DIA Photometry and Gravitational Microlensing
This project investigated gravitational microlensing events in the Andromeda Galaxy using difference image analysis (DIA) photometry on archival data from the Angstrom Project, aiming to detect and characterise transient events such as microlensing by brown dwarfs and stellar-mass black holes, as well as novae.
What I did
- Processed and analysed time-series data collaboratively with another physicist, identifying candidate events and interpreting their light curves.
- Characterised several significant events and evaluated their likely astrophysical causes.
- Proposed enhancements to the analysis pipeline, including machine learning for parameter optimisation and more advanced microlensing models to capture asymmetries and blended sources.
What I took away
- A deeper understanding of time-domain astrophysics, DIA techniques, and the astrophysical interpretation of transient light curves.
- Stronger skills in collaborative data analysis and scientific communication within a research setting.