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Research Experience for Undergraduates 2006: University of Wyoming, Astronomy Department

High Energy Gamma-Ray Sources
Methods of Optical Classification and Monitoring

Research conducted by Lisa R. Carpenter, University of Michigan
Research Mentor: Prof. Danniel A. Dale, University of Wyoming

Abstract/Motivation Process Data Conclusions About REU

Research made possible by: Wyoming Infrared Observatory's Summer Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program (SURAP)
and by REU, funded by the National Science Foundation award number 0353760.

Conclusions

The EGRET sources observed show evidence of optical counterparts 1835-1, B1606, and B1611.
These objects all display evidence of variability in the optical bandpasses B, V, and R over time.
Given the nature of the combined optical and radio observations, all three objects should be classified as potential blazars.
Further investigation, including spectroscopy and more extensive optical observations, could confirm this hypothesis.