Monitor Telescope Research Articles

Identification of problematic epochs in astronomical time series through transfer learning

We present a novel method for detecting outliers in astronomical time series based on the combination of a deep neural network and a k-nearest neighbor algorithm with the aim of identifying and removing problematic epochs in the light curves of astronomical objects. We used an EfficientNet network pretrained on ImageNet as a feature extractor and performed a k-nearest neighbor search in the resulting feature space to measure the distance from the first neighbor for each image. If the distance was above the one obtained for a stacked image, we flagged the image as a potential outlier. We applied our method to a time series obtained from the VLT Survey Telescope monitoring campaign of the Deep Drilling Fields of the Vera C. Rubin Legacy Survey of Space and Time

On the Origin of the X-Ray Emission in Heavily Obscured Compact Radio Sources

X-ray continuum emission of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) may be reflected by circumnuclear dusty tori, producing prominent fluorescence iron lines at X-ray frequencies. Here, we discuss the broadband emission of three radio-loud AGNs belonging to the class of compact symmetric objects (CSOs), with detected narrow Fe Kα lines. CSOs have newly born radio jets, forming compact radio lobes with projected linear sizes of the order of a few to hundreds of parsecs. We model the radio-to-γ-ray spectra of compact lobes in J1407+2827, J1511+0518, and J2022+6137, which are among the nearest and the youngest CSOs known to date, and are characterized by an intrinsic X-ray absorbing column density of N H > 1023 cm−2. In addition to the archival data, we analyze the newly acquired Chandra X-ray Observatory and Submillimeter Array (SMA) observations, and also refine the γ-ray upper limits from Fermi Large Area Telescope monitoring. The new Chandra data exclude the presence of the extended X-ray emission components on scales larger than 1.″5. The SMA data unveil a correlation between the spectral index of the electron distribution in the lobes and N H, which can explain the γ-ray quietness of heavily obscured CSOs. Based on our modeling, we argue that the inverse-Compton emission of compact radio lobes may account for the intrinsic X-ray continuum in all these sources. Furthermore, we propose that the observed iron lines may be produced by a reflection of the lobes’ continuum from the surrounding cold dust.

Luminosity Outburst Energized by the Collision between the Infalling Streamer and Disk in W51 North

We report the detection of the disk/torus, outflow, and inflow structures traced by H2O masers toward a high-mass young stellar object W51 North during its H2O maser outburst stage using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). It is found that the disk has a radius of ∼4000 au and an inclination angle with respect to the sky plane of ∼60° by combining the VLA and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array data. Additionally, a peculiar flow perpendicular to the SiO bipolar outflow is detected in the H2O maser, SiO, and HC3N lines, which is newly-identified as an infalling streamer rather than an old outflow from this source, as reported in previous studies. Combining the VLA map and the Tianma radio telescope monitoring of the H2O masers suggests that the origin of the luminosity outburst of H2O masers during 2020 January–April is likely related to the energy release from the collision between the infalling streamer and the disk. This may provide an additional mechanism to account for the luminosity outburst or episodic accretion beyond disk fragmentation caused by gravitational instability.

The Isaac Newton Telescope Monitoring Survey of Local Group Dwarf Galaxies. VI. The Star Formation History and Dust Production in Andromeda IX

We present a photometric study of the resolved stellar populations in Andromeda IX (And IX), the closest satellite to M31, a metal-poor and low-mass dwarf spheroidal galaxy. We estimate a distance modulus of mag based on the tip of the red giant branch. By probing the variability of asymptotic giant branch stars, we study the star formation history of And IX. We identified 50 long-period variables (LPVs) in And IX using the Isaac Newton Telescope in two filters, the Sloan and Harris V. In this study, we selected LPVs within two half-light radii with amplitudes in the range of 0.2–2.20 mag. It is found that the peak of star formation reaches ∼8.2 ± 3.1 × 10−4 M ⊙ yr−1 at ≈6 Gyr ago. Our findings suggest an outside-in galaxy formation scenario for And IX with a quenching occurring Gyr ago with a star formation rate (SFR) in the order of 2.0 × 10−4 M ⊙ yr−1 at redshift <0.5. We calculate the total stellar mass by integrating the SFR within two half-light radii ∼3.0 × 105 M ⊙. By employing spectral energy distribution fitting for the observed LPVs in And IX, we evaluate a mass-loss rate in the range of 10−7 ≤ ≤ 10−5 M ⊙ yr−1. Finally, we show that the total mass deposition to the interstellar medium (ISM) is ∼2.4 × 10−4 M ⊙ yr−1 from the C- and O-rich types of dust-enshrouded LPVs. The ratio of the total mass returned to the ISM by LPVs to the total stellar mass is ∼8.0 × 10−10 yr−1, and so at this rate it would take ∼1 Gyr to reproduce this galaxy.

