RAVE: Galactic Evolution from the Radial Velocity Experiment

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

AST-0508996 Dr. Rosemary Wyse, at Johns Hopkins University, will use this Small Grant for Exploratory Research (SGER) award to undertake research made possible through RAVE (the RAdial Velocity Experiment), an international project with the ultimate goal of measuring the radial velocities and chemical abundances for a sample of roughly a one million stars by 2011. RAVE relies upon timely access to the 1.2m UK Schmidt telescope in Australia. The data will allow for the reconstruction of a part of the evolutionary history of the Milky Way. The proposed research forms the basis of a PhD thesis, and the dataset obtained in this study will be accessible to the broader astronomical community, and the public, through a "Virtual Observatory" compliant archive. Additionally, the PI will develop projects for High School students based on the archive, building on her experience working with a local High School student.