Messenger No. 115 (March 2004)
Telescopes and Instrumentation
2-4 (PDF)
Five Years VLT
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115....2.
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
CATHERINE CESARSKY, ESO DIRECTOR GENERAL; RICCARDO GIACCONII, ESO DIRECTOR GENERAL, 1993--1999; ROBERTO GILMOZZI, PARANAL DIRECTOR
5-7 (PDF)
Excerpts From the First Five Years of VLT Science
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115....5R
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Renzini, A.
AA(European Southern Observatory)
Abstract:
SO, FIVE YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE the first VLT Unit Telescope was offered to the scientific community on April first, 1999. Much indeed has occurred in the meantime on Paranal, within the ESO community, and in Astronomy worldwide. In several fields progress has been breathtaking, and the VLT has played a rapidly increasing role in pushing ahead the frontier of our knowledge in virtually every major direction, from planetary systems to cosmology.
References:
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al. 1999, ApJ, 523, L33
8-10 (PDF)
New VLT Instruments Underway
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115....8M
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Moorwood, A.; D'Odorico, S.
AA(European Southern Observatory), AB(European Southern Observatory)
Abstract:
Following positive recommendations from ESO's Scientific and Technical Committee in October 2003, the development of three new VLT instruments - HAWK-I, X-shooter and KMOS - has now been approved and launched. All three had been the subject of detailed PhaseA studies conducted or contracted by the Instrumentation Division and whose results were presented to the STC together with the various Review Board reports. We sketch here briefly the main science drivers and foreseen characteristics of these instruments but with the caveat that not everything is yet frozen and that complete implementation still depends on raising external funding as well as various technical issues. More detailed descriptions of these instruments and their progress will be reported in future issues.
11-14 (PDF)
Towards an Adaptive Secondary for the VLT?
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...11A
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Arsenault, R.; Hubin, N.; Le Louarn, M.; Monnet, G.; Sarazin, M.
AA(European Southern Observatory), AB(European Southern Observatory), AC(European Southern Observatory), AD(European Southern Observatory), AE(European Southern Observatory)
Abstract:
Putting an Adaptive Secondary on one of the VLT Unit Telescope would offer a significant boost in the observing efficiency of the Telescope and would also constitute an important step on the roadmap towards the future ESO Extremely Large Telescope. First evaluation is that such a system, when coupled to instruments with adequate performance and equipped with proper wavefront sensors could provide either diffraction-limited performance in a small field or 'enhanced seeing' images over a large field. It should be able to improve on any capability of the present M2 unit, except chopping for which one would get a smaller stroke than today. The technology is mature and a comprehensive feasibility design study will start soon, hopefully to be followed by a full design in the frame of the OPTICON FP6 program. In parallel, we will carefully evaluate in liaison with Paranal Observatory and the Instrumentation Division the cost to benefit ratio of such a system coupled to an optimized set of instruments. These will be the basis for a mid-2005 decision on whether to proceed.
References:
D. Gallieni, E. Anaclerio, P. Lazzarini, A.
Ripamonti, S. Spairani, C. Del vecchio, P.
Salinari, A. Riccardi, P. Stefanini, and R.
Biasi, `LBT adaptive secondary units final
design and construction, Proc. SPIE 4839,
pp. 765-771, 2002.
H. M. Martin, J. H. Burge, C. Del Vecchio, L. R.
Dettmann, S. M. Miller, B. Smith and F.
Wildi, Optical fabrication of the MMT adaptive
secondary mirror, Proc. SPIE 4007, p.
502, 2000.
15-17 (PDF)
The First Light of the First VLTI Auxiliary Telescope
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...15K
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Koehler, B.
AA(European Southern Observatory)
Abstract:
On January 24th, the first Auxiliary Telescope (AT1) obtained its first image of the Paranal sky. This was a long awaited event that marks the birth of a new generation of telescope at Paranal. This article gives a brief description of the busy but exiting period of on-site re-assembly and commissioning.
References:
Koehler B. et al., 2002, The Auxiliary Telescopes
for the VLTI: a status report, The Messenger,
110, 21.
