Messenger No. 151 (March 2013)

« Back to The Messenger home

Telescopes and Instrumentation

2-5 (PDF)
P. Hammersley, R. Brast et al.
Upgrading VIMOS — Part II

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151....2H
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hammersley, P.; Brast, R.; Bristow, P.; Bourget, P.; Castillo, R.; Dekker, H.; Hilker, M.; Lizon, J.-L.; Lucuix, C.; Mainieri, V.; Mieske, S.; Popovic, D.; Reinero, C.; Rejkuba, M.; Rojas, C.; Sanchez-Jannsen, R.; Selman, F.; Smette, A.; Urrutia Del Rio, J.; Valenzuela, J.; Wolff, B.
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)
Abstract:
VIMOS is the powerful visible (360–1000 nm) imager and multi-object/integral field spectrometer mounted on the VLT Unit Telescope 3, Melipal. Its high multiplex advantage makes it ideal for undertaking large-scale spectroscopic surveys of faint sources. In order to extend the life of the instrument, improve its performance and prepare for possible large-scale surveys, in 2009 it was decided to upgrade VIMOS. The first phase of the upgrade, which included replacing the detectors and the fitting of an active flexure compensation system, has been previously reported; this article describes the second stage of the upgrade, which has improved the delivered image quality and stability.
References:
Bristow, P. et al. 2012, The Messenger, 148, 13; D’Odorico, S. et al. 2003, The Messenger, 113, 26; Hammersley, P. et al. 2010, The Messenger, 142, 13; Hammersley, P. et al. 2012, SPIE, 486, 5MH Le Fevre, O. et al. 2002, The Messenger, 109, 21
6-9 (PDF)
A. Klotz, M. Boer et al.
Six Years of Science with the TAROT Telescope at La Silla

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151....6K
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Klotz, A.; Boer, M.; Atteia, J.-L.; Gendre, B.; Le Borgne, J.-F.; Frappa, E.; Vachier, F.; Berthier, J.
AA(IRAP-Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) AB(ARTEMIS-CNRS/OCA/UNS, Nice, France) AC(IRAP-Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) AD(IRAP-Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) AE(IRAP-Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse, France) AF(Planetarium de Saint-Etienne, France) AG(IMCCE-Observatoire de Paris, France) AH(IMCCE-Observatoire de Paris, France)
Abstract:
The TAROT telescopes are a pair of robotic autonomous observatories with identical suites of instrumentation, with one located in each hemisphere. The southern TAROT telescope, which was installed in 2006 at the La Silla Observatory, uses more than 90% of the clear night-time, and has become a very reliable and productive instrument. The primary objective of TAROT is the detection and study of the optical counter-parts of cosmic gamma-ray bursts, and many results have been obtained in this area. But several other topics, ranging from stellar physics to supernovae, have also been addressed successfully thanks to the telescope’s flexibility. We present the main scientific results obtained by the TAROT robotic observatory at La Silla.
References:
Abadie, J. et al. 2012, A&A, 539, 124; Boër, M. et al. 2003, The Messenger, 113, 45; Chincarini, G. et al. 2008, The Messenger, 134, 30; Costa, E. et al. 1997, Nature, 387, 783; Damerdji, Y. et al. 2007, AJ, 133, 1470; Gehrels, N. & Mészáros, P. 2012, Science, 337, 932; Gendre, B. et al. 2012, ApJ, 748, 59; Greiner, J. et al. 2007, The Messenger, 130, 12; Klotz, A. et al. 2008, PASP, 120, 98; Le Borgne, J. F. et al. 2007, A&A, 476, 307; Le Borgne, J. F. et al. 2012, AJ, 144, 39; Rees, M. & Mészáros, P. 1992, MNRAS, 258, 41; van Paradijs, J. et al. 1997, Nature, 386, 686
10-13 (PDF)
Y. Yang, M. Rodrigues et al.
Accurate Sky Continuum Subtraction with Fibre-fed Spectrographs

