ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116....2R
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Richichi, A.; Petrov, R. G.
AA(ESO GARCHING) AB(AMBER CONSORTIUM)
Abstract:
AMBER is the latest addition to the interferometric instrumentation on Paranal. This short note, written as the people were still travelling back from the first commissioning, reports on the successful interferometric combination of both two and three VLT Unit Telescopes.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116....4B
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Ballester, P.; Percheron, I.; Sabet, C.; Licha, T.; McKay, D. J.; Morel, S.; Petr-Gotzens, M.; Richichi, A.; Vandenancker, M.; Wittkowski, M.
AA(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY, GARCHING) AB(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY, GARCHING) AC(TEKOM GMBH, KRAILING, GERMANY) AD(TEKOM GMBH, KRAILING, GERMANY) AE(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY, GARCHING & RUTHERFORD APPLETON LABORATORY, DIDCOT, UNITED KINGDOM) AF(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY, GARCHING) AG(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY, GARCHING) AH(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY, GARCHING) AI(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY, GARCHING) AJ(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY, GARCHING)
Abstract:
MIDI, the first scientific instrument for the VLTI, has been offered to the community since the beginning of the observing period P73. In this article, we present a number of different software tools that are available for the preparation of observations, the processing of MIDI data in real-time during observing, the pipeline reduction of data at the completion of observations and the distribution of these data.
References:
Comeròn, F., et al., 2003, ESO Messenger, 113, 32
Jaffe, W., Meisenheimer, K., Röttgering, H. ,
Leinert, Ch. , Richichi, A., et al., 2004,
Nature, 426, May 6, 2004, p.47
Kimeswenger et al., 2004, A&A, 413, 1037-1043
Koehler, B., et al., 2004, ESO Messenger, 115, 15
Leinert et al., 2003, ESO Messenger, 112, 13
Richichi, A. & Paresce, F., 2003, ESO Messenger,
114, 26
Richichi & Percheron, 2002, A&A, 386, 492-503
Richichi et al., 2003, ESO mini-workshop on
VLTI Calibrators (http://www.eso.org/~arichich/
download/vlticalibs-ws/)
Wittkowski et al., 2004, A&A, 418, 239

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116....8M
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Mathys, G.
AA(PARANAL SCIENCE OPERATIONS, ESO)
Abstract:
The operations statistics of the first five years of VLT science operations are presented and analysed. The difficulties and successes encountered in the organisation and execution of the science operations support tasks are reviewed. The lessons drawn from this experience are discussed.
References:
Comerón, F., Romaniello, M., Breysacher, J.,
Silva, D., & Mathys, G. 2003, Messenger
113, 32
D’Odorico, S., Aguayo, A.-M., Brillant, S., et al.
2003, Messenger 113, 26
Silva, D. 2001, Messenger 105, 18

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...13G
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Gilmozzi, R.; Melnick, J.
AA(European Southern Observatory) AB(European Southern Observatory)
Abstract:
The scientific role of La Silla beyond 2006 was assessed by a working group composed of members of the STC, of the UC and of ESO, and chaired by Andrea Cimatti. Their “La Silla 2006+” report is available through the ESO web (www.eso.org). The main conclusion of the report is that “…. the La Silla observatory will still be a crucial component of the ESO facilities and will be a fundamental ESO component to perform world-class scientific research for European astronomers”. The report recommends that La Silla continues to operate beyond 2006 with only two telescopes: the NTT and the 3.6m.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...16P
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pompei, E.; Billeres, M.; Dall, T.; Foellmi, C.; Hainaut, O.; Germany, L.; Lo Curto, G.; Saviane, I.
AA(European Southern Observatory) AB(European Southern Observatory) AC(European Southern Observatory) AD(European Southern Observatory) AE(European Southern Observatory) AF(European Southern Observatory) AG(European Southern Observatory) AH(European Southern Observatory)
Abstract:
During astronomical observations it has always been of great importance to be able to asses the quality of the data being collected at the telescope and the conditions of the night. The way astronomers normally do this is by processing the raw data transmitted from the instrument workstation with some semiautomated software package. The data reduction normally depends on the instrument characteristics, but basically the main divisions are set by the wavelength range covered (optical, infrared, sub-millimetric, radio) and by the way the light is collected (imaging or spectroscopy).