ESO Press Release 01/04, First Auxiliary
Telescope for the VLT Interferometer
Installed at Paranal, http://www.eso.org/outreach/
press-rel/pr-2004/pr-01-04.html.
18-21 (PDF)
Night Sky Brightness During Sunspot Maximum at Paranal
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...18P
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Patat, F.
AA(European Southern Observatory)
Abstract:
In this paper we present and discuss a large data set of UBVRI night sky brightness measurements collected at Paranal from April 2000 to September 2001. This unprecedented database allowed us to study in detail a number of effects including differential zodiacal light contamination, airmass dependency, daily solar activity and micro-auroral events.
References:
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Walker, M. F. 1988, PASP, 100, 496
Reports from Observers
22-26 (PDF)
DENIS Results on the Magellanic Clouds
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...22C
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Cioni, M. R. L.; Habing, H. J.; Loup, C.; Epchtein, N.; Deul, E.
AA(ESO,GARCHING,GERMANY) AB(STERREWACHT LEIDEN, THE NETHERLANDS) AC(IAP, PARIS, FRANCE) AD(LUAN, NICE, FRANCE) AE(STERREWACHT LEIDEN, THE NETHERLANDS)
Abstract:
The large-scale ijks simultaneous DENIS coverage of the Magellanic Clouds has allowed us to distinguish populations of objects of different kind and age, to derive the structural parameters of the galaxies and to obtain an indication of the metallicity distribution. This photometry combined with the results from long-term monitoring programs provides important constraints on the evolution of stars. Although we have extracted a great deal of information from the dataset, the data mining benefits have yet to be exhausted.
References:
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Cioni, M.R.L., et al. 2000a, A&A 144, 235
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Salaris, & Cassisi 1998, MNRAS 298, 166
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122, 1807
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Wood, P.R. 1999, IAU 191, p. 151
27-31 (PDF)
High Redshift Galaxies and the Sources of Reionization
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...27L
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Lehnert, M. D.; Bremer, M.
AA(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FUER EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK,GARCHING BEI MUENCHEN, GERMANY) AB(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS, UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL, U.K.)
Abstract:
Two of the most important issues in modern astrophysics, what reionized the hydrogen in the Universe and how the first objects formed have been addressed by a series of VLT observations. They indicate that the hydrogen was reionized by ultra violet photons from stars and not Active Galactic Nuclei, with most of the photons arising in relatively faint low mass galaxies.
References:
Becker, R. et al. 2001, AJ, 122, 2850
Bremer, M., Lehnert M., Waddington I.,
Hardcastle M., Boyce P., Phillipps, S., 2004,
MNRAS, 347, L7
Fan et al. 2001, AJ, 122, 2833
Ferguson, H. C., Dickinson, M., Papovich, C.
2002, ApJ, 569, 65
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Dickinson M., Pettini M.,1999, ApJ, 519, 1
32-34 (PDF)
Stellar Spectroscopy of Individual Stars in Local Group Galaxies with the VLT
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...32T
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Tolstoy, E.; Irwin, M.; Cole, A.; Fraternali, F.; Szeifert, T.; Marconi, G.
AA(KAPTEYN ASTRONOMICAL INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS) AB(INSTITUTE OF ASTRONOMY, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM) AC(KAPTEYN ASTRONOMICAL INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS) AD(ASTRON, DWINGELOO, THE NETHERLANDS & DEPT OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, UNITED KINGDOM) AE(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY) AF(EUROPEAN SOUTHERN OBSERVATORY)
Abstract:
The large collecting area and high-throughput multi-object instruments on the VLT make it possible to carry out detailed studies of stellar properties and distributions in environments well beyond our Galaxy.
References:
Armandroff & Da Costa 1991, AJ, 101, 1329
Irwin & Tolstoy 2002, MNRAS, 336, 643
Kaufer et al. 2004, AJ, in press
Rutledge et al. 1997, PASP, 109, 907
Shetrone et al. 2003, AJ, 125, 684
Tolstoy & Irwin 2000, MNRAS, 318, 1241
Tolstoy et al. 2001, MNRAS, 327, 918
Tolstoy et al. 2003, AJ, 125, 707
Venn et al. 2003, AJ, 126, 1326
35-36 (PDF)
First detection of Carbon Monoxide in the Atmosphere of Uranus
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...35E
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Encrenaz, Th.; Lellouch, E.; Drossart, P.; Feuchtgruber, H.; Orton, G. S.; Atreya, S. K.
