This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Astronomical Sciences provides $587,441 to the University of Delaware over 3 years, from August 2023 to July 2026. The purpose is to adapt time-domain data analysis tools previously used in other scientific fields for application in astronomy, specifically for searches of Earth-like exoplanets around distant stars. The key deliverables include:
Developing new variance-suppressing power spectrum estimators, like the Multitaper Magnitude-Squared Coherence (MSC) and Complex Demodulation methods, to improve upon the standard Lomb-Scargle periodogram used in astronomy. These advanced analysis techniques will increase the efficiency of astronomical observations by reducing the number of observations needed.
Creating the Oscillation Recognition and Categorization Software (ORCAS) package, which will contain Python and Julia implementations of the frequency-domain methods developed under this award. ORCAS will be hosted on Bitbucket and registered with the Astrophysical Source Code Library to ensure sustainability.
Providing meaningful engagement opportunities for physics and astronomy students at all academic levels to participate in exoplanet search efforts and foster a supportive learning environment.
The mathematical and statistical techniques developed through this award have potential applications beyond astronomy, such as in seismology, paleoclimatology, genetics, and laser Doppler velocimetry.