ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124....2K
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Käufl, H. U.; Esteves, R.l; Fedrigo, E.; Gojak, D.; Lizon, J.-L.; Marchetti, E.; Oberti, S.; Paufique, J.; Pozna, E.; Tordo, S.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(ESO) AH(ESO) AI(ESO) AJ(ESO)
Abstract:
The installation and commissioning of CRIRES, the Cryogenic Infrared Echelle Spectrograph, marks the completion of the original plan for the first generation of VLT instrumentation. Here we report on the commissioning of the curvature sensing adaptive optics part (MACAO) of CRIRES in April 2006. This activity also brings the quasi-series production of the MACAO systems to an end. All four UTs are now equipped with one MACAO system each to feed interferometry while UT1 and UT4 have one additional dedicated system each integrated into instruments. A summary of the overall status of CRIRES is given as well.
References:
Arsenault R. et al. 2004, The Messenger 117, 25
Bonnet H. et al. 2004, SPIE proc. 5490, 130
Käufl H. U. et al. 2004, SPIE proc. 5492, 1218
Moorwood A. F. M. 2003, The Messenger 114, 5
Paufique J. et al. 2004, SPIE proc. 5490, 216

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124....5B
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Bacon, R.; Bauer, S.; Böhm, P.; Boudon, D.; Brau-Nogue, S.; Caillier, P.; Capoani, L.; Carollo, C. M.; Champavert, N.; Contini, T.; Daguise, E.; Dalle, D.; Delabre, B.; Devriendt, J.; Dreizler, S.; Dubois, J.-P.; Dupieux, M.; Dupin, J.-P.; Emsellem, E.; Ferruit, P.; Franx, M.; Gallou, G.; Gerssen, J.; Guiderdoni, B.; Hahn, T.; Hofmann, D.; Jarno, A.; Kelz, A.; Koehler, C.; Kollatschny, W.; Kosmalski, J.; Laurent, F.; Lilly, S.J.; Lizon, J.-L.; Loupias, M.; Lynn, S.; Manescau, A.; McDermid, R. M.; Monstein, C.; Nicklas, H.; Perès, L.; Pasquini, L.; Pécontal, E.; Pécontal-Rousset, A.; Pello, R.; Petit, C.; Picat, J.-P.; Popow, E.; Quirrenbach, A.; Reiss, R.; Renault, E.; Roth, M.; Schaye, J.; Soucail, G.; Steinmetz, M.; Ströbele, S.; Stuik, R.; Weilbacher, P.; Wozniak, H.; de Zeeuw, T.
AA(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AB(Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany) AC(Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany) AD(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AE(LAOMP - Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) AF(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AG(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AH(ETH Zürich, Institute of Astronomy, Zürich, Switzerland) AI(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AJ(LAOMP - Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) AK(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AL(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AM(Institute for Astrophysics Göttingen, Germany) AN(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AO(ESO) AP(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AQ(LAOMP - Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) AR(LAOMP - Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) AS(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AT(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AU(Sterrewacht Leiden, the Netherlands) AV(LAOMP - Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) AW(Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany) AX(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) AY(Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany) AZ (Institute for Astrophysics Göttingen, Germany) BA(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) BB(Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany) BC(Institute for Astrophysics Göttingen, Germany) BD(Institute for Astrophysics Göttingen, Germany) BE(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) BF(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) BG(ETH Zürich, Institute of Astronomy, Zürich, Switzerland) BH(ESO) BI(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) BJ(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) BK (ESO) BL(Sterrewacht Leiden, the Netherlands) BM(ETH Zürich, Institute of Astronomy, Zürich, Switzerland) BN(Institute for Astrophysics Göttingen, Germany) BO(LAOMP - Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) BP(ESO) BQ(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) BR(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) BS(LAOMP - Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) BT(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) BU(LAOMP - Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) BV(Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany) BW(Sterrewacht Leiden, the Netherlands) BX(ESO) BY(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) BZ(Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany) CA(Sterrewacht Leiden, the Netherlands) CB(LAOMP - Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) CC(Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany) CD(ESO) CE(Sterrewacht Leiden, the Netherlands) CF(Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Germany) CG(CRAL - Observatoire de Lyon, France) CH(Sterrewacht Leiden, the Netherlands)
Abstract:
The Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) is a second-generation VLT panoramic integral-field spectrograph presently under preliminary design study. MUSE has a field of 1 × 1 arcmin2 sampled at 0.2 × 0.2 arcsec2 and is assisted by the VLT ground layer adaptive optics ESO facility using four laser guide stars. The simultaneous spectral range is 0.465-0.93 μm, at a resolution of R ~ 3000. MUSE couples the discovery potential of a large imaging device to the measuring capabilities of a high-quality spectrograph, while taking advantage of the increased spatial resolution provided by adaptive optics. MUSE has also a high spatial resolution mode with 7.5 × 7.5 arcsec2 field of view sampled at 25 milli-arcsec. In this mode MUSE should be able to obtain diffraction-limited data cubes in the 0.6-0.93 μm wavelength range.
References:
Arsenault R. et al. 2006, The Messenger 123, 6
Broadhuust T. et al. 2005, ApJ 621, 53
Fabers S. et al. 2003, SPIE 4841, 1657
Le Fèvre O. et al. 2003, SPIE 4841, 1670
Pasquini L. et al. 2002, The Messenger 110, 1
Soffner T. et al. 1996, A&A 306, 9
de Zeeuw P. T. et al. 2002, MNRAS 329, 513