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...10Y
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Yang, Y.; Rodrigues, M.; Puech, M.; Flores, H.; Royer, F.; Disseau, K.; Gonçalves, T.; Hammer, F.; Cirasuolo, M.; Evans, C.; Li Causi, G.; Maiolino, R.; Melo, C.
AA(GEPI, Observatoire de Paris, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Meudon, France) AB(ESO) AC(GEPI, Observatoire de Paris, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Meudon, France) AD(GEPI, Observatoire de Paris, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Meudon, France) AE(GEPI, Observatoire de Paris, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Meudon, France) AF(GEPI, Observatoire de Paris, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Meudon, France) AG(Observatorio do Valongo, Brazil) AH(GEPI, Observatoire de Paris, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Meudon, France) AI(SUPA, Institute for Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Royal Observatory of Edinburgh, United Kingdom) AJ(UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory of Edinburgh, United Kingdom) AK(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Italy) AL(Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom) AM(ESO)
Abstract:
Fibre-fed spectrographs now have throughputs equivalent to slit spectrographs. However, the sky subtraction accuracy that can be reached has often been pinpointed as one of the major issues associated with the use of fibres. Using technical time observations with FLAMES–GIRAFFE, two observing techniques, namely dual staring and cross beam-switching, were tested and the resulting sky subtraction accuracy reached in both cases was quantified. Results indicate that an accuracy of 0.6% on sky subtraction can be reached, provided that the cross beam-switching mode is used. This is very encouraging with regard to the detection of very faint sources with future fibre-fed spectrographs, such as VLT/MOONS or E-ELT/MOSAIC.
References:
Cirasuolo, M. et al. 2011, The Messenger, 145, 11; Davies, R. I. 2007, MNRAS, 375, 1099; Lilly, S. et al. 2007, ApJS, 172, 70; Moreels, G. et al. 2008, Exp. Astr., 22, 87; Navarro, R. et al. 2010, Proc. SPIE, 7735, 88; Puech, M. et al. 2012, Proc. SPIE, 8446, 7; Rodrigues, M. et al. 2012, Proc. SPIE, 8450, 3; Sharp, R. & Parkinson, H. 2010, MNRAS, 408, 2495; Sullivan, P. W. & Simcoe, R. A. 2012, PASP, 124, 1336; Trinh, C. et al. 2013, MNRAS, submitted, astro-ph/1301.0326; Vacca, W. D. et al. 2003, PASP, 115, 389; Wyse, R. F. G. & Gilmore, G. 1992, MNRAS, 257, 1; Yang, Y. B. et al. 2012, Proc. SPIE, 8446, 7
14-19 (PDF)
R. Arsenault, E. Vernet et al.
Delivery of the Second Generation VLT Secondary Mirror (M2) Unit to ESO

