Messenger No. 107 (March 2002)

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Telescopes and Instrumentation

1-6 (PDF)
W. Brandner, G. Rousset et al.
NAOS+CONICA at YEPUN: first VLT adaptive optics system sees first light

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107....1B
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Brandner, W.; Rousset, G.; Lenzen, R.; Hubin, N.; Lacombe, F.; Hofmann, R.; Moorwood, A.; Lagrange, A.-M.; Gendron, E.; Hartung, M.; Puget, P.; Ageorges, N.; Biereichel, P.; Bouy, H.; Charton, J.; Dumont, G.; Fusco, T.; Jung, Y.; Lehnert, M.; Lizon, J.-L.; Monnet, G.; Mouillet, D.; Moutou, C.; Rabaud, D.; Röhrle, C.; Skole, S.; Spyromilio, J.; Storz, C.; Tacconi-Garman, L.; Zins, G.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(ESO) AH(ESO) AI(ESO) AJ(ESO) AK(ESO) AL(ESO) AM(ESO) AN(ESO) AO(ESO) AP(ESO) AQ(ESO) AR(ESO) AS(ESO) AT(ESO) AU(ESO) AV(ESO) AW(ESO) AX(ESO) AY(ESO) AZ(ESO) BA(ESO) BB(ESO) BC(ESO) BD(ESO)
Abstract:
NAOS+CONICA (hereafter NACO) saw first light on November 25, 2001, at VLT UT4 (YEPUN). NACO partially compensates the effects of atmospheric turbulence (seeing) and provides diffraction- limited resolution for observing wavelengths from 1 to 5 μm, resulting in a gain in spatial resolution by a factor of 5 to 15 (diffraction limit of an 8-m-class telescope in K-band corresponds to 60 mas). This article gives an overview of the main characteristics and science drivers of NACO and briefly summarises the first results obtained during commissioning. Prospective users of NACO are kindly asked to cite [7] and [13] as a general reference to NACO in their scientific papers.
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7-12 (PDF)
R. Kurz, S. Guilloteau et al.
The Atacama Large Millimetre Array

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107....7K
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Kurz, R.; Guilloteau, S.; Shaver, P.
AA(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Germany) AB(Institut de Radio Astronomie Millimétrique, Grenoble, France) AC(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Germany)
Abstract:
This article is based on the Executive Summary of the European proposal for ALMA, which was prepared with input from many persons, including J. Baars, R. Bachiller, A. Benz, A. Blain, D. Bockelée-Morvan, R. Booth, C. Carilli, F. Combes, J. Conway, P. Cox, J. Crovisier, A. Dutrey, E. Falgarone, T. Forveille, M. Guélin, S. Guilloteau, C. Henkel, R. Kurz, E. Lellouch, J. Lequeux, J-F. Lestrade, R. Lucas, K. Menten, R. Pallavicini, J. Richer, P. Shaver, L. Tacconi, E. van Dishoeck, M. Walmsley, T. Wiklind.
13-13 (PDF)
L. Germany
News from the 2p2 Team

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...13G
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Germany, L.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
News from the 2p2 Team

Chilean Astronomy

14-18 (PDF)
L. Bronfman
A panorama of Chilean astronomy

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...14B
Section:
Chilean Astronomy
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Bronfman, L.
AA(Universidad de Chile)
Abstract:
Chile is becoming the astronomical capital of the world. The Atacama desert encompasses the best locations on Earth to build astronomical observatories. Paranal, Las Campanas, Tololo, Pachón, and La Silla are well-known places that contain top-quality optical astronomical facilities open to Chilean astronomers. In the last few years a new generation of astronomical facilities, the mega-telescopes, have been constructed in those sites: VLT, Magellan, and Gemini. In addition, there will be near San Pedro de Atacama at a height of 5000 m, the most powerful radio synthesis telescope of the world: the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA). This telescope will open up a new, unexplored, window of the electromagnetic spectrum for astrophysical studies. It will operate in an spectral range where clouds of cold gas which are the placental material of mostly every object we know in the universe, have their characteristic spectral signatures.
18-23 (PDF)
A. Reisenegger, H. Quintana et al.
Dynamics and mass of the Shapley Supercluster, the largest bound structure in the local Universe

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...18R
Section:
Chilean Astronomy
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Reisenegger, A.; Quintana, H.; Proust, D.; Slezak, E.
AA(Departamento de Astronomía y Astrofísica, Facultad de Física, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile) AB(Departamento de Astronomía y Astrofísica, Facultad de Física, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile) AC(DAEC – Observatoire de Meudon, France) AD(Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, France)
Abstract:
The Shapley Supercluster is the largest bound structure identified in the local Universe (z < 0.1). In this article, we discuss the role of superclusters as present day 'turning points' in the growth of structure in the Universe. We review observations of the Shapley Supercluster and their interpretation, particularly with regard to its dynamics and the determination of its mass, much of which has been done by our group, centred at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Finally, we describe our recent application of a spherical collapse model to the supercluster, and discuss possibilities of future progress.
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Reports from Observers

24-28 (PDF)
D. Baade, T. Rivinius et al.
To Be or not to Be and a 50-cm post-mortem eulogy