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...11M
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Marconi, Gianni; Bagnulo, Stefano; Lizon, Jean-Louis; Buzzoni, Bernard; Dekker, Hans; D'Odorico, Sandro; Izzo, Carlo; Wolff, Burkhard F.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(ESO) AH(ESO)
Abstract:
VIMOS is the visible (360 to 1000 nm) wide-field imager and multi-object spectrograph mounted on the Nasmyth focus B of Melipal (UT3) (Le Fèvre et al. 2003). The instrument is comprised of four identical arms each with a field of view of 7' × 8' with a 0.205' pixel size and a gap between each quadrant of ~ 2'. Each arm is equipped with six grisms providing a spectral resolution range from ~ 200-2500 and with an EEV 44-82, thinned, anti-reflection coated, 4k × 2k pixel CCD. VIMOS operates in three different modes: Imaging (IMG), Multi-Object Spectroscopy (MOS), and with Integral Field Unit (IFU). For a summary of the instrument capability and performance, see http://www.eso.org/instruments/vimos/.
References:
Le Fèvre O. et al. 2003, SPIE 4841, 1670

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...12G
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Güsten, Rolf; Nyman, Lars-Ake; Menten, Karl; Cesarsky, Catherine; Booth, Roy S.; Schilke, Peter F.
AA(Max-Planck-Institut Für Radioastronomie, Bonn, Germany), AB(ESO), AC(Max-Planck-Institut Für Radioastronomie, Bonn, Germany), AD(ESO), AE(Onsala Space Observatory, Onsala, Sweden & Now at Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, South Africa), AE(Max-Planck-Institut Für Radioastronomie, Bonn, Germany)
Abstract:
APEX, the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment, is operational on Llano de Chajnantor, on what is considered one of the world’s best sites for submillimetre astronomy. With its large primary reflector of 12 m diameter, carefully adjusted to a surface smoothness of only 17‑18 μm r.m.s, APEX will allow observations up to 200 μm, through all atmospheric submm windows accessible from the ground. Scientific opportunities to explore the ‘cold universe’ are discussed, and first scientific results are presented.
References:
Booth R., de Jonge M., Shaver P. 1987,
The Messenger 48, 2
Güsten R. et al. 2006, A&A Letters (in press)
Güsten R. et al. 2006, A&A Letters (in press)
Heyminck S. et al. 2006, A&A Letters (in press)
Klein B. et al. 2006, A&A Letters (in press)
Neufeld D. et al. 2006, A&A Letters (in press)
Parise B. et al. 2006, A&A Letters (in press)
Risacher C. et al. 2006, A&A Letters (in press)

