Research and Education
The research conducted at the Ortega observatory spans a vast spectrum of cosmic exploration, encompassing the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary science, and astrobiology. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research methodologies, this observatory contributes to humanity's collective understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Astronomy and astrophysics encompass the study of celestial objects and phenomena beyond Earth's atmosphere, delving into the origins, evolution, and properties of galaxies, stars, planets, and cosmic structures. This interdisciplinary field employs a combination of observational and theoretical methods to unravel the mysteries of the universe, probing fundamental questions about its composition, dynamics, and fate. From the exploration of distant galaxies and the discovery of exoplanets to the investigation of black holes and the nature of dark matter and dark energy, astronomy and astrophysics continually push the boundaries of human understanding, offering insights into the profound workings of the cosmos and our place within it.
Researchers working this filed:
- Dr. Luis Quiroga-Nuñez, Director Ortega Observatory, Assistant Professor, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
- Dr. Eric Perlman, Professor, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
- Dr. David Harris, Assistant Professor, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
- Dr. Don Warren, Assistant Professor, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
- Dr. Evan A. Smith, Instructor, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
Heliophysics
Heliophysics is the interdisciplinary scientific field that explores the dynamic interactions between the Sun and the space environment, including the Earth and other planetary bodies. By studying phenomena such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections, solar wind, and magnetic fields, heliophysicists seek to understand how the Sun's activity influences space weather and impacts technological systems, satellite communications, and astronaut safety. Through a combination of observational data, theoretical modeling, and advanced instrumentation, heliophysics illuminates the fundamental processes driving solar variability and its cascading effects throughout the solar system, providing crucial insights for both space exploration and Earth-based applications.
Researchers working this filed:
- Dr. Jean Carlos Perez, Associate Professor, Physics and Space Science Program Chair, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
- Dr. Sofianne Bourouaine, Assistant Professor, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
-
Juan Carlos Palacios, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Department of Aerospace, Physics & Space Sciences
Planetary Sciences
Planetary science is a multifaceted discipline dedicated to the study of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other objects within our solar system and beyond. It encompasses a wide range of scientific inquiries, including planetary formation, geology, atmospheres, climates, and potential for life. By combining data from spacecraft missions, telescopic observations, laboratory experiments, and theoretical models, planetary scientists seek to unravel the complex histories and dynamics of celestial bodies, shedding light on their origins, evolution, and potential habitability. From the exploration of Mars and the icy moons of Jupiter to the investigation of distant exoplanets, planetary science offers profound insights into the diversity and interconnectedness of worlds across the cosmos.
- Dr. Csaba Palotai, Associate Professor, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
- Dr. Howard Chen, Assistant Professor, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
Astrobiology
Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field that explores the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. By integrating knowledge from astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and planetary science, astrobiologists seek to understand the conditions and processes that give rise to life on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the cosmos. Key research areas include the study of extremophiles on Earth, the search for habitable environments in our solar system and beyond, the detection of biosignatures in exoplanetary atmospheres, and the exploration of the potential for life beyond Earth. Through a combination of theoretical models, laboratory experiments, field studies, and space missions, astrobiology aims to address one of humanity's most profound questions: are we alone in the universe?
- Dr. Andrew Palmer, Associate Department Head & Program Chair, Associate Professor, Marine & Environmental Science, Oceanography, and Meteorology
- Palmer Lab of Chemical Ecology and Astrobiology
- RADISH (Research to Advance the Development of Interstellar Horticulture)
- Dr. Manasvi Lingam, Assistant Professor, Aerospace, Physics, & Space Sciences
Projects
Classical astronomy in Florida is a challenge. The best place for a telescope is somewhere high, dry, and dark, i.e., space. Here in Florida we are at sea level, surrounded by a swamp, and graced by the Orlando theme parks. However, there is still a lot that can be accomplished by this telescope. It serves as a valuable training aid for students going on to use larger telescopes around the world. We conduct research that uses differential imaging to determine how objects vary their brightness over time. This can include studies of variable stars, occulations by Kuiper Belt Objects, and transiting exoplanets. Despite the challenges of the atmosphere here for high spatial resolution images, we conduct 'lucky imaging' using high speed cameras. These cameras can also be used in support of KSC and CCAFS launches by providing vehicle ascent tracking. The modest size of the telescope also means that it is quite nimble. This gives us the ability to track fast moving objects like satellites in low earth orbit.
Florida Tech is also the founding institute for the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA). This consortium remotely operates one-meter class telescopes at world-renowned ground-based observatories, including a 0.9-m telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory outside Tucson, Arizona, a 0.6-m telescope at Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory, and a 1.0-m telescope at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, on the Canary Islands.