Phone:
Email:
Website or CV:
Braden's project is studying the long term spectral evolution of the newly
discovered magnetar Swift J1818.0-1607. Magnetars are neutron stars with
the strongest magnetic field in the known universe. They are typically
detected by large outbursts of x-rays and gamma rays powered by their
intense internal magnetic fields. These bursts are often accompanied by
changes in the properties of the magnetars persistent x-ray emission. By
studying how their persistent x-ray emission changes over time, we can
learn about properties of the magnetars such as how it's temperature and
flux change over time following a burst.
Matthew's advisor is Dr. Harsha Blumer.
Outside of physics and astronomy, he likes to play the trombone, hike, and do nature photography.
- "My favorite aspect about my project is that it's given me the opportunity to learn how to process x-ray data from a lot of the major x-ray telescopes and getting to learn more about the physics of magnetars."
- "What surprised me the most was the people. The most enjoyable parts of
the summer has been doing things with everyone else in the REU."
- Purdue University
- Physics major with math and astronomy minor