Murison is writing a Note on the solutions of definite integrals of the form Int( exp(i*n*theta)/(1+e*cos(theta))^k, theta=0..2*Pi ), which turn up frequently in celestial mechanics averaging problems.
Murison successfully completed work on a computer program to control the USNO dFTS adaptive optics (AO) module. The control program "locks" onto a star image from the telescope by means of lenses and a video camera and moves the AO mirror to compensate for motion of the star due to atmospheric turbulence, thus automatically keeping the starlight centered on the optical fiber that feeds the dFTS. The AO hardware test setup was dismantled and mounted into a compact enclosure machined by the USNO machine shop. This was then transported to the Clay Center telescope in Boston and mounted to the 25-inch telescope. The AO hardware and control program were successfully tested at the telescope.
Murison is researching the possibility of using the USNO dFTS to survey planetary nebula (PN) central stars for binarity. There are recent hints that perhaps most PN central stars might in fact be binaries, contrary to the long-established picture of PN formation which assumes single stars. The USNO dFTS is uniquely suited for detecting the radial velocity variations of such binaries.
Murison participated in the USNO Venus transit activities by bringing his 6-inch refractor and 9×63 binoculars and setting them up on the roof of Bldg. 1. He recorded the transit event through third and fourth contacts at moderately high resolution (0.2 arcsec/pixel, achieved with a combination of barlow lenses) with a video camera attached to the telescope. A feed of the camera images also appeared on a monitor inside the 12-inch dome for visitors to see.