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...18W
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Wilson, T.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
ESO has selected Dr. Paola Andreani as the ARC Manager for ESO. Dr. Andreani will begin work at ESO Garching on 1 June 2006. Dr. Andreani is presently an Associate Astronomer at the Astronomical Observatory of Trieste, a part of INAF. Dr. Andreani is also a Co-I of Herschel/PACS and the local Project Manager of Herschel/SPIRE. She has been a working group manager of the Italian Herschel community, participating in the Herschel GTO process. Dr. Andreani is a well known researcher in the field of extragalactic astronomy, and has carried out significant work on the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect using the SEST.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...19M
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Moorwood, A.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The most recent of these biennial SPIE (The International Society for Optical Engineering) Symposia was held from 24-31 May in the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center in Florida, USA. Over the last decade, these meetings have grown to become the main forum for presenting and discussing all aspects of ground-based, airborne and space telescopes and their instrumentation, including associated advances in technology, software, operations and even astronomical results. As a consequence the meetings are large and well attended by people at all levels in the process of initiating, approving, implementing and operating astronomical projects and facilities. This year there were ~ 1700 registered participants who presented ~ 1600 papers and posters in the following 12 parallel conferences which formed the heart of the meeting.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...21Z
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Zijlstra, A.; Lagadec, E.; Matsuura, M.; Chesneau, O.; Etoka, S.
AA(Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, Manchester, United Kingdom) AB(Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, Manchester, United Kingdom) AC(Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, Manchester, United Kingdom) AD(Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, Nice, France) AE(Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, Manchester, United Kingdom)
Abstract:
Many post-AGB stars are predicted to show compact discs less than ~ 100 AU in size. The VLT is uniquely able to trace these size scales, using adaptive optics (NACO) and optical interferometry (VLTI). We here report on observations of four such objects, showing direct detections of these structures.
References:
de Ruyter S. et al. 2006, A&A 448, 641
Hajduk M. et al. 2005, Science 308, 231
Icke V. 2003, A&A 405, L11
Lagadec E. et al. 2006, A&A 448, 203
Matsuura M. et al. 2006, ApJ (Letters), in press
Mauron N., Huggins P. 2006, A&A 452, 257
Zijlstra A. A. et al. 2001, MNRAS 322, 280

