1) Design a realistic, mathematical model for the growth of a non-rotating, non-polarized Schwarzschild black hole...

2) Use spectroscopy to analyze the composition/evolution of intergalactic/interstellar clouds

The Problems:

1) The problem with thing one is that it needs to actually apply to something... and I don't know how this is going to help us observe/find black holes or something useful like that... any ideas? (P.S. Keep in mind that I took Calculus AB (Calculus 1) last year - 10th grade - and am currently taking Calculus BC (Calculus 2) this year - 11th grade.)

2) Two problems: (a) I have no clue how to obtain a telescope that can show me high-resolution spectrums... do you have to pay for this? (b) This project has already been done many times, so I need to find a variation.

Thank you so much for your help. =)

If you have any other ideas unrelated to my brainstorming, feel free to post them too!

-- Taylor
 
Last edited:
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TmanMrT said:
Hi everyone,

2) Two problems: (a) I have no clue how to obtain a telescope that can show me high-resolution spectrums... do you have to pay for this? (b) This project has already been done many times, so I need to find a variation.

-- Taylor

You can access the 2 degree field galaxy redshift survey (2dfgrs) data on the web at http://www2.aao.gov.au/2dFGRS/" .

The 2dfgrs contains spectra for around 220 000 galaxies, whilst the SDSS contains spectra for around 700 000 galaxies.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you so much!

So now that I've decided to take option #2 any ideas for specific research ideas?
 
You might take a stab at the correlation [or lack thereof] between line broadening and redshift.
 

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