The Isaac Newton Telescope Monitoring Survey of Local Group Dwarf Galaxies. V. The Star Formation History of Sagittarius Dwarf Irregular Galaxy Derived from Long-period Variable Stars

We conducted an optical monitoring survey of the Sagittarius dwarf irregular galaxy (SagDIG) during the period of 2016 June–2017 October, using the 2.5 m Isaac Newton Telescopeat La Palama. Our goal was to identify long-period variable stars (LPVs), namely, asymptotic giant branch stars (AGBs) and red supergiant stars, to obtain the star formation history of isolated, metal-poor SagDIG. For our purpose, we used a method that relies on evaluating the relation between luminosity and the birth mass of these most evolved stars. We found 27 LPV candidates within 2 half-light radii of SagDIG. 10 LPV candidates were in common with previous studies, including one extreme-AGB (x-AGB). By adopting the metallicity Z = 0.0002 for older populations and Z = 0.0004 for younger ages, we estimated that the star formation rate changes from 0.0005 ± 0.0002 M ⊙ yr−1 kpc−2 (13 Gyr ago) to 0.0021 ± 0.0010 M ⊙ yr−1 kpc−2 (0.06 Gyr ago). Like many dwarf irregular galaxies, SagDIG has had continuous star formation activity across its lifetime, though with different rates, and experiences an enhancement of star formation since z ≃ 1. We also evaluated the total stellar mass within 2 half-light radii of SagDIG for three choices of metallicities. For metallicity Z = 0.0002 and 0.0004, we estimated the stellar mass M* = (5.4 ± 2.3) × 106 and (3.0 ± 1.3) × 106 M ⊙, respectively. Additionally, we determined a distance modulus of μ = 25.27 ± 0.05 mag, using the tip of the red giant branch.

Categorize radio interference using component and temporal analysis

ABSTRACT Radio frequency interference (RFI) is a significant challenge faced by today’s radio astronomers. While most past efforts were devoted to cleaning the RFI from the data, we develop a novel method for categorizing and cataloguing RFI for forensic purpose. We present a classifier that categorizes RFI into different types based on features extracted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Fourier analysis. The classifier can identify narrowband non-periodic RFI above 2σ, narrowband periodic RFI above 3σ, and wideband impulsive RFI above 5σ with F1 scores [defined as F1 = (2 · recall × precision)/(recall + precision)] between 0.87 and 0.91 in simulation. This classifier could be used to identify the sources of RFI as well as to clean RFI contamination (particularly in pulsar search). In the long-term analysis of the categorized RFI, we found a special type of drifting periodic RFI that is detrimental to pulsar search. We also found pieces of evidence of an increased rate of impulsive RFI when the telescope is pointing towards the cities. These results demonstrate this classifier’s potential as a forensic tool for RFI environment monitoring of radio telescopes.

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey Reverberation Mapping Project: UV–Optical Accretion Disk Measurements with the Hubble Space Telescope

Abstract We present accretion-disk structure measurements from UV–optical reverberation mapping (RM) observations of a sample of eight quasars at 0.24 &lt; z &lt; 0.85. Ultraviolet photometry comes from two cycles of Hubble Space Telescope monitoring, accompanied by multiband optical monitoring by the Las Cumbres Observatory network and Liverpool Telescopes. The targets were selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Reverberation Mapping project sample with reliable black hole mass measurements from Hβ RM results. We measure significant lags between the UV and various optical griz bands using JAVELIN and CREAM methods. We use the significant lag results from both methods to fit the accretion-disk structure using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach. We study the accretion disk as a function of disk normalization, temperature scaling, and efficiency. We find direct evidence for diffuse nebular emission from Balmer and Fe ii lines over discrete wavelength ranges. We also find that our best-fit disk color profile is broadly consistent with the Shakura &amp; Sunyaev disk model. We compare our UV–optical lags to the disk sizes inferred from optical–optical lags of the same quasars and find that our results are consistent with these quasars being drawn from a limited high-lag subset of the broader population. Our results are therefore broadly consistent with models that suggest longer disk lags in a subset of quasars, for example, due to a nonzero size of the ionizing corona and/or magnetic heating contributing to the disk response.