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...25W
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Wilkinson, Mark I.; Kleyna, Jan T.; Gilmore, Gerard F.; Evans, N. Wyn; Koch, Andreas; Grebel, Eva K.; Wyse, Rosemary F. G.; Harbeck, Daniel R.
AA(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom) AB(Institute for Astronomy, Honolulu, USA) AC(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom) AD(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom) AE(Astronomical Institute of the University of Basel, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Switzerland) AF(Astronomical Institute of the University of Basel, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Switzerland) AG(The John Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA) AH(University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA)
Abstract:
We present preliminary kinematic results from our VLT programme of spectroscopic observations in the Carina dwarf spheroidal galaxy using the FLAMES multi-object spectrograph. These new data suggest that the dark matter halo of this galaxy has a uniform density core. The implications for our understanding of the nature of the dark matter are discussed. Z% Aaronson M. 1983, ApJ 266, L11 Belokurov V. et al. 2006, ApJL, submitted, astro-ph/0604355 Goerdt T. et al. 2006, MNNRAS 368, 1073 Harbeck D. et al. 2001, AJ 122, 3092 Kleyna J. T. et al. 2001, ApJ 564, L115 Kleyna J. T. et al. 2003, ApJ 588, L21 Koch A. et al. 2006a, The Messenger 123, 38 Koch A. et al. 2006b, AJ 131, 895 Majewski S. R. et al. 2005, AJ 130, 2677 Martin N. et al. 2006, MNRAS 367, L69 Mateo M. et al. 1993, AJ 105, 510 Mateo M. 1997, ASP Conf. Ser. 116, 259 Mateo M. et al. 1998, AJ 116, 2315 Monelli M. et al. 2003, AJ 126, 218 Munoz R. R. et al. 2005, ApJ 631, L137 Shetrone M. D. et al. 2001, ApJ 548, 592 Tolstoy E. et al. 2006, The Messenger 123, 33 Wilkinson M. I. et al. 2002, MNRAS 330, 778 Wilkinson M. I. et al. 2004, MNRAS 611, L21 Wilkinson M. I. et al. 2006, in proceedings of XXIst IAP meeting, EDP sciences, astro-ph/0602186 Willman B. et al. 2005, ApJ 626, L85 Wyse R. F. G. et al. 2006, ApJ 639, L13 Zucker D. B. et al. 2006, ApJ 643, L103
References:
Aaronson M. 1983, ApJ 266, L11
Belokurov V. et al. 2006, ApJL, submitted,
astro-ph/0604355
Goerdt T. et al. 2006, MNNRAS 368, 1073
Harbeck D. et al. 2001, AJ 122, 3092
Kleyna J. T. et al. 2001, ApJ 564, L115
Kleyna J. T. et al. 2003, ApJ 588, L21
Koch A. et al. 2006a, The Messenger 123, 38
Koch A. et al. 2006b, AJ 131, 895
Majewski S. R. et al. 2005, AJ 130, 2677
Martin N. et al. 2006, MNRAS 367, L69
Mateo M. et al. 1993, AJ 105, 510
Mateo M. 1997, ASP Conf. Ser. 116, 259
Mateo M. et al. 1998, AJ 116, 2315
Monelli M. et al. 2003, AJ 126, 218
Munoz R. R. et al. 2005, ApJ 631, L137
Shetrone M. D. et al. 2001, ApJ 548, 592
Tolstoy E. et al. 2006, The Messenger 123, 33
Wilkinson M. I. et al. 2002, MNRAS 330, 778
Wilkinson M. I. et al. 2004, MNRAS 611, L21
Wilkinson M. I. et al. 2006, in proceedings of XXIst
IAP meeting, EDP sciences, astro-ph/0602186
Willman B. et al. 2005, ApJ 626, L85
Wyse R. F. G. et al. 2006, ApJ 639, L13
Zucker D. B. et al. 2006, ApJ 643, L103

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...29.
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Using the ultra-precise HARPS spectro-graph on ESO’s 3.6-m telescope at La Silla, a team of astronomers1 has discovered that a nearby star is host to three Neptune-mass planets. The in-nermost planet is most probably rocky, while the outermost is the first known Neptune-mass planet to reside in the habitable zone. This unique system is likely further enriched by an asteroid belt.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...30P
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Proust, Dominique; Quintana, Hernán; Carrasco, Eleazar R.; Reisenegger, Andreas; Slezak, Eric; Muriel, Hernán; Dünner, Rolando; Sodré, Laerte, Jr.; Drinkwater, Michael J.; Parker, Quentin A.; Ragone, Cinthia J.
AA(GEPI - Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, France) AB(Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile) AC(Gemini Observatory, La Serena, Chile) AD(Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile) AE(Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, France) AF(Observatorio Astronómico, Córdoba, and CONICET, Buenos-Aires, Argentina) AG(Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile) AH(IAG-USP, São Paulo, Brazil) AI(University of Queensland, Australia) AJ(Macquarie University and AAO, Australia) AK(Observatorio Astronómico, Córdoba, and CONICET, Buenos-Aires, Argentina)
Abstract:
Since the 1980s, we have known that the Local Group of galaxies is moving at a velocity of 366 ± 125 km/s in the direction of Centaurus. In this region, the well-known Shapley supercluster of galaxies (SSC) consists of many clusters and groups of galaxies in the redshift range 0.04 < z < 0.055. An international collaboration has highlighted this greatest matter concentration in the local Universe, less than 500 million light years from us. The SSC may be able to account for half of the sought for ‘Great Attractor’.
References:
Dressler A. et al. 1987, ApJ 313, L37
Einasto M. et al. 2001, AJ 122, 2222
Hoffman Y. et al. 2001, arXiv:astro-ph/0102190
Proust D. et al. 2006, AA 447, 133
Ragone C. J. et al. 2006, AA 445, 819