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...17G
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Germany, L.
AA(SciOps)
Abstract:
STAFFING MOVES; MORE UPDATED MANUALS; LA SILLA - CERTIFIED

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...18A
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Appenzeller, I.; Bender, R.; Böhm, A.; Frank, S.; Fricke, K.; Gabasch, A.; Heidt, J.; Hopp, U.; Jäger, K.; Mehlert, D.; Noll, S.; Saglia, R.; Seitz, S.; Tapken, C.; Ziegler, B.
AA(LANDESSTERNWARTE, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) AB(UNIVERSITÄTS-STERNWARTE MÜNCHEN, GERMANY & MPE, GARCHING, GERMANY) AC(UNIVERSITÄTS-STERNWARTE GÖTTINGEN, GERMANY) AD(OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, COLUMBUS, OHIO, USA) AE(UNIVERSITÄTS-STERNWARTE GÖTTINGEN, GERMANY) AF(UNIVERSITÄTS-STERNWARTE MÜNCHEN, GERMANY) AG(LANDESSTERNWARTE, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) AH(UNIVERSITÄTS-STERNWARTE MÜNCHEN, GERMANY) AI(UNIVERSITÄTS-STERNWARTE GÖTTINGEN, GERMANY) AJ(LANDESSTERNWARTE, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) AK(LANDESSTERNWARTE, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) AL(MPE, GARCHING, GERMANY) AM(UNIVERSITÄTS-STERNWARTE MÜNCHEN, GERMANY) AN(LANDESSTERNWARTE, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) AO(UNIVERSITÄTS-STERNWARTE GÖTTINGEN, GERMANY)
Abstract:
The FORS instruments at the ESO VLT have been used to study the cosmic evolution of galaxies. From a large sample of distant galaxies observed near the South Galactic Pole we obtained new results on the physical properties of high-redshift galaxies, on the evolution of the galaxy luminosity function and of the cosmic star formation rate, on the chemical enrichment of the universe, and other signposts for changes with cosmic time.
References:
Appenzeller, I., et al., 2000, The Messenger
100, 44
Bender, R., et al., 2001, Proc. ESO Conference on
“Deep Fields”, Springer 2001, p.96
Böhm, A., et al., 2004, A&A 420, 97
Frank, S., et al., 2003, A&A 407, 473
Gabasch, A., et al,: 2004, A&A 421, 41
Heidt, J., et al., 2003, A&A 398, 49
Mehlert, D., et al., 2002, A&A 393, 809
Noll, S., et al., 2004, A&A 418, 885
Tapken, C., et al., 2004, A&A 416, L1
Tully, R.B., Fisher, J.R., 1977, A&A 54, 661
Ziegler, B., et al., 2002, ApJ 564, L69

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...24.
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Wide Field Imager Provides New View of a Stellar Nursery (ESO PR Photo 20/04)

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...25S
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Srianand, R.; Petitjean, P.; Chand, H.; Aracil, B.
AA(IUCAA, PUNE, INDIA) AB(INSTITUT D’ASTROPHYSIQUE DE PARIS – CNRS, FRANCE & LERMA, OBSERVATOIRE DE PARIS, FRANCE) AC(IUCAA, PUNE, INDIA) AD(INSTITUT D’ASTROPHYSIQUE DE PARIS – CNRS, FRANCE & DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY , UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, USA)
Abstract:
The variation of several fundamental constants in physics can be probed by measuring wavelengths of atomic transitions in the high redshift Universe. In particular any possible variation in the electromagnetic fine-structure constant (α = e²/ℏc) can be detected in the absorption spectra of distant quasars. Using a well defined sample of absorption line systems we derive a 3σ upper limit on the time variation of α of ‑2.5 × 10-16 yr-1 ≤ (Δα / α Δt) ≤ +1.2 × 10-16 yr-1.
References:
Aracil, B., Petitjean, P., Pichon, C, & Bergeron, J.
2004, A&A 419, 811
Chand, H., Srianand, R., Petitjean, P., & Aracil, B.
2004, A&A, 417, 853
Chengalur, J., & Kanekar, N., 2003 PRL, 91,
241302
Dzuba, V.A., Flambaum V.V., & Webb, J.K. 1999,
PRL, 82, 888
Dzuba, V.A., Flambaum, V.V., Kozlov, M.G,, et.
al. 2002, Phys. Rev. A, 66, 022501
Fujii, Y., et al. 2000, Nuc. Phy. B, 573, 377
Ledoux, C., Petitjean, P., & Srianand, R. 2003,
MNRAS, 346, 209
Ivanchik, A.V., Rodriguez, E., Petitjean, P., &
Varshalovich, D.A. 2002, Astron.Lett., 28,
423
Murphy, M.T., Webb, J.K., Flambaum, V.,
Prochaska, J.X., & Wolfe, A. M. 2001,
MNRAS, 327, 1237
Murphy, M.T., Webb, J.K., & Flambaum, V.V.
2003, MNRAS, 345, 609
Quast, R., Reimers, D., & Levshakov, S.A. 2004,
A&A, 415, L7
Srianand, R., Chand, H., Petitjean, P., & Aracil, B.
2004, PRL, 92, 121302
Uzan, J. P. 2003, Rev. Mod. Phys., 75, 403
Varshalovich, D.A., Panchuk, V.E., & Ivanchik,
A.V. 1996, Astron. Lett., 22, 6
Webb, J.K., et al. 2001, PRL, 87, 091301