AA(LESIA, OBSERVATOIRE DE PARIS, FRANCE) AB(LESIA, OBSERVATOIRE DE PARIS, FRANCE) AC(LESIA, OBSERVATOIRE DE PARIS, FRANCE) AD(MPIE, GARCHING, GERMANY) AE(JPL, PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, USA) AF(UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, USA)
Abstract:
Carbon monoxide has been detected for the first time in the atmosphere of Uranus, from infrared spectroscopy using ISAAC at the VLT. This result provides new constraints on the planet's interior, and illustrates significant differences between the two 'icy giants' Uranus and Neptune.
References:
Baines, K. H. et al., Icarus 114, 328, 1995
Bézard, B. et al., Icarus 159, 95, 2002
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2003
Encrenaz, Th. et al., Astron. Astrophys. 413, L5,
2004
Feuchtgruber, H. et al., Nature 389, 159, 1997
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Trafton, L. M. et al., Astrophys. J. 524, 59, 1999
37-39 (PDF)
Correcting Spatial Gradients
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...37K
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Koch, A.; Grebel, E. K.; Odenkirchen, M.; Caldwell, J. A. R.
AA(ASTRONOMISCHES INSTITUT BASEL, SWITZERLAND & MPIA, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) AB(ASTRONOMISCHES INSTITUT BASEL, SWITZERLAND & MPIA, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) AC(MPIA, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) AD(MPIA, HEIDELBERG, GERMANY & STSCI, BALTIMORE MD, USA)
Abstract:
We present a method to significantly reduce large-scale photometric variations seriously affecting imaging data from the Wide Field Imager (WFI). The primary source for these gradients is non-uniform illumination, which cannot be corrected by standard flatfielding techniques. Comparison of our observations with well-calibrated multi-colour photometry from the SDSS enabled us to characterize and quantify these variations and finally to model them using a second-order polynomial. Application of the model to our observations and an independent dataset consistently reduced the large-scale gradients and thus provides a generally valid and simple tool for improving WFI photometry.
References:
Abazajian, K., et al. 2003, AJ, 126, 2081
Koch, A. 2003, Diploma Thesis, University of
Heidelberg
Koch, A., Grebel, E.K., Odenkirchen, M., &
Caldwell, J.A.R. 2004, AN, 325, DOI
10.1002/asna.200310176, astro-ph/0310301
Manfroid, J., Selman, F., & Jones, H. 2001, The
Messenger, 104,16
Odenkirchen, M. et al. 2001, ApJ, 548, L165
Odenkirchen, M. et al. 2003, AJ, 126, 2385
Smith, J.A., et al. 2002, AJ, 123, 2121
Stoughton, C., et al. 2002, AJ, 123, 485
Other Astronomical News
40-40 (PDF)
The Users’ Committee
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...40V
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
van Winckel, H.
AA(Chairperson of the UC)
Abstract:
Unlike other committees of ESO, the Users’ Committee (UC) acts as a direct link between the ’general users at large’ and the ESO officials and focuses on the broad range of interactions of the current users with the ESO observatories. The aim of the committee is to streamline the requests from the users and advise the Director General and the ESO staff, with the goal of making the whole process from Phase I proposal writing up to reduction of the data as efficient and transparent as possible. Clearly, input from as many users as possible (read: all users) is needed to get a census on the legitimate needs of the community and in this article several ways to do so are restressed.
41-43 (PDF)
Large Programmes and Surveys
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...41W
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Wagner, S.; Leibundgut, B.
