Astronomy undergraduates discover new type of star

University of Arizona astronomy undergraduates have discovered a new class of star that thrills astronomers who specialize in a relatively new field called "asteroseismology."

Astronomers worldwide will collaborate in continuous observations of one of these newly found stars for several weeks in May 2003.

"Astronomers are always looking for new and better ways to study stars," said Elizabeth Green, assistant staff astronomer at Steward Observatory, who with her students discovered the new class of stars. They have found sub-dwarf B stars that pulsate like Jell-O, quivering in space through cycles that typically last an hour.

The discovery of this new class of pulsating sub-dwarf B star is exciting because the stars' hour-long periods should make good observations much easier, and because these stars are more common than the short-period pulsators, Green said.

It was one of those discoveries you make but aren't looking for, she added.

New building to promote technology in Old Pueblo

The University of Arizona Science and Technology Park dedicated its newest building on Feb. 7. The 72,000 sq. ft. office building was designed to provide space for Tucson's emerging technology companies as well as to attract new technology companies to Southern Arizona.

"This building is the first major expansion of park facilities since the University of Arizona purchased the facility from IBM in 1994," says Bruce Wright, chief operating officer. "It represents the initial phase of a significant expansion that will add 1.9 million square feet of space to the park over the next 5-8 years."

The building's interior space is highly flexible to accommodate the rapidly changing needs of emerging companies. The building also features advanced fiber optic capabilities and meets rigorous air handling and environmental safety requirements.

Wright believes the new building will support Tucson's efforts to attract and nurture high technology companies.

"The availability of high quality office space enhances Tucson's position as a desirable location for technology companies," he says. "This expansion of the Science and Technology Park will provide opportunities for local companies that want to expand or re-locate within a research park environment as well as for out-of-state or international companies that want a prime location from which do business in the Southwestern United States and Mexico."

Approximately 300 people attended the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park. Among those participating were Mayor Robert Walkup, Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson and University of Arizona President Peter Likins.