With an overwhelming lead of 58 Super Bowls compared to the rest of the world’s 0, the US is evidently the greatest nation of them all.
However, in a specific part of the US一Las Cruces, New Mexico一we celebrated America’s 248th birthday in a very unique way. The moment I woke up, the air of my humble abode in Piñon Hall smelled like blue, red, and white.
Indeed, this truly American odor was later discovered to be the smell of the heavy air freshener (more like a cologne) from Shreyas and Charlie’s suite. A perfect representation of the USA in 2024.
NMSU Astro #1 started our patriotic day with a Physics lecture taught by our beloved Dr. Le. It was full of equations that described the motion of asteroids. Additionally, we delved into contents surrounding integral calculus and solving second-order differential equations with Taylor’s series. As we approach our data analysis phase of our program, it’s imperative that we absorb as much as possible from his lecture.
As Corbett was closed for the day, we had to grab a packed lunch in Domenici hall. Afterward, it was time for our afternoon lecture. The afternoon’s lecture was mostly a foreign concept for all of us as it involved centroiding our images and astrometry. Essentially, we learned how the sky brightness could influence our images and how to use the aperture and annulus to get better images.
As soon as our lecture ended, my teammate Joey and I hurried our way to the computer lab to set up our observing log and LCO system request. This was done in hopes that we can finally get our first proper data for the program. After help from our TA Kathryn, we were able to submit successfully and go down for a special BBQ dinner with the rest of the NMSU cohorts (Astro 2 & Genomics).
The dinner was loaded with briskets, pulled pork, uncooked bread, beans, coleslaw and more. It was also revealed that Jacqueline from Astro 2 shares a birthday with ‘Merica. All three programs had the opportunity to eat together in Domenici’s Atrium, which made it a really wonderful experience. It definitely fits the Yankee Doodle spirit of our great nation.
As our dinner came to an end, we also transformed a fellow Astro 1 participant of British descent to American pride.
After dinner, we made our way over to a local Las Cruces fair to celebrate the 4th of July and watch the fireworks. It was one of the larger local fairs I’ve attended in my life, which was quite surprising. It made me want to gobble up 57 hotdogs like Joey Chestnut did earlier that day. The moment we entered, a group of us lined up to get some shaved ice to cool down the pent up heat from our time in New Mexico.
After hanging out and taking some pictures, we decided to climb up a hill by the NMSU football stadium to observe the fireworks. Being up at the zenith of the hill made everything feel so close but far from me at the same time. On one hand, the noise from the fair’s concert blared all the way up the hill but the citizens and cars of Las Cruces seemed so distant. Soon, the firework show began to end our day. Though I’ve only known my friends Max, Ian, Kevin, and Dhanush for 11 days, it felt like old pals watching one last firework together.
It was truly a great day to be a part of the Summer Science Program. Or rather, the Star Spangled Program. Happy fourth!
My name is Jinu, a rising Senior (‘25) from Minnesota. I’m a Math & Comp-Sci enthusiast and love studying/competing in those areas. Outside of those subjects, you can often find me golfing, playing tennis, enjoying my instruments, and going on drives.