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...14A
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Arsenault, R.; Vernet, E.; Madec, P.-Y.; Lizon, J.-L.; Duhoux, P.; Conzelmann, R.; Hubin, N.; Biasi, R.; Andrighettoni, M.; Angerer, G.; Pescoller, D.; Mair, C.; Picin, F.; Gallieni, D.; Lazzarini, P.; Anaclerio, E.; Mantegazza, M.; Fumi, L.; Riccardi, A.; Briguglio, R.; Poutriquet, F.; Ruch, E.; Rinchet, A.; Carré, J.-F.; Fappani, D.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(ESO) AH(Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) AI(Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) AJ(Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) AK(Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) AL(Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) AM(Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) AN(ADS International, Valmadrera, Italy) AO(ADS International, Valmadrera, Italy) AP(ADS International, Valmadrera, Italy) AQ(ADS International, Valmadrera, Italy) AR(Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Florence, Italy) AS(Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Florence, Italy) AT(Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Florence, Italy) AU(REOSC, St-Pierre-du-Perray, France) AV(REOSC, St-Pierre-du-Perray, France) AW(REOSC, St-Pierre-du-Perray, France) AX(REOSC, St-Pierre-du-Perray, France) AY(SESO, Aix-en-Provence, France)
Abstract:
The deformable secondary mirror (DSM), one of the key systems of the VLT Adaptive Optics Facility (AOF), has been delivered to ESO. It has been fully qualified in standalone mode and has successfully passed the technical acceptance Europe. Recently it was installed on ASSIST, the test bench for the AOF, and will undergo optical tests, which will complete its preliminary acceptance in Europe. With its 1170 actuators and 1.1-metre thin-shell mirror, it constitutes the largest adaptive optics mirror ever produced. The DSM constitutes a fine accomplishment by European industry and is set to become the “flagship” of the AOF on Paranal.
References:
Arsenault, R. et al. 2010, The Messenger, 142, 12; Arsenault, R. et al. 2010, Proc. SPIE, 7736, 20; Arsenault, R. et al. 2012, Proc. SPIE, 8447, 0J Biasi, R. et al. 2012, Proc. SPIE, 8447, 88; Hugot, E. et al. 2011, A&A, 527, A4; Kuntschner, H. et al. 2012, Proc. SPIE, 8448, 07; Paufique, J. et al. 2012, Proc. SPIE, 8447, 116; Stroeble, S. et al. 2012, Proc. SPIE, 8447, 115; Stuik, R. et al. 2012, Proc. SPIE, 8447, 118
20-20 (PDF)
M. Zwaan, P. Andreani et al.
ALMA Completes Its First Science Observing Season

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...20Z
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Zwaan, M.; Andreani, P.; Biggs, A.; Diaz Trigo, M.; Hatziminaoglou, E.; Humphreys, E.; Petry, D.; Randall, S.; Stanke, T.; Stoehr, F.; Testi, L.; van Kampen, E.
AA(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AB(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AC(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AD(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AE(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AF(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AG(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AH(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AI(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AJ(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO) AK(ESO) AL(European ALMA Regional Centre, ESO)
Abstract:
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) has recently completed its first year of science observing and the second year is beginning with increased capabilities. The completion rates for European-led proposals are reported. User support activities in the European ALMA Regional Centres are summarised, together with the results of a survey of users.
21-23 (PDF)
R. Sharples, R. Bender et al.
First Light for the KMOS Multi-Object Integral-Field Spectrometer

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...21S
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Sharples, R.; Bender, R.; Agudo Berbel, A.; Bezawada, N.; Castillo, R.; Cirasuolo, M.; Davidson, G.; Davies, R.; Dubbeldam, M.; Fairley, A.; Finger, G.; Förster Schreiber, N.; Gonte, F.; Hess, A.; Jung, I.; Lewis, I.; Lizon, J.-L.; Muschielok, B.; Pasquini, L.; Pirard, J.; Popovic, D.; Ramsay, S.; Rees, P.; Richter, J.; Riquelme, M.; Rodrigues, M.; Saviane, I.; Schlichter, J.; Schmidtobreick, L.; Segovia, A.; Smette, A.; Szeifert, T.; van Kesteren, A.; Wegner, M.; Wiezorrek, E.
AA(Department of Physics, University of Durham, United Kingdom) AB(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany; Universitätssternwarte München, Germany) AC(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AD(UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, United Kingdom) AE(ESO) AF(UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, United Kingdom) AG(UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, United Kingdom) AH(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AI(Department of Physics, University of Durham, United Kingdom) AJ(UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, United Kingdom) AK(ESO) AL(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AM(ESO) AN(Universitätssternwarte München, Germany) AO(ESO) AP(Sub-Department of Astrophysics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom) AQ(ESO) AR(Universitätssternwarte München, Germany) AS(ESO) AT(ESO) AU(ESO) AV(ESO) AW(UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, United Kingdom) AX(Universitätssternwarte München, Germany) AY(ESO) AZ(ESO) BA(ESO) BB(Universitätssternwarte München, Germany) BC(ESO) BD(ESO) BE(ESO) BF(ESO) BG(ESO) BH(Universitätssternwarte München, Germany) BI(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany)
Abstract:
The KMOS near-infrared multi-object integral-field spectrometer was transported to Chile in the middle of 2012 and achieved its first views of the Paranal skies in November 2012. We describe the delivery and re-integration of KMOS and present the first results from the two on-sky commissioning runs.
References:
Bacon, R. et al. 2012, The Messenger, 147, 4; Davies, R. et al. 2010, Proc. SPIE, 7735, 77356V Kasper, M. et al. 2012, The Messenger, 149, 17; Ramsay, S. 2012, The Messenger, 149, 16; Sharples, R. et al. 2010, The Messenger, 139, 24