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...24B
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Baade, D.; Rivinius, T.; Štefl, S.
AA(European Southern Observatory, Garching b. München, Germany) AB(European Southern Observatory, Garching b. München, Germany) AC(Astronomical Institute, Academy of Sciences, Ondřejov, Czech Republic)
Abstract:
Be stars were discovered as early as 1866 by the famous Jesuit astronomer Angelo Secchi. Not only was γ Cas the first known Be star but the first star ever to be seen displaying emission lines. About half-way between then and today, the work by Otto Struve and others led to the picture that Be stars differ from supergiant B-type stars, which also feature emission lines, in that they are much less evolved, rotate extremely rapidly (up to 450 km/s at the equator), and their emission lines arise from a circumstellar disk.
28-32 (PDF)
F. Courbin, G. Letawe et al.
Spectroscopy of quasar host galaxies at the VLT: stellar populations and dynamics down to the central kiloparsec

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...28C
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Courbin, F.; Letawe, G.; Magain, P.; Wisotzki, L.; Jablonka, P.; Alloin, D.; Jahnke, K.; Kuhlbrodt, B.; Meylan, G.; Minniti, D.
AA(Institut d’Astrophysique de Liège, Belgium; Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile) AB(Institut d’Astrophysique de Liège, Belgium) AC(Institut d’Astrophysique de Liège, Belgium) AD(Potsdam University, Germany) AE(GEPI, Observatoire de Paris, France) AF(ESO-Vitacura, Chile) AG(Hamburger Sternwarte, Germany) AH(Hamburger Sternwarte, Germany) AI(STScl, Baltimore, USA) AJ(Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile)
Abstract:
1. Scientific Context 2. VLT Spectroscopic Observations 3. Spectra Decomposition and Stellar Population 4. Dynamics of the Host 5. Towards 2D Spectroscopy and High Spatial Resolution: GIRAFFE, SINFONI and FALCON
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32-35 (PDF)
J. Sollerman, V. Flyckt
The Crab pulsar and its environment

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...32S
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Sollerman, J.; Flyckt, V.
AA(ESO, Stockholm Observatory) AB(ESO, Luleå University of Technology)
Abstract:
We present new data of the Crab pulsar and its environment. Images taken in the infrared with ISAAC allow us to measure the pulsar spectrum and to reveal the red knot close to the pulsar. Complementary optical data from VLT and HST are presented. The full article, with full resolution nice color images, is presented in Messenger, 107, 32
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35-38 (PDF)
L. Vanzi, F. Mannucci et al.
SOFI discovers a dust enshrouded supernova

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...35V
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Vanzi, L.; Mannucci, F.; Maiolino, R.; della Valle, M.
AA(ESO, Chile) AB(CNR, Italy) AC(Observatory of Arcetri, Italy) AD(Observatory of Arcetri, Italy)
Abstract:
1. An IR Search for SN 2. First Success with SOFI – SN2001db 3. Extinction 4. The IR SN Rate
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38-39 (PDF)
G. Rupprecht
A deep look at an active galaxy

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...38R
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Rupprecht, G.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
A Deep Look at an Active Galaxy
39-40 (PDF)
ESO
Coming Home at Paranal. Unique “Residencia” Opens at the VLT Observatory

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...39.
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The Paranal Residencia at the ESO VLT Observatory is now ready and the staff and visitors have moved into their new home.

Other Astronomical Announcements

41-42 (PDF)
ESO
VLT Science Verification Policy and Procedures

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...41.
Section:
Other Astronomical Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
1. Science Verification Observations 2. Goals of Science Verification 3. Science Verification Programmes and Data Policy 4. Selection Criteria for SV Programmes 5. The SV Team
41-41 (PDF)
F. Paresce
Release of Scientific Data from VLTI Commissioning

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...41P
Section:
Other Astronomical Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Paresce, F.
AA(ESO)
42-42 (PDF)
ESO
“ESO Studentship Programme

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...42.
Section:
Other Astronomical Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
42-42 (PDF)
D. Alloin
News from Santiago

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...42A
Section:
Other Astronomical Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Alloin, D.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The spectacular fringes obtained at VLTI, as well as the intensive ALMA preparatory work in Chile, have suddenly brought the “world of interferometry” to full attention of the astronomical community in Chile.
43-44 (PDF)
A. Bacher
“Life in the Universe” Winners on La Silla and Paranal

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...43B
Section:
Other Astronomical Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Bacher, A.
AA(ESO and Institut für Astrophysik, Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck)
Abstract:
“Please fasten you seat-belts, we are descending to Santiago de Chile!” On board of the airplane are the winners of the “Life in the Universe” contest, Mihaly Kristof, Katalin Lovei, Adam Orban, Andras Sik and Tamas Simon. All are excited and for one it is the first flight in his life. What a chance!
43-43 (PDF)
M. Dennefeld
The Third NEON Observing School

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...43D
Section:
Other Astronomical Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Dennefeld, M.
AA(Co-ordinator of the NEON school)
44-45 (PDF)
A. Bacher, L.L. Christensen
In the Footsteps of Scientists – ESA/ESO Astronomy Exercise Series

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...44B
Section:
Other Astronomical Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Bacher, A.; Christensen, L.L.
AA(ESO and Institut für Astrophysik, Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck) AB(ST-ECF)
45-45 (PDF)
ESO
List of Scientific Preprints

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107Q..45.
Section:
Other Astronomical Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
45-45 (PDF)
ESO
Personnel Movements

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...45.
Section:
Other Astronomical Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

Messenger Index

46-47 (PDF)
ESO
Subject Index 2001 (Nos. 103–106)

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...46.
Section:
Messenger Index
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
47-48 (PDF)
ESO
Author Index 2001 (Nos. 103–106)

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...47.
Section:
Messenger Index
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

48-48 (PDF)
ESO
Contents

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.107...48.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)