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...29G
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Galliano, E.; Alloin, D.
AA(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY) AB(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY)
Abstract:
Infrared techniques today allow us to explore the first ages of star formation in starburst galaxies: young massive clusters buried in a thick dusty cocoon reveal their nature through infrared imaging and spectroscopy.
References:
Collison, P.M., Saikia, D.J., Pedlar, A., et al. 1994,
MNRAS, 268, 203
Elmegreen, B.G. 1999, in Unresolved Problems in
Stellar Evolution, Cambridge Univ. Press
Fall, S.M. & Zhang, Q. 2001, ApJ, 561, 751
Forbes, D.A. & Norris, R.P. 1998, MNRAS, 300,
757
Galliano, E., Alloin, D., Pantin, E., et al. 2004,
A&A, submitted
Gilbert, A.M, Graham, J.R, McLean, I.S., et al.
2000, ApJ, 533, L57
Madau, P. 1999, 9th Annual October Astrophysics
Conference in Maryland, American Institute
of Physics Press, p. 299
Mirabel, I.F., Vigroux, L., Charmandaris, V., et al.
1998, A&A, 333, L1
Tuner, J.L., Beck, S.C., Crosthwaite, L.P., et al.
June 2003, Nature, 621
Weedman, D., Feldman, F., Balzano, V., et al.
1981, ApJ, 248, 105

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...32M
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Melo, C.; Bouchy, F.; Pont, F.; Santos, N. C.; Mayor, M.; Queloz, D.; Udry, S.
AA(ESO/CHILE) AB(LABORATOIRE D’ASTROPHYSIQUE DE MARSEILLE) AC(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE & LABORATOIRE D’ASTROPHYSIQUE DE MARSEILLE) AD(CENTRO DE ASTRONOMIA E ASTROFÍSICA DE LISBOA, OBSERVATÓRIO ASTRONÓMICO DE LISBOA & OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE) AE(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE) AF(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE) AG(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE)
Abstract:
Radial velocity follow-up of 41 OGLE planetary transit candidates carried out with the multi-object spectrograph FLAMES on the 8.2-m VLT Kueyen telescope has revealed the existence of Jupiter-mass companions around two transit candidates. They are extremely close to their host stars, orbiting them in less than 2 days.
References:
Bouchy, F., Pont, F., Santos, N. C., Melo, C.,
Mayor, M., Queloz, D., Udry, S., 2004, A&A,
421, L13
Charbonneau, D., Brown, T. M., Latham, D. W.,
Mayor, M., 2000, ApJ 529, L45
Konacki, M., Torres, G., Jha, S., et al., 2003,
Nature, 421, 507
Udalski, A., Zebrun, K., et al., 2002, Acta
Astronomica, 53, 133
Udry, S., Mayor, M., Santos, N. C., 2003, A&A,
407, 369

