All Kepler Education Projects

The SETI Institute is leading the KeplerNet project, working closely with Western Kentucky University to form a consortium of colleges and universities (including historically minority and underserved institutions) that will enable college students to do science research by making real observations of planet transits using CCD cameras and techniques provided by Kepler EPO. Initially, KeplerNet involves at least four institutions. KeplerNet will have these basic components: (1) cameras for long-term loan to participating colleges for observing transits of giant planets and (2) support materials (training, tutorials, software) for KeplerNet participants in photometric observing techniques and data analysis tools. The KeplerNet project is designed prior to launch, and implemented post-launch.

KeplerNet benefits from the experience of the Hands-On Universe (HOU) in conducting online workshops useful for instruction of students, teaching assistants, and professors. In this way, KeplerNet provides a professional development experience as well as a research venue.

Impact: The KeplerNet project will reach undergraduates at a minimum of four small colleges or universities. The equipment and techniques should not only reach several dozen college students at underserved institutions through the life of the mission, but become permanent elements of the institutions’ astronomy programs in subsequent years.

Evaluation for KeplerNet is done with the guidance of the Kepler LHS Research, Evaluation, and Assessment (REA) team.