Astronomical Science

25-28 (PDF)
G. Gilmore, S. Koposov et al.
Boötes-I, Segue 1, the Orphan Stream and CEMP-no Stars: Extreme Systems Quantifying Feedback and Chemical Evolution in the Oldest and Smallest Galaxies

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...25G
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Gilmore, G.; Koposov, S.; Norris, J. E.; Monaco, L.; Yong, D.; Wyse, R.; Belokurov, V.; Geisler, D.; Evans, N. W.; Fellhauer, M.; Gieren, W.; Irwin, M.; Walker, M.; Wilkinson, M.; Zucker, D.
AA(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, United Kingdom) AB(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, United Kingdom) AC(Mount Stromlo Observatory, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia) AD(ESO) AE(Mount Stromlo Observatory, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia) AF(Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA) AG(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, United Kingdom) AH(Departamento de Astronomia, Universidad de Concepcion, Chile) AI(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, United Kingdom) AJ(Departamento de Astronomia, Universidad de Concepcion, Chile) AK(Departamento de Astronomia, Universidad de Concepcion, Chile) AL(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, United Kingdom) AM(Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Harvard University, Cambridge, USA) AN(University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom) AO(Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia)
Abstract:
Galactic satellite galaxies provide a unique opportunity to map the history of early star formation and chemical evolution, the baryonic feedback on gas and dark matter, and the structure of low-mass dark matter halos, in surviving examples of the first galaxies. We are using VLT–FLAMES spectroscopy to map the kinematics and chemical abundances of stars in several ultra-faint dwarf spheroidal galaxies and the enigmatic Orphan Stream in the Halo. Two paths of early chemical enrichment at very low iron abundance are observed directly: one rapid and carbon-rich (CEMP-no), one slow and carbon-normal. We deduce long-lived, low-rate star formation in Boötes-I, implying insignificant dynamical feedback on the structure of its dark matter halo, and find remarkably similar kinematics in the apparently discrete systems Segue 1 and the Orphan Stream.
References:
Beers, T. C. & Christlieb, N. 2005, ARAA, 43, 531; Belokurov, V. et al. 2006a, ApJ, 642, L137; Belokurov, V. et al. 2006b, ApJ, 647, L111; Belokurov, V. et al. 2007a, ApJ, 654, 897; Belokurov, V. et al. 2007b, ApJ, 658, 337; Belokurov, V. et al. 2008, ApJ, 686, L83; Caffau, E. et al. 2011, Nature, 477, 67; Gilmore, G. et al. 2007, ApJ, 663, 948; Gilmore, G. et al. 2013, ApJ, 793, 61; Ibata, R., Gilmore, G. & Irwin, M. 1994, Nature, 370, 194; Koposov, S. et al. 2011, ApJ, 736, 146; Norris, J. E. et al. 2010a, ApJ, 722, L104; Norris, J. E. et al. 2010b, ApJ, 711, 350; Norris, J. E. et al. 2013, ApJ, 762, 28; Simon, J. et al. 2011, ApJ, 733, 46
29-32 (PDF)
M. T. Botticella, E. Cappellaro et al.
SUDARE at the VST