Development of a two-channel system for monitoring the mirror elements of the Millimetron space observatory.

The paper presents the results of the development of an onboard two-stage telescope monitoring (control) system of the Millimetron space observatory. A 3D laser scanner is used for the preliminary inspection of the reflector elements, and an image analyzer based on the Foucault knife method is used for the final one. The results of the calculation and modeling of the monitoring system for tuning the telescope elements into space are presented. The signals formed in the system are calculated, including using data on the actual shape of the manufactured mirror elements. Estimates of the expected measurement accuracy are given, and the test results of the developed system are presented.

J1721+8842: a gravitationally lensed binary quasar with a proximate damped Lyman-α absorber

High-redshift binary quasars provide key insights into mergers and quasar activity, and are useful tools for probing the spatial kinematics and chemistry of galaxies along the line of sight. However, only three sub-10-kpc binaries have been confirmed above z = 1. Gravitational lensing would provide a way to easily resolve such binaries, study them in higher resolution, and provide more sightlines, though the required alignment with a massive foreground galaxy is rare. Through image deconvolution of StanCam Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) monitoring data, we reveal two further point sources in the known, z ≈ 2.38, quadruply lensed quasar (quad) J1721+8842. An ALFOSC/NOT long-slit spectrum shows that the brighter of these two sources is a quasar with z = 2.369 ± 0.007 based on the C III] line, while the C III] redshift of the quad is z = 2.364 ± 0.003. Lens modelling using point-source positions rules out a single source model, favouring an isothermal lens mass profile with two quasar sources separated by ∼6.0 kpc (0.73″) in projection. Given the resolving ability from lensing and current lensed quasar statistics, this discovery suggests a large population of undiscovered, unlensed sub-10-kpc binaries. We also analyse spectra of two images of the quad, showing narrow Lyα emission within the trough of a proximate damped Lyman-α absorber (PDLA). An apparent mismatch between the continuum and narrow line flux ratios provides a new potential tool for simultaneously studying microlensing and the quasar host galaxy. Signs of the PDLA are also seen in the second source, but a deeper spectrum is still required to confirm this. Thanks to the multiple lines of sight from lensing and two quasar sources, this system offers simultaneous subparsec- and kiloparsec-scale probes of a PDLA.

The Isaac Newton Telescope Monitoring Survey of Local Group Dwarf Galaxies. II. The Star-formation History of Andromeda I Derived from Long-period Variables

Abstract An optical monitoring survey in the nearby dwarf galaxies was carried out with the 2.5 m Isaac Newton Telescope. 55 dwarf galaxies and four isolated globular clusters in the Local Group were observed with the Wide Field Camera. The main aims of this survey are to identify the most evolved asymptotic giant branch stars and red supergiants at the endpoint of their evolution based on their pulsational instability, use their distribution over luminosity to reconstruct the star-formation history (SFH), quantify the dust production and mass loss from modeling the multiwavelength spectral energy distributions, and relate this to luminosity and radius variations. In this second of a series of papers, we present the methodology used to estimate SFH based on long-period variable (LPV) stars and then derive it for Andromeda I (And I) dwarf galaxy as an example of the survey. Using our identified 59 LPV candidates within two half-light radii of And I and Padova stellar evolution models, we estimated the SFH of this galaxy. A major epoch of star formation occurred in And I peaking around 6.6 Gyr ago, reaching 0.0035 ± 0.0016 M ⊙ yr−1 and only slowly declining until 1–2 Gyr ago. The presence of some dusty LPVs in this galaxy corresponds to a slight increase in recent star formation peaking around 800 Myr ago. We evaluate a quenching time around 4 Gyr ago (z &lt; 0.5), which makes And I a late-quenching dSph. A total stellar mass (16 ± 7) × 106 M ⊙ is calculated within two half-light radii of And I for a constant metallicity Z = 0.0007.

