Observing Globular Cluster RR Lyrae Variables with the BYU West Mountain Observatory

Volume 44 number 1 (2016)

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Elizabeth J. Jeffery

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University, N283 ESC, Provo, UT 84602; elizabeth@physics.byu.edu

Michael D. Joner

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University, N283 ESC, Provo, UT 84602; joner@byu.edu

Abstract

We have utilized the 0.9-meter telescope of the Brigham Young University West Mountain Observatory to secure data on six northern hemisphere globular clusters. Here we present representative observations of RR Lyrae stars located in these clusters, including light curves. We compare light curves produced using both DAOPHOT and ISIS software packages. Light curve fitting is done with FITLC. We find that for well-separated stars, DAOPHOT and ISIS provide comparable results. However, for stars within the cluster core, ISIS provides superior results. These improved techniques will allow us to better measure the properties of cluster variable stars.