Somayeh Soomandar
Astrophysique
I am an astrophysicist and postdoctoral researcher at Bishop’s University, specializing in the study and modeling of close binary star systems. My work focuses on using light curve analysis from space missions like Kepler and TESS to uncover the physical and orbital properties of exotic stellar pairs. I have a strong background in computational astrophysics and have worked internationally, including as a visiting scholar at IRAP–CNRS in France. I am passionate about making astronomy accessible and enjoy mentoring students in applying real astronomical data and modeling tools to explore the hidden dynamics of the universe.
Projet : Exploring Binary Stars Through Light Curves
«In this research project, students learn how to study eclipsing binary stars using real data from NASA’s TESS satellite. By analyzing light curves—graphs of brightness over time—and modeling them with PHOEBE software, we can uncover the physical properties of stars, such as their masses, temperatures, and orbital angle. This hands-on experience introduces students to real astrophysics methods and invites them to contribute to the discovery of unstudied star systems.»