The Ground-based Experiment of the Prototype of Planetary (& Lunar) Rotation Monitor Telescope

The scientific objective of the Planetary (& Lunar) Rotation Monitor (PRM) telescope is to study the terrestrial planet's (the Moon's) rotation and its interior structure and physics by in-situ observation. In order to verify the brand new principle of observations and the data processing method, the prototype of the telescope is designed and manufactured. The prototype's optical system consists of a commercial telescope and trihedron mirror set placed at the entrance of its light path to realize the capability of observing three fields of view (FOVs) simultaneously. The ground-based validation observation began in 2017, and the images containing the stars from three FOVs were achieved. Star images from different FOVs are initially mixed together, but they can be classified into the three FOVs respectively by calculating the displacement of star images on the CCD plate between two adjacent exposures, to make the observational effect be identical with three independent observations of the three FOVs respectively. After image processing, from the orientation variation of the three FOVs simultaneously in space due to the Earth's rotation, the direction of the rotation axis of the Earth in space can be derived. Its deviation from the theoretical value is about 1″ in average, indicating that the working principle and data processing method are effective. The main errors in observations are discussed, including the atmospheric refraction, the thermal deformation of the commercial telescope tube, the low optical resolution caused by the short focal length, the optical aberration in the multi-FOV observation, etc. It is indicated that the spatial resolution of the telescope can be enhanced with a longer focal length, and the observational reliability can be improved by optimizing the thermal deformation control. Improving the optical design in the simultaneous observation of multiple FOVs will also be helpful to the accuracy enhancement.

The ultraviolet luminosity function of star-forming galaxies between redshifts of 0.6 and 1.2

ABSTRACT We use ultraviolet (UV) imaging taken with the XMM–Newton Optical Monitor telescope (XMM-OM), covering 280 arcmin2 in the UVW1 band (λeff = 2910 Å) to measure rest-frame UV 1500-Å luminosity functions of galaxies with redshifts z between 0.6 and 1.2. The XMM-OM data are supplemented by a large body of optical and infrared imaging to provide photometric redshifts. The XMM-OM data have a significantly narrower point spread function (resulting in less source confusion) and simpler K-correction than the GALEX data previously employed in this redshift range. UV-bright active galactic nuclei are excluded to ensure that the luminosity functions relate directly to the star-forming galaxy population. Binned luminosity functions and parametric Schechter-function fits are derived in two redshift intervals: 0.6 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 0.8 and 0.8 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 1.2. We find that the luminosity function evolves such that the characteristic absolute magnitude M* is brighter for 0.8 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 1.2 than for 0.6 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 0.8.

Occultation of a Large Star by the Large Plutino (28978) Ixion on 2020 October 13 UTC

Abstract We observed the occultation of the star Gaia DR2 4056440205544338944 by (28978) Ixion. The event was observed from two Lowell Observatory sites, using the 4.3 m Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT), near Happy Jack, AZ, USA, and a 0.32 m telescope co-mounted with the Titan Monitoring telescope on Lowell’s Mars Hill campus in Flagstaff, AZ. The LDT chord, at 44.86 s, was roughly 30% longer than the longest predicted possible chord. Under the assumption of a spherical body, Ixion’s fitted diameter D = 709.6 ± 0.2 km. The LDT light-curve profile was used to place an upper limit on the surface pressure P &lt; 2 μbar on any possible atmosphere of Ixion. At the distance of Ixion, the occulted star had a fitted projected diameter of 19.25 ± 0.3 km assuming uniform disk illumination, giving a stellar angular diameter of 0.675 ± 0.010 mas. Using the Gaia EDR3 parallax of 0.565 mas, the stellar radius is . The measured size is consistent with prior spectral classification of this star as a reddened mid-M giant. This is one of only a modest number of M5 III stars to have a directly measured diameter, and is more distant than most.

