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In this dissertation there will be looked at the development of an (Image Reduction and Analysis Facility) IRAF-based scientific photometric package for the UFS / Boyden 1.5-m telescope. The dissertation consist of a discussion on the history of Boyden Observatory and its instruments, with specific emphasis on the Rockefeller 1.5-m telescope. The discussion will include information on the upgrades and improvements the telescope underwent to compete and do research on an international level. In the proceeding chapters charged coupled devices (CCDs) will be discussed, as well as how to characterize CCD photometric observation systems, like the 1.5-m telescope. The chapters will include experimental procedures and results obtained during characterization experiments. Chapters on photometry techniques will follow thereafter as well as the development of the Boyden-IRAF photometric data-analysis system. It will include an overview of IRAF, as well as a more in depth discussion of the Boyden-IRAF package. The discussion will specify as to why and how it was developed and how it works. A final chapter will be presented on the testing of the Boyden-IRAF package through the determining of the Boyden atmospheric extinction coefficients using the newly developed package. With this project, i.e. the development of an IRAF-based photometric program, an attempt is made to fill a void that exists related to the in-house photometric capabilities. A reliable and user-friendly photometric program will definitely also result in Boyden Observatory playing an important role in student training and research programs. Finally a conclusion will be drawn as to the success of the new developments, the IRAF-based photometric package, and what this means for the development of Boyden Observatory and the UFS Astrophysics group i.t.o. research and development. |
