Research Opportunity (Co-Authored Journal Publication)
CCAS members are invited to participate in a rare, hands-on astronomy research opportunity focused on the discovery and characterization of new binary star systems, using data from the Gaia mission of the European Space Agency and follow-up observations from Mount Wilson Observatory. This seminar combines real astronomical data reduction, collaborative analysis, and scientific writing, culminating in a refereed journal publication with participants listed as coauthors.
Research Overview
Gaia has measured positions and brightnesses for nearly two billion stars. While most stars have full astrometric solutions, 334 million stars in Gaia Data Release 3 only have two parameters (RA and Dec). These “Gaia Two-Parameter (G2P) stars” often lack full solutions because Gaia is confused by a nearby companion star.
In 2025, speckle interferometry observations of 20 G2P targets were conducted on the 1.5-meter telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory. These observations allow researchers to:
- Confirm whether a second star is present
- Measure separations and position angles
- Obtain multi-color photometry
- Identify and confirm new binary star systems
Seminar participants will reduce and analyze this data and prepare a scientific paper for submission to Open Astronomy, a fully refereed professional journal.
What Participants Will Do
- Learn and apply speckle interferometry data reduction techniques
- Analyze real observational astronomy data
- Collaborate on scientific interpretation
- Contribute directly to writing a refereed research paper
- Be listed as a coauthor upon publication
Schedule & Format
Online Sessions (via Zoom)
- Six sessions: Wednesdays, January 14 – February 18, 2026
- Time: 6:00–7:00 PM PST
- Each session includes a short lecture, team reports, and discussion
- Assigned work between sessions
- Zoom AI summaries and YouTube recordings provided after each meeting
In-Person Research Session (Maui)
- Saturday–Monday, February 20–22, 2026
- Location: University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy, Pukalani, Maui
- Focus: bringing the paper to near-final form
Haleakalā Observatory Insider’s Tour
- Monday, February 23, 2026
- Guided tour of major research facilities on the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakalā Observatory
- Includes visits to Pan-STARRS telescopes and Faulkes Telescope North (part of the Las Cumbres Observatory)
Registration Details
- Course: AST 231 – Advanced Astronomy Research Seminar
- Institution: Gila Community College
- Credit: 2 units
- Enrollment limit: 10 researchers (first come, first served)
- Registration opens shortly after the New Year
Tuition
- Arizona residents: Under 55: $196, 55+: $0
- Non-residents: Under 55: $298, 55+: $98
- Prerequisite: AST 131 (Introduction to Astronomy Research) or permission of the research supervisor.
Registration: https://gilacc.org/
Questions about Registration? Contact Veronica Peterson, GCC Registrar
Travel & Lodging
- Participants arrange their own transportation and meals
- Flights typically into Kahului (OGG); rental car recommended
- Lodging options available in Kahului and Wailea
- Limited on-site lodging for participants at Hale Wiakoa (visiting astronomers’ quarters) at approximately $90/night
Participants must be 18 or older. Family members or significant others are welcome to join meals and the summit tour.
Research Supervisor
The seminar is led by Russell M. Genet, Astronomy Instructor at Gila Community College, former President of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and a pioneer in robotic telescope development. More information here.
Why This is an Amazing Opportunity
This is a rare chance for amateur astronomers and advanced students to:
- Participate in original astronomical discovery
- Gain experience with professional-level research methods
- Earn authorship on a refereed journal paper
- Work directly with experienced researchers
- Visit world-class observatories normally closed to the public
CCAS members with an interest in observational astronomy, double stars, or astronomical research are strongly encouraged to apply!