AA(LANDESSTERNWARTE HEIDELBERG) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
DURING THE 1980S ESO introduced “Key Programmes” to make best use of the observational resources. A first assessment of the success of the Key Programmes was done in 1993 and came to the result that the concept had severe shortcomings (cf. Messenger article by Cesarsky and Kudritzki 1994, Messenger 75, 45). In particular, a large fraction of the available observing time was committed to these Key Programmes and they were severely limiting the access to ESO telescopes for general users. In addition, the scientific impact of these Key Programmes was not very high. To avoid this mistake for the VLT a working group of community astronomers was formed in 1996 to discuss ways of achieving the best possible scientific return of the VLT. The report suggested introducing “Large Programmes” for projects which would require substantial observing time (more than either 100 hours or 10 nights) for a well-focused scientific goal. The duration of these Large Programmes was limited to no more than two years (four semesters). Up to 30% of the total time available for the community could be committed to Large Programmes. Subsequently it was requested that progress reports be presented to the OPC in each semester. The working group also suggested that “at about the time of the start of operations of UT3 the definition of the Large Programmes and its implementation should be reconsidered.” With one telescope entering into operation per year it turned out that this review would be based on more experience by extending the timeline foreseen initially. In 2002 sufficiently many Large Programmes had ended and it was time to assess the impact the Large Programmes have had.
43-44 (PDF)
Future Large - Scale Projects and Programmes in Astronomy and Astrophysics
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...43C
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Corbett, I.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
This workshop was proposed by Germany, which invited ESO to act as host, and took place on December 1-3, at the Deutsches Museum (December 1) and at the Ludwig- Maximilians-Universität (December 2, 3). It was attended by government-appointed delegates from fifteen Global Science Forum Member countries and Observers, three non- OECD countries, representatives of ESO, the President of the International Astronomical Union, invited speakers, and the OECD secretariat, and was chaired by Ian Corbett of ESO.
44-44 (PDF)
Finland to Join ESO
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...44.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Finland will become the eleventh member state of the European Southern Observatory. In a ceremony at the ESO Headquarters in Garching on 9 February 2004, an Agreement to this effect was signed by the Finnish Minister of Education and Science, Ms. Tuula Haatainen and the ESO Director General, Dr. Catherine Cesarsky, in the presence of other high officials from Finland and the ESO member states.
45-45 (PDF)
Report on the First Advanced Chilean School on Astrophysics “Extrasolar Planets and Brown Dwarfs”
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...45A
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Alloin, D.; Minniti, D.
AA(ESO) AB(PUC)
Abstract:
Organized by D. Minniti (PUC), D. Alloin (ESO), M.T. Ruiz (UChile), G. Pietrzynski (UConcepcion), and sponsored by the FONDAP Center for Astrophysics, European Southern Observatory, Princeton/ Catolica Universities, Fundacion Andes, SOCHIAS, and NRAO, the goal of this series of Schools (http://www.astro.puc.cl/~school/) is to train the young generation of astronomers on different topics. The School format has been chosen in order to allow a deep approach of the selected themes, as well as to maximize exchanges between the invited lecturers and the attendees.
46-46 (PDF)
Physics of Active Galactic Nuclei at all Scales
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...46A
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Alloin, D.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
This workshop was held at ESO/Vitacura on December 3-6, 2003, and organised by Danielle Alloin, Poshak Gandhi, Rachel Johnson, Paulina Lira, Sebastian Lopez, Jose Maza, with support from the European Southern Observatory, FONDAP/Conycit, and the Universidad Chile.
47-48 (PDF)
Fellows at ESO
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...47.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Nicolas Cretton; Emanuele Daddi; Poshak Gandhi; Dieter Nürnberger
47-47 (PDF)
Optical Interferometry Brings New Frontiers in Astrophysics
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...47H
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hummel, C.; Alloin, D.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
ESO’S VLTI is the first interferometer offered to the community of astronomers world-wide in service mode. Taking advantage of the presence of distinguished visiting interferometrists and members of the VLTI team at ESO Vitacura, a one-day micro-workshop was organized to introduce more ESO and Chilean astronomers and students to this observing mode and to make them consider the role the VLTI could play in their research. After introductory talks on interferometry, data reduction, and calibration, some outstanding recent results from VLTI/VINCI and other interferometers were presented, demonstrating impressively how optical interferometry has already contributed to advances in some fields of astrophysics, e.g. in testing stellar evolution theory.
49-51 (PDF)
The Venus Transit 2004 Programme
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...49W
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
West, R.; Boffin, H. M. J.