The Isaac Newton Telescope Monitoring Survey of Local Group Dwarf Galaxies. IV. The Star Formation History of Andromeda VII Derived from Long-period Variable Stars

Abstract We have examined the star formation history (SFH) of Andromeda VII (And VII), the brightest and most massive dwarf spheroidal (dSph) satellite of the Andromeda galaxy (M31). Although M31 is surrounded by several dSph companions with old stellar populations and low metallicity, it has a metal-rich stellar halo with an age of 6–8 Gyr. This indicates that any evolutionary association between the stellar halo of M31 and its dSph system is frail. Therefore, the question is whether And VII (a high-metallicity dSph located ∼220 kpc from M31) can be associated with M31's young, metal-rich halo. Here we perform the first reconstruction of the SFH of And VII employing long-period variable (LPV) stars. As the most evolved asymptotic giant branch and red supergiant stars, the birth mass of LPVs can be determined by connecting their near-infrared photometry to theoretical evolutionary tracks. We found 55 LPV candidates within two half-light radii, using multiepoch imaging with the Isaac Newton Telescope in the i and V bands. Based on their birth mass function, the star formation rate (SFR) of And VII was obtained as a function of cosmic time. The main epoch of star formation occurred ≃ 6.2 Gyr ago with an SFR of 0.006 ± 0.002 M ⊙ yr−1. Over the past 6 Gyr, we find slow star formation, which continued until 500 Myr ago with an SFR ∼ 0.0005 ± 0.0002 M ⊙ yr−1. We determined And VII’s stellar mass M = (13.3 ± 5.3) × 106 M ⊙ within a half-light radius and metallicity Z = 0.0007, and we also derived its distance modulus of μ = 24.38 mag.

Chandra Probes the X-Ray Variability of M51 ULX-7: Evidence of Propeller Transition and X-Ray Dips on Orbital Periods

Abstract We report on the temporal properties of the ultraluminous X-ray (ULX) pulsar M51 ULX-7 inferred from the analysis of the 2018–2020 Swift/X-ray Telescope monitoring data and archival Chandra data obtained over a period of 33 days in 2012. We find an extended low flux state, which might be indicative of propeller transition, lending further support to the interpretation that the neutron star is rotating near equilibrium. Alternatively, this off-state could be related to a variable superorbital period. Moreover, we report the discovery of periodic dips in the X-ray light curve that are associated with the binary orbital period. The presence of the dips implies a configuration where the orbital plane of the binary is closer to an edge-on orientation, and thus demonstrates that favorable geometries are not necessary in order to observe ULX pulsars. These characteristics are similar to those seen in prototypical X-ray pulsars such as Her X-1 and SMC X-1 or other ULX pulsars such as NGC 5907 ULX1.

A three-dimensional velocity of an erupting prominence prior to a coronal mass ejection

Abstract We present a detailed three-dimensional (3D) view of a prominence eruption, coronal loop expansion, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) associated with an M4.4 flare that occurred on 2011 March 8 in the active region NOAA 11165. Full-disk Hα images of the flare and filament ejection were successfully obtained by the Flare Monitoring Telescope (FMT) following its relocation to Ica University, Peru. Multiwavelength observation around the Hα line enabled us to derive the 3D velocity field of the Hα prominence eruption. Features in extreme ultraviolet were also obtained by the Atmospheric Imager Assembly onboard the Solar Dynamic Observatory and the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager on board the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory - Ahead satellite. We found that, following collision of the erupted filament with the coronal magnetic field, some coronal loops began to expand, leading to the growth of a clear CME. We also discuss the succeeding activities of CME driven by multiple interactions between the expanding loops and the surrounding coronal magnetic field.

The New Magnetar SGR J1830−0645 in Outburst

Abstract The detection of a short hard X-ray burst and an associated bright soft X-ray source by the Swift satellite in 2020 October heralded a new magnetar in outburst, SGR J1830−0645. Pulsations at a period of ∼10.4 s were detected in prompt follow-up X-ray observations. We present here the analysis of the Swift/Burst Alert Telescope burst, of XMM-Newton and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array observations performed at the outburst peak, and of a Swift/X-ray Telescope monitoring campaign over the subsequent month. The burst was single-peaked, lasted ∼6 ms, and released a fluence of ≈5 × 10−9 erg cm−2 (15–50 keV). The spectrum of the X-ray source at the outburst peak was well described by an absorbed double-blackbody model plus a power-law component detectable up to ∼25 keV. The unabsorbed X-ray flux decreased from ∼5 × 10−11 to ∼2.5 × 10−11 erg cm−2 s−1 one month later (0.3–10 keV). Based on our timing analysis, we estimate a dipolar magnetic field ≈5.5 × 1014 G at pole, a spin-down luminosity ≈2.4 × 1032 erg s−1, and a characteristic age ≈24 kyr. The spin modulation pattern appears highly pulsed in the soft X-ray band, and becomes smoother at higher energies. Several short X-ray bursts were detected during our campaign. No evidence for periodic or single-pulse emission was found at radio frequencies in observations performed with the Sardinia Radio Telescope and Parkes. According to magneto-thermal evolutionary models, the real age of SGR J1830−0645 is close to the characteristic age, and the dipolar magnetic field at birth was slightly larger, ∼1015 G.