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...29B
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Botticella, M. T.; Cappellaro, E.; Pignata, G.; Baruffolo, A.; Benetti, S.; Bufano, F.; Capaccioli, M.; Cascone, E.; Covone, G.; Della Valle, M.; Grado, A.; Greggio, L.; Limatola, L.; Paolillo, M.; Pastorello, A.; Tomasella, L.; Turatto, M.; Vaccari, M.
AA(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Italy) AB(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AC(Departemento de Ciencias Fisicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile) AD(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AE(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AF(Departemento de Ciencias Fisicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile) AG(Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita Federico II, Italy) AH(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Italy) AI(Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita Federico II, Italy) AJ(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Italy) AK(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Italy) AL(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AM(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Italy) AN(Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita Federico II, Italy) AO(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AP(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AQ(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AR(Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, South Africa)
Abstract:
The SUpernova Diversity And Rate Evolution (SUDARE) programme on the VLT Survey Telescope aims to collect an unbiased and homogeneous sample of supernovae (SNe) in all types of galaxies out to redshift ~ 0.6. In four years, around 500 Type Ia and core-collapse SNe are expected to be discovered, including significant numbers of rare SN types. The programme is outlined and 100 SNe candidates have already been detected in the first year of the programme. Follow-up spectroscopy of the SN candidates, an important aspect of the programme, is also described.
References:
Benetti, S. et al. 2005, APJ, 623, 1011; Botticella, M. T. et al. 2008, A&A, 479, 49; Botticella, M. T. et al. 2012, A&A, 537, 132; Capaccioli, M. & Schipani, P. 2011, The Messenger, 146, 2; Cappellaro, E. et al. 2005, A&A, 430, 83; Grado, A. et al. 2012, MSAIS, 19, 362; Greggio, L. 2010, MNRAS, 406, 22; Harutyunyan, A. et al. 2008, A&A, 488, 383; Kuijken, K. 2011, The Messenger, 146, 8; Li, W. et al. 2011, MNRAS, 412, 1441; Perlmutter, S. et al. 1998, Nature, 391, 51; Riess, A. et al. 1998, AJ, 116, 1009; Smartt, S. J. et al. 2009, MNRAS, 395, 1409; Turatto, M. et al. 2003, ESO Astrophysics Symposia, eds. Hillebrandt, W., Leibundgut, B. (Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag)
33-36 (PDF)
L. Coccato, L. Morelli et al.
Disentangling the Kinematics and Stellar Populations of Counter-rotating Stellar Discs in Galaxies

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...33C
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Coccato, L.; Morelli, L.; Pizzella, A.; Corsini, E. M.; Buson, L. M.; Dalla Bontà, E.
AA(ESO) AB(Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia “G. Galilei”, Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy; INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AC(Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia “G. Galilei”, Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy; INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AD(Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia “G. Galilei”, Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy; INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AE(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy) AF(Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia “G. Galilei”, Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy; INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy)
Abstract:
Spectroscopic VIMOS/IFU observations are presented for three galaxies known to host two stellar counter-rotating discs of comparable sizes. For the first time both the kinematics and stellar population properties of the two counter-rotating discs in the observed galaxies were separated and measured. The secondary, less massive, stellar component rotates in the same direction as the ionised gas and is on average younger and less metal-rich than the main galaxy disc. These results support the scenario of gas accretion followed by star formation as the origin for large counter-rotating stellar discs in galaxies, and set an upper limit of 44% to those formed by binary galaxy mergers.
References:
Bertola, F. & Corsini, E. M. 1999, IAU Symposium, 186, Galaxy Interactions at Low and High Redshift, eds. Barnes, J. E. & Sanders, D. B. (Dordrecht: Kluwer), 149; Bertola, F. et al. 1996, ApJ, 458, L67; Coccato, L. et al. 2011, MNRAS, 412, L113; Coccato, L. et al. 2013, A&A, 549, 3; Crocker, A. F. et al. 2009, MNRAS, 393, 1255; Evans, N. W. & Collett, J. L. 1994, ApJ, 420, L67; Pizzella, A. et al. 2004, A&A, 424, 447; Rubin, V. C., Graham, J. A. & Kenney, J. D. P. 1992, ApJ, 394, L9; Thomas, D., Maraston, C. & Johansson, J. 2011, MNRAS, 412, 2183; Vergani, D. et al. 2007, A&A, 463, 883
37-40 (PDF)
F. D’Eugenio, R. C. W. Houghton et al.
Angular Momentum of Galaxies in the Densest Environments: A FLAMES/GIRAFFE IFS Study of the Massive Cluster Abell 1689 at z = 0.18