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...32C
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Courbin, F.; Letawe, G.; Meylan, G.; Magain, P.; Jablonka, P.; Jahnke, K.; Wisotzki, L.; Letawe, Y.; North, P.
AA(Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Observatoire, Sauverny, Switzerland) AB(Institut d’Astrophysique et de Géo-physique, Université de Liège, Belgium) AC(Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Observatoire, Sauverny, Switzerland) AD(Institut d’Astrophysique et de Géo-physique, Université de Liège, Belgium) AE(Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Observatoire, Sauverny, Switzerland & Observatoire de Genève, Sauverny, Switzerland) AF(Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany) AG(Astrophysikalisches Institut, Potsdam, Germany) AH(Institut d’Astrophysique et de Géo-physique, Université de Liège, Belgium) AI(Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Observatoire, Sauverny, Switzerland)
Abstract:
Because they are faint and hidden in the glare of a much brighter unresolved source, quasar host galaxies still challenge the most powerful telescopes, instrumentation and processing techniques. Determining their basic morphological parameters and their integrated colours is feasible, but difficult, from imaging alone. However, detailed information on their stellar and gas contents and on their dynamics is achievable with deep spectroscopy.
References:
Bahcall J. N. et al. 1997, ApJ 479, 642
Boroson T., Oke J. B. 1984, ApJ 281, 535
Courbin F. et al. 1999, The Messenger 97, 26
Courbin F. et al. 2002, A&A 394, 863
Courbin F. et al. 2002, The Messenger 107, 28
Courbin F. et al. 2000, ApJ 529, 1136
Djorgovski S. G. et al. 1987, ApJL 321, L17
Eigenbrod A. et al. 2006, A&A 451, 759
Floyd D. et al. 2004, MNRAS 355, 196
Jahnke K., Kuhlbrodt B., Wisotzki L. 2004,
MNRAS 352, 399
Kennicutt R. 1992, ApJS 79, 255
Letawe G. et al. 2004, A&A 424, 455
Letawe G. et al. 2006a, submitted to MNRAS
(astro-ph/0605288)
Letawe Y. et al. 2006b, in prep
Magain P. et al. 2005, Nature 437, 381
Magain P., Courbin F., Sohy S. 1998, ApJ 494, 452
Meylan G. et al. 1990, The Messenger 59, 47
Trager S. C. et al. 1998, ApJS 116, 1

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...37W
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
West, R. M.
AA(Munich, Germany)
Abstract:
With great sadness, we have learned about the death of André Muller on 1 April, at the age of 87. Living in retirement in his native Holland since 1983, he was one of ESOs true pioneers, an outstanding representative of the select group of European astronomers who succeeded in steering ESO through the difficult initial phases. André was close-ly associated with the entire process, from the first site monitoring programmes in South Africa to the subsequent search in Chile, the decision in favour of the La Silla site, as well as the management of ESOs early activities in Chile, includ-ing the construction of the headquarters and observatory and the installation of the first generation of ESO telescopes. Few persons, if any, have been so inti-mately connected to the setting-up of ESOs facilities and it would be impossible to list in detail all of the services André performed for the organisation with such great expertise and zeal during his long career.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...38M
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Madsen, C.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Finnish Parliamentary Committee at ESO Headquarters

