Stellar Discovery  Project

Welcome to the exciting world of astrophysics!  

Ever wondered what it would be like to discover new worlds in space? 

Imagine two stars dancing together in space - that's a binary star system! Just like Earth orbits around the Sun, these stars orbit around each other, creating amazing patterns in the night sky. In our program, you'll get to study these fascinating star pairs and unlock their secrets. Through this innovative project, GoalGetit invites high school students to explore the fascinating mechanics of binary star systems—two stars that orbit around a common center of mass.  In collaboration with advanced image analysis tools like AstroImageJ, students will learn to process astronomical data, measure star positions, and calculate key properties of binary systems, such as position angle (PA) and separation (Sep).

Our project provides an engaging, hands-on experience in both astronomy and scientific research.  As students measure, analyze, and interpret data from actual astronomical images, they will gain a deeper understanding of the universe and develop essential skills in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and data analysis.

Join GoalGetIt's Binary Star System Project and become a real space researcher while boosting your research skills!

GoalGetIt is committed to providing innovative educational opportunities that combine scientific research with practical skill development for highschoolers. Our Binary Star System Project represents our dedication to fostering the next generation of scientists while breaking down resource barriers in scientific education.

Why Join The Adventure?

You'll get to:

Be a real space researcher (how cool is that)

Use professional astronomy tools

Make new friends who love science

Build an awesome college application

Maybe even discover something new in space!

Image Processing: Use tools like AstroImageJ to extract precise data from astronomical images of binary stars.

Data Analysis: Learn how to measure the separation and position angle of the stars, comparing findings with published measurements to assess the accuracy of their results.

Scientific Research Skills: G experience in scientific writing and documentation, sharing findings in a professional format, which will be valuable for future research endeavors.

This project is not just about stars—it's about empowering students to think critically, develop research skills, and engage in real scientific work.  By participating, you'll: 

Learn how to use specialized software for astronomical research.

Explore the wonders of space through hands-on data collection.

Sharpen your analytical skills and learn to interpret complex data.

Contribute to a broader effort to make scientific knowledge accessible and meaningful for all.

How It Works:

Students will be provided with real astronomical data of binary star systems and will process this data using the AstroImageJ software.

You'll learn how to calculate key astrometric parameters such as position angle (PA) and separation (Sep), which are vital in understanding the relationship between two orbiting stars. The project will also include a reporting and reflection phase, where students will compare their results with published measurements and critically analyze the accuracy and significance of their work.