Multi-faceted Data Analysis of Blazars, Highly Time-Variable Cosmic Objects

FALL 2019 RESEARCH INCUBATION AWARDEES

PI: Alan Marscher, Professor OF Astronomy, CAS
Co-PIs: Svetlana Jorstad, Senior Research Scientist of Institute for Astrophysical Research; Manasvita Joshi, Research Assistant of Institute for Astrophysical Research
Track: HIC

The team proposed to develop procedures to cross-compare astronomical time series data, obtained at different wavelengths, of highly variable cosmic objects called “blazars”. The analysis will require new techniques that can correlate, in an objective manner, time variations of brightness at both visible and gamma-ray wavelengths, and linear polarization at optical wavelengths. In this case, the team seeks to develop machine-learning algorithms that can identify both random components and underlying patterns.