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...39R
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Richtler, T.; Larsen, S. S.
AA(Universidad de Concepción, Chile) AB(University of Utrecht, the Netherlands)
Abstract:
The role of ESO in the development of astronomy in Chile is difficult to overstate. However, the Chilean government is also well aware of the significance of science for the development of the country and has created large programmes for Chilean science to grow and maintain a sci-entific productivity competitive with that of countries with a longer scientific tradition. One of these programmes is called FONDAP (Fondo de Investigación Avanzado en Areas Prioritarias) and there is no question that astronomy is a priority field in Chile. The astronomy FONDAP pro-gramme (www.cenastro.cl) unites groups from Santiago (Universidad de Chile, Universidad Católica) and Concepción (Universidad de Concepción). One of the FONDAP goals is to support schools and conferences. Since globular clusters play an important role in the research of the Concepción group, we had the feeling that a small workshop of two or three days on globular cluster research would be due. But the reaction from the community was overwhelming and within a short time we had to drop the idea of an intimate workshop and instead had to face the challenge of a full-scale international conference, which would stretch our organisational and infrastructural capabilities to the limit. As so often, ESO was very generous and so a joint ESO-FONDAP conference on Globular Clus-ters in Concepción became reality.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...41L
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Lundgren, A.; Reveret, V.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
Andreas Lundgren; Vincent Reveret

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...42M
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Madsen, C.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
On 28-29 March, the Cluster Wallonie Espace, mainly a partnership of companies in the Walloon ‘Space Valley’, or-ganised the first so-called ‘W Space Days’ at the Colonster Castle, located on the premises of the University of Liège. The primary aim of these days is to encourage meetings between professionals in the sector and to identify new scientific and technological opportunities. They should also help to raise awareness of the activities of the space sector amongst the general public and young people in particular. Indeed the event successfully brought together scientists, industrialists, funding agencies and policymakers. On the first day, some 210 representatives of research centres, industries and organisations from 13 countries in Europe participated in the professional event, while the next day was a ‘public day’. The first morning’s programme comprised a series of talks, including ELT presentations by Roberto Gilmozzi and Philippe Dierickx.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...43P
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pierce-Price, D.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
“Catch a Star!”, an international competition for school students organised by ESO’s Educational Office and the Euro-pean Association for Astronomy Edu-cation, has had its fourth successful year.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...44U
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Uttenthaler, S.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
On 29 March 2006, a total solar eclipse occurred over South America, Africa, Turkey, Russia and Kazakhstan. It was the first one close to central Europe after the eclipse of 11 August 1999, and was calculated to have a maximum duration of totality of 4min 7sec. A group of eleven persons from ESO, accompanied by three from MPE and several amateur astronomers from the Augsburg area (altogether 20 participants) travelled to the Antalya region of Turkey to observe the eclipse. The Turkish Riviera could be rated as a good, but not excellent ob-serving site, with a probability of seeing the eclipse of 48% for Antalya.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...45.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
European astronomical research is at a critical juncture with the European Ex-tremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) project currently being defined by the ESO ELT Project Office with a large involvement of the community through, in particular, topical working groups, OPTICON and the ELT Design Study, and with a de-cision to proceed designing the facility to be taken end 2006/early 2007. This meet-ing will offer the European astronomi- cal community at large the opportunity to provide precious feedback to the goals and means of that ambitious long-term programme. It will successively address the E-ELT Science case, its basic ref-erence design and instrumentation con-cepts.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124Q..45.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The ESO La Silla Paranal Observatory (LPO) is currently operating 19 optical, NIR, and MIR instruments (9 VLT, 2 VLTI, 8 La Silla). To monitor and calibrate both the performance of each of these instru-ments and the quality of the data they deliver, ESO executes dedicated calibration plans. These systematic and regular measurements further aid in the calibration of data from science programmes, at least to specified levels of accuracy.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...46.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
ESO awards several postdoctoral fellow-ships each year. The goal of these fel-lowships is to offer young scientists op-portunities and facilities to enhance their research programmes at one of the world’s foremost observatories.

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124Q..47.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124R..47.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
List of Proceedings from the ESO Astrophysics Symposia

ADS BibCode:
2006Msngr.124...48.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)