Systems Integration of the Goldhelox X-ray Telescope

Authors

Paul F. Eastman, Brigham Young University
Dr. Thomas J. Utley Jr., Brigham Young University

Keywords

systems integration, Goldhelox x-ray telescope, robotic telescope

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

The GoldHelox X-Ray Telescope is an undergraduate project of the Brigham Young University Physics Department in conjunction with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is a fully autonomous robotic telescope and camera system capable of converting x-rays in the range of 171 angstroms into visible light and capturing the source images on 35mm film. This particular wavelength corresponds to the frequency of x-rays emitted by solar flares erupting from the surface of the sun, and by imaging only the x-rays emitted by the flares themselves, the effect will be to strip away much of the rest of the solar radiation, both visible and invisible. This will provide a window into the origins of the eruptions which interfere with much of the world’s communications networks. At the same time it will give researchers vital information about the sun’s activity below the visible surface.

Recommended Citation

Eastman, Paul F. and Utley, Dr. Thomas J. Jr. (2014) "Systems Integration of the Goldhelox X-ray Telescope," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 121.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/121