#7: Project Direction Update

Hello, reader! This update is going to explain the new direction my project is taking.

I have many questions that need to be answered. I do not know how to navigate an astrophysics database (efficiently). I don't have enough data to draw any substantial conclusions. These are simply a few of the many problems my project is facing. Without the direct help of my off-site advisor (who is extremely busy working on his own projects, and I am grateful for whatever help and guidance he was able to provide throughout this process), it is nearly impossible to get these questions answered quickly enough to truly move forward in the original direction I thought my project was going to go.

Right now, I think I'm going to explore the greater implications of my project - galaxy cluster orientation. Right now, I plan to do so primarily through research papers. The first research paper I will be looking at can be found here - I originally read this paper back in December when doing preliminary research for my project, and was drawn to how galaxy clusters seemed to hold the key to understanding the structure and/or layout of the universe.

I'd also like to see whether I can interview physicists who are studying or have studied these phenomena. I want to try and reach out to professors at nearby universities such as Santa Clara University or San Jose State University. If this is possible, it would not only give me a clearer view of my project (both my old and new one), but also help me decide whether pursuing astrophysics as an undergrad or graduate student is an endeavor I want to take on.

While it is frustrating that I will most likely not be able to follow through on the original direction of my project, I am excited to see where this new goal will take me and look forward to exploring the larger implications of my original project.

As always, comments and critiques are greatly appreciated. Until next time, dear reader.

#update #reflection