2026 Project Description

Exploring Galaxy Astrophysics with SDSS and DESI Spectra

Supervisors

Ting-Wen Lan
Find out more about supervisors on ASIAA website

Task Description and Goals

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) are two large spectroscopic projects that have collected millions of galaxy spectra. A substantial number of galaxies have been observed by both SDSS and DESI. Because the fiber sizes and observation times of SDSS and DESI differ, comparing the spectra of the same galaxies from the two surveys allows one to extract spatial and temporal information about the galaxies. In this project, we will exploit the rich spectral information provided by SDSS and DESI to investigate galaxy astrophysics using these spatial and temporal information.

In this project, the student will (1) work on the large spectroscopic datasets, (2) develop statistical analysis techniques, and (3) learn the astrophysics of galaxy evolution and statistics.

Required Background

1. Basic/advanced knowledge in astrophysics is preferred, but not mandatory.
2. Basic knowledge and skills of computer programming (such as Python) would be desirable.
3. Passion for astrophysical research, Independent thinking, and hard working