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...37D
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
D’Eugenio, F.; Houghton, R. C. W.; Davies, R. L.; Dalla Bontà, E.
AA(Sub-department of Astrophysics, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom) AB(Sub-department of Astrophysics, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom) AC(Sub-department of Astrophysics, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom) AD(Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia “G. Galilei”, Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy; INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, Italy)
Abstract:
Early-type galaxies (ETGs) exhibit kinematically distinct slow and fast rotator (SR, FR) morphologies. The former are much less common (10% of ETGs), but their incidence is higher in the core of the Virgo Cluster (25%). Here we present FLAMES/GIRAFFE integral field spectroscopy of 30 galaxies in the massive cluster Abell 1689 at z = 0.183. Abell 1689 has a density 30 times higher than that of Virgo, making it the ideal place to test the effects of environment, such as local density and cluster properties. We find 4.5 ± 1.0 SRs (or an average ETG fraction, ƒSR, of 0.15 ± 0.03) in Abell 1689, identical to the value for field/groups in ATLAS3D. Within Abell 1689 ƒSR increases towards the centre, exceeding the value found in the core of Virgo. This work is the highest redshift study of its kind.
References:
Bower, G., Lucey, J. R. & Ellis, R. S. 1992, MNRAS, 254, 613; Cappellari, M. et al. 2007, MNRAS, 379, 418; Cappellari, M. et al. 2011a, MNRAS, 413, 813; Cappellari, M. et al. 2011b, MNRAS, 416, 1680; Dressler, A. 1980, ApJ, 236, 351; Emsellem, E. et al. 2007, MNRAS, 379, 401; Emsellem, E. et al. 2011, MNRAS, 414, 818; Houghton, R. C. W. et al. 2012, MNRAS, 423, 256; Krajnovíc, D. et al. 2011, MNRAS, 414, 2923; Pasquini, L. et al. 2002, The Messenger, 110, 1
41-46 (PDF)
L. Guzzo, and the VIPERS Team
VIPERS: An Unprecedented View of Galaxies and Large-scale Structure Halfway Back in the Life of the Universe