The first light of the Solar Activity MOF Monitor Telescope (SAMM)

SAMM (Solar Activity MOF Monitor) is a ground based robotic instrument that has been developed to study and constantly monitor the magnetic activity of the Sun, focusing on Active Regions (ARs). These regions are characterized by complex magnetic structures that may result in explosive events usually associated with large amount of particle and matter ejections in the space environment. When interacting with the Earth magnetosphere they can represent a threat for our infrastructures both in space (satellites, navigation systems) and on the ground (power plants and electrical grids). Based on Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) magneto optical filters (MOFs), SAMM provides a “tomographic” view of the magnetic structures delivering high cadence magnetograms and dopplergrams at different heights of the solar atmosphere thus providing a unique dataset with the aim to push forward the current space weather forecasting capabilities. Being able to forecast these events enough in advance (even few hours) is a fundamental task to put in place mitigation strategies to reduce the potential catastrophic impact on vital infrastructures on earth. In this scenario the SAMM observatory has been realized to be a “node” that can be replicated in a world-wide network with the aim to give a continuous coverage of the Sun situation. This project has been initially funded by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MiSE) in 2015 through a soft loan grant and its development and operation is carried on within a scientific collaboration between the INAF – Rome and Naples Astronomical Observatories and the Italian small enterprise (SME) Avalon Instruments. After three years of development, SAMM is in the commissioning phase. In this paper we are presenting a final instrument description along with the first light images.

Introduction of the scientific application system of GECAM

The direct detection of gravitational waves has started a new era of gravitational wave astronomy. As an important method for studying the counterparts of gravitational waves, the observation and search of the multi-wavelength radiation of the electromagnetic counterpart of gravitational waves has become the research focus in the field of astronomy. With the advancement of gravitational wave detectors, the number of gravitational wave samples has dramatically increased and the detection of gravitational wave electromagnetic counterparts has become very promising. The Gravitational wave high-energy Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) satellite is a full-sky monitoring telescope designed for detecting high-energy electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave events. The main reason for designing a scientific application system of GECAM satellites, which is proposed and designed with an emphasis on discovery, is to ensure the scientific operation of the payload of satellites and achieve the production, storage, processing, calibration, release, and analysis of scientific data. It is also designed to provide technical support and services to scientific users. Based on the exploration and research of the gravitational wave electromagnetic counterpart, this article introduces an innovative monitoring method design of the GECAM scientific application system for the gravitational electromagnetic counterpart, namely, the scheme design of the GECAM scientific application system. The design covers system architecture, interface control, main technical processes, functional composition, and software planning and design. The GECAM satellite is scheduled for launch by the end of 2020. By then, the scientific application system will be able to support the satellite’s in-orbit scientific operation and research.

Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope Monitoring Flux Density of Jupiter's Synchrotron Radiation during the Juno Mission

Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT) is a science education partnership among NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Lewis Center for Educational Research (LCER), offering unique opportunities for K-12 students and their teachers. As part of a long-term Jupiter synchrotron radiation (JSR) flux density monitoring program, LCER has been carrying out Jupiter observations with some student participation. In this paper we present the results of processed data sets observed between 2015 March 6 and 2018 April 6. The data are divided into 5 epochs, grouped by time and by Jupiter’s ephemeris parameters as observed from Earth. We derive JSR beaming curves at different epochs and Earth declinations. We present a comparison of the observed beaming curves with those derived from most recent models for the radiation belts. Our results show an increasing trend of the JSR flux density which seem consistent with the models for the magnetospheric solar wind interactions.