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...35.
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
As a compliment to the NASA/ESA CASSINI/HUYGENS Mission, New VLT/NACO images have been obtained of the atmosphere and surface of Titan, the largest moon in the Saturnian system.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...39B
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Boffin, H.; West, R.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
On June 8, a large part of the world shared a unique sight never seen before by any person now living. During a little more than six hours, planet Venus crossed the face of the Sun, offering a wonderful show for everybody to admire. And luckily, the observing conditions were rather favourable in large areas of the world.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...42M
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Madsen, C.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
OVER THE LAST FEW years, the idea of a “European Research Area” (ERA) has gained strong support among science policy makers and, increasingly, among scientists themselves. The goal of the ERA is to establish a single “market” for research on our continent, allowing for better co-ordination of research efforts, synergies between projects, the achievement of “critical mass” (both human and financial) and thus to strengthen the competitiveness of European research. These goals necessitate deep structural changes in the way science is organised, breaking up existing borderlines and barriers between national research systems in Europe.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...44W
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Walsh, J.; Rejkuba, M.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
This three-day ESO workshop, held from 19 to 21 May 2004, devoted to extra-galactic planetary nebulae (PN), was the first full workshop on the topic. Previously there had been discussions of extra-galactic PN on the final day of the pentennial IAU Symposium on Planetary Nebulae (last held in Canberra in 2001) and a one day meeting during the IAU General Assembly in den Haag in 1994. The field has expanded considerably in the last decade with many PN now detected in Local Group galaxies, extensive surveys underway in nearby early-type galaxies and in the intergalaxy regions of galaxy clusters, together with the use of PNe as kinematic probes for galaxy potentials. There are currently many thousands of PN catalogued in external galaxies, far surpassing the approximately 1500 known in the Milky Way.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...44A
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Alloin, D.; Mason, E.; O'Brien, K.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
Over the period April 4 to April 17, we had the great pleasure of the visit of Prof. Rashid Sunyaev in Chile. This was an opportunity for him to visit some of ESO's facilities (Paranal, Santiago) as well as APEX, and also to pay a visit to the new facilities of our colleagues in La Serena (among others Magellan and Gemini).

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...46.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
THOMAS DALL; MARINA REJKUBA; GIJSBERT VERDOES; PAUL VREESWIJK

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...47J
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Janssen, E.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The symposium, which was co-chaired by ESO’s Director General, Dr. Catherine Cesarsky, took place on 18–21 May 2004 at the Max-Planck Society's Harnack-Haus in Berlin. It was dedicated to presenting and discussing the fundamental scientific questions that will be addressed by major future astrophysical facilities during the next few decades. The meeting programme featured 11 invited reviews, 27 contributed talks and 49 posters. The meeting was attended by 160 participants from 17 countries.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...47.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
On April 12, former ESO DG professor Adriaan Blaauw reached his 90th birthday. Adriaan, together with many friends, family members, colleagues from The Netherlands and abroad, celebrated this occasion on April 17, during an informal get-together at the 19th-century country-mansion Nienoord in Leek, near Groningen.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...48M
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Madsen, C.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF2004) is the first pan-European interdisciplinary scientific conference, modelled on the well-known and highly successful meetings in the US by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). ESOF2004 will be held at the Stockholm City Conference Centre in Stockholm, Sweden, this summer, between 25–28 August. It is intended to continue with ESOF meetings on a biannual basis in the future.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...48P
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pirenne, B.; Quinn, P.
AA(ESO DMD) AB(ESO DMD)
Abstract:
ESO is committed to producing and maintaining a data stream from the VLT Observatory that forms a data heritage for international astronomy. This goal is being realised by an end-to-end operational approach that maintains data integrity, produces appropriate metadata, maintains and executes calibration plans and produces quality controlled data products. ESO has also designed and produced advanced data products from surveys that are available from the ESO/ST-ECF Science Archive Facility (SAF) and which feed archival science programs and future applications for VLT time. ESO also wishes to ensure that the full scientific potential of the VLT is realised by granting large amounts of telescope resources to large programmes chosen on scientific merit by the Observing Programme Committee (OPC). To ensure that the scientific products from these programmes also form an effective part of the VLT data heritage and the emerging international virtual observatory, ESO is defining requirements and procedures for large programmes that will ensure their scientific output can be published through the SAF. This goal is directly supported by the recommendations of the recent ESO workshop on Large Programmes and Surveys, endorsed by the Scientific Technical Committee (STC) at its April 2004 meeting.

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116Q..49.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116R..49.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
VLTI/MIDI Data reduction,, Analysis and Science

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116Q..50.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116R..50.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Assignment: The Director responsible for both Observatories will lead a multi-disciplinary team and act as a link between the User Community, the Director General and the Observatories. She/he will in particular be responsible for:

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...51.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The European Southern Observatory awards several postdoctoral fellowships to provide young scientists opportunities and facilities to enhance their research programmes. Its goal is to bring them into close contact with the instruments, activities, and people at one of the world’s foremost observatories. For more information about ESO’s astronomical research activities please consult http://www.eso.org/science/

ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.116...52.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)