Euan Baldwin

This project aimed to investigate gravitational microlensing events in the Andromeda Galaxy using difference image analysis (DIA) photometry on archival data from the Angstrom Project. The goal was to detect and characterise transient events such as microlensing by compact objects like brown dwarfs and stellar-mass black holes, as well as novae.

I worked collaboratively with another physicist to process and analyse the time-series data, identify candidate events, and interpret their light curves. Together, we characterised several significant events and evaluated their likely astrophysical causes. We also proposed enhancements to the analysis pipeline, including the integration of machine learning for parameter optimisation and the use of more advanced microlensing models to capture asymmetries and blended sources.

This project deepened my understanding of time-domain astrophysics, DIA techniques, and the astrophysical interpretation of transient light curves. It also strengthened my skills in collaborative data analysis and scientific communication within a research setting.