HWS News
15 August 2024 • Research • STEM Exploring Space By Colin Spencer '19
HWS students conduct research in New Mexico that focuses on the structure of planets and absorption of stars.
Under the direction of Associate Professor of Physics Leslie Hebb, Biruk Nardos '25 and Jake Romney '25 have explored stars and planets during research work in New Mexico this summer.
A physics and computer science double major, Nardos simulated the interior structure of extrasolar planets in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Maryland while Romney, a physics major, measured stars’ magnetic activity and how they change over time.
The two collected data with the 3.5-meter telescope at the Apache Point Observatory in Sunspot, N.M.
Additionally, the two classmates explored White Sands National Park, the Valley of Fire State Park, Sunspot Solar Observatory and the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
“Having a strong interest in astronomy, I did not hesitate when given the opportunity to conduct research in the field with Professor Hebb,” says Romney.
Romney says he gained skills using software that process data and operating a telescope remotely. “Additionally, I have a better understanding of the work of an astronomer and can put that experience toward my future career.”
Nardos previously conducted research on extrasolar planets through the University of Maryland, and presented his findings at the American Astronomical Society conference in New Orleans. The work focused on the interior modeling of sub-Neptune exoplanets, specifically working on the water world hypothesis for the exoplanet TOI-270d and attempting to explain it using detailed interior modeling.
As a rising senior, Nardos also worked with Hebb on research that focused on exoplanet detection using the transit method and NASA’s Kepler Data.
“HWS has been instrumental in providing me with the resources, mentorship and opportunities that have allowed me to thrive in my academic pursuit and I am proud to represent HWS as I move forward in the world of science and discovery,” says Nardos.
Nardos will continue his research as an Honors project this year.
Professor Hebb says she enjoyed sharing her passion for astronomy with Nardos and Romney and looks forward to continuing the research this coming year.
“Being a scientist is a great job, and observing with Jake and Biruk at Apache Point Observatory this summer allowed me to share with them why I like it so much," says Hebb. "We collected data in a unique, remote location that is not accessible to the general public. After collecting the data, we worked really hard to make progress on our research projects, and then we had fun exploring some cool things in New Mexico."
Top: Associate Professor of Physics Leslie Hebb takes a selfie with Jake Romney '26 and Biruk Nardos '25 at the Space History Museum in Alamogordo, N.M. This summer, Romney analyzed spectra of hundreds of stars to measure their magnetic activity and see how it changes over time, while Nardos worked on a project to simulate the interior structure of extrasolar planets.
