Patrick Durrell and John Feldmeier study both nearby and distant galaxies using ground-based and space-based telescopes. They are both particularly interested in intracluster stars, stars that lie between the galaxies in a galaxy cluster. Some samples of their research are given below:
VICS: The VIrgo IntraCluster Star projectUsing the Hubble Space Telescope, Dr. Durrell and Dr. Feldmeier are part of a 13-member international team of scientists that have taken a 37-orbit exposure near the center of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. The goal here was to measure the properties of intracluster red giant stars through the imaging. By a lucky coincidence, a small dwarf galaxy was discovered in the field (seen on the left), offering the first chance to study the stellar population of a dwarf galaxy in a galaxy cluster
Studying Open and Globular Clusters of our GalaxyDr. Durrell studies open and globular star clusters in our Milky Way Galaxy. By measuring the brightnesses and colors of these stars, astronomers can determine the age and chemical content of these stars, and gain clues as to how our Galaxy was formed. On the left is an image of the globular cluster NGC 6093.
Studies of Stellar VariabilityDr. Feldmeier studies stars that vary in brightness. By studying which stars vary and which stay constant in brightness, astronomers can learn about the interiors of stars and search for extra-solar planets. On the left is a light curve of the RR Lyrae variable star CL Boo.