The development and use of a high-speed astronomical photometer

TL;DRAbstract

This dissertation describes the development and implementation of a computer-based photometric data acquisition system for the Mt Canopus telescope. The high-speed photometric system allows continuous acquisition of data, for up to ‚ÄövÑvÆ69 min with a maximum sample rate of 9.8 kHz, while providing a real time display of the counts. The system was thoroughly tested with a pulsing LED source and with observations of the Crab pulsar. The results from several observational programs, suited to the system's capabilities, are also presented. The observational programs involved a study of the DQ Her type cataclysmic variable EX Hydrae, a fast photometric study of geostationary spin-stabilised satellites, a monitoring program on SN1987a, and an occultation program which culminated in a successful observation of a Pluto occultation and the detection of an atmosphere on this planet. The Mark I version of the fast-photometer system was used for the photoelectric study program on the eclipsing ca

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