Assistant Professors
Science, Borough of Manhattan C.C.
Observing the Maffei Group of Galaxies with Chandra
Husband and wife research team, Professors McKernan and Ford received a one-year $10,000 NASA grant to observe nearby galaxies. Their project, Observing the Maffei Group of Galaxies with Chandra, allows them to utilize NASA’s Chandra X-ray telescope to view the Maffei galaxies and determine X-ray radiation sources emitted from these galaxies. Identifying X-ray radiation sources (neutron stars and accreting black holes) will enable them to establish a complete inventory of all X-ray bright objects in a group of galaxies and increase their understanding of the expected number of neutron stars and accreting black holes throughout the universe.
Both astrophysicists have been with BMCC for two years and enjoy researching black holes together. “The way in which black holes feed tells us about gravity and the universe we live in and answers the questions, ‘Where do we come from?’ and ‘Where are we going?” states Professor Ford.