Using Remote Telescopes to Chase Supernovae with Undergraduate Students

Abstract

This paper will detail a project that utilized a remote network of 0.5-m class telescopes, along with a burst-alert system, to engage undergraduate students in the collection of the early light curves of supernovae. The focus was to create a research experience that could be undertaken at the very earliest point in a student's academic career, as well as contribute to the scientific understanding of these transient sources. We will discuss the initial motivation and planning stages, highlight both our successes and failures during the execution of the project, and present several light curves taken by the students, as well our observational metadata. The information provided should be sufficient for other interested faculty members to bring similar projects to their own institutions.