AA(European Southern Observatory), AB(European Southern Observatory)
Abstract:
Why did Captain Cook travel to Tahiti? How big is the Solar System? How is it possible to detect Earth-sized planets in orbit around other stars? And how is it possible to participate actively, together with many other people on other continents, in an extremely rare celestial event - one that has never been seen before by any person now alive? These and others are questions that the ambitious 'VT-2004' programme tries to answer.
Announcements
52-52 (PDF)
ESO - ARCETRI Conference on Chemical Abundances and Mixing in Stars in the Milky Way and its Satellites
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...52.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The Fibre Large Array Multi-Element Spectrograph (FLAMES) will produce a large amount of spectroscopic abundances for stars in different environments, from Galactic open clusters to dwarf galaxies in the Local Group, allowing a quantum leap in different astrophysical areas.
52-52 (PDF)
Upcoming Change in the Supported Archive Output Media
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115...52P
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pirenne, B.
AA(ESO DMD & ST-ECF)
Abstract:
In 13 years of data distribution at the ESO/ST-ECF archive, numerous different sorts of media have been offered to our users: 9-track tape reels, DAT-DDS 1 & 2, Exabyte. Still available today are the DATDSS 3 and the DLT 4000 and DLT 7000, as well as CD-R and DVD-R. The reasons for the changes have always been adaptation to the available technology, costs, request size as well as the popularity of the media with our user community. For this reason, every few years, the available choice is reviewed: the older, less popular media are removed and replaced by newer, more appropriate technologies.
53-53 (PDF)
ESO Studentship Programme
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115Q..53.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The European Southern Observatory research student programme aims at providing opportunities and facilities to enhance the Ph.D. programmes of ESO member-state universities. Its goal is to bring young scientists 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/
53-53 (PDF)
Personel Movements
54-54 (PDF)
Operations Staff Astronomer - Deputy Head of the Paranal Science Operations Department
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115Q..54.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Assignment: The Science Operations Department at ESO's Paranal Observatory (PSO) is responsible for all aspects of the direct support of observing operations of the VLT, the VLTI, and in the future, of the VST and VISTA, so as to optimize the scientific output of this world leading astronomical facility. The department currently comprises 26 operations staff astronomers, 14 telescope instrument operators, and 5 data handling administrators, as well as, for the functional part of their assignment, 15 postdoctoral fellows of ESO's Office for Science. Further recruitment is planned once all auxiliary telescopes of the VLTI, VST and VISTA become operational.
54-54 (PDF)
ESO Representative in Chile - Head of the Office for Science Santiago
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115R..54.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Assignment: The ESO representative reports directly to the Director General for the ESO representation duties in Chile and regarding the science activities to the Head of Office for Science in Garching . The main task will be:
55-55 (PDF)
Operations Staff Astronomer (VLTI)
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115Q..55.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Assignment: The first components of the VLT Interferometric Array (VLTI), including the science instruments MIDI and AMBER, are currently being commissioned. Scientific operations of the VLTI are expected to start in the first half of 2004. The successful candidate will support observing operations in both visitor and service mode at the VLTI. The tasks to be performed include the short-term (flexible) scheduling of queue observations, the calibration and monitoring of the instruments, and the assessment of the scientific quality of the astronomical data. The VLTI astronomer will contribute to the challenge of operating a world leading astronomical facility so as to optimize its scientific output, will acquire expert knowledge of novel instrumentation and techniques, and may be given the overall responsibility for an instrument.
55-55 (PDF)
Staff Astronomer
ADS BibCode:
2004Msngr.115R..55.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Assignment: APEX is a sub-mm telescope presently being erected at the ALMA site of Chajnantor in Chile through a collaboration between the MPIfR, ESO and Sweden. The site is excellent for sub-mm observations, and the telescope will be equipped with bolometer arrays and heterodyne receivers for observations at sub-mm wavelengths as well as in the THz band. We seek one staff astronomer for APEX. He/she will join a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, in total 20 people, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the antenna and its instrumentation. Astronomers will be part of the science operations group responsible to support observations, both in visitor mode and service mode, to develop calibration and quality control procedures for the instruments, to control the configuration of the system, and to develop operational procedures for the telescope including pointing models. The Science Operations team will consist of staff astronomers, fellows and telescope operators.
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