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...41G
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Guzzo, L.; and the VIPERS Team
AA(INAF–Osservatorio di Brera, Milano, Italy)
Abstract:
The VIMOS Public Extragalactic Redshift Survey (VIPERS) is an ongoing Large Programme to map in detail the large-scale distribution of galaxies at 0.5 < z <1.2. With a combination of volume and sampling density that is unique for these redshifts, it focuses on measuring galaxy clustering and related cosmological quantities as part of the grand challenge of understanding the origin of cosmic acceleration. Moreover, VIPERS has been designed to guarantee a broader legacy, allowing detailed investigations of the properties and evolutionary trends of z ~ 1 galaxies. The survey strategy exploits the specific advantages of VIMOS, aiming at a final sample of nearly 100 000 galaxy redshifts to iAB = 22.5 mag, which represents the largest redshift survey ever performed with ESO telescopes. In this article we describe the survey construction, together with early results based on a first sample of 55000 galaxies.
References:
Bel, J. & VIPERS Team, 2013, A&A, submitted de la Torre, S. & VIPERS Team, 2013, A&A, submitted Colless, M. et al. 2001, MNRAS, 328, 1039; Davidzon, I. & VIPERS Team, 2013, A&A, submitted Di Porto, C. & VIPERS Team, 2013, A&A, submitted Eisenstein, D. et al. 2011, AJ, 142, 72; Fritz, A. & VIPERS Team, 2013, A&A, submitted Garilli, B. et al. 2008, A&A, 486, 683; Garilli, B. et al. 2012, PASP, 124, 1232; Granett, B. J & VIPERS Team, 2012, MNRAS, 421, 251; Guzzo, L. et al. 2008, Nature, 451, 541; Guzzo, L. & VIPERS Team, 2013, A&A, submitted Kaiser, N. 1987, MNRAS, 227, 1; Kauffmann, G. et al. 2003, MNRAS, 341, 54; Ilbert, O. et al. 2010, ApJ, 709, 644; Laureijs, R. et al. 2011, arXiv 1110.3193; Le Fevre, O. et al. 2005, A&A, 439, 845; Lilly, S. J. et al. 2009, ApJS, 184, 218; Malek, K. & VIPERS Team, 2013, A&A, submitted Marchetti, A. & VIPERS Team, 2013, MNRAS, 426, 1424; Marulli, F. & VIPERS Team, 2013, A&A, submitted McDonald, P. & Seljak, U. 2009, JCAP, 10, 007; Peacock, J. A. et al. 2001, Nature, 410, 169; Peebles, P. J. E. 1980, The Large-Scale Structure of the Universe, (Princeton: Princeton University Press) Pozzetti, L. et al. 2007, A&A, 474, 443; Pozzetti, L. et al. 2010, A&A, 523, 10; Scodeggio, M. et al. 2009, The Messenger, 135, 13; Xia, J.-Q. et al. 2012, JCAP, 06, 010

Astronomical News

48-49 (PDF)
H. Boffin, G. Carraro et al.
Report on the Workshop ''Ecology of Blue Straggler Stars''

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...48B
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Boffin, H.; Carraro, G.; Beccari, G.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
The last workshop dedicated to blue straggler stars (BSS) took place 20 years ago and there have been a great number of subsequent developments since in both observations and theory. The wide range of BSS topics covered at the workshop are briefly summarised; the published proceedings will form the first book on the subject.
50-54 (PDF)
L. Testi, P. Andreani
Report on the Conference ''The First Year of ALMA Science''

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...50T
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Testi, L.; Andreani, P.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
The conference reviewed the scientific results of the first year of ALMA Early Science operations and a summary of the highlights is presented. All areas of ALMA Cycle 0 science were covered, with emphasis on new results for astrochemistry, the Solar System, star and planet formation, the life cycle of stars, nearby galaxies, active galactic nuclei and the high redshift Universe. The priorities and prospects for ALMA Full Science and ALMA upgrades were also discussed.
References:
Casassus, S. et al. 2013, Nature, 493, 191; Sánchez-Monge, Á. et al. 2013, A&A, in press Weiss, A. et al. 2013, ApJ, in press
55-57 (PDF)
E. Fedrigo
Report on the ESO Workshop ''Real Time Control for Adaptive Optics 2012''

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...55F
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Fedrigo, E.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The Real Time Control for Adaptive Optics workshop series was conceived to bring together international specialists in real-time control (RTC) for adaptive optics in order to share and exchange experience regarding the design and implementation of these systems. During two full days, the participants were presented with 28 talks divided into seven sessions, one panel discussion and two free-form open discussions. The major topics covered during this second RTC workshop are briefly reported.
References:
Kasper, M. & Beuzit, J. L. 2010, The Messenger, 140, 24
58-61 (PDF)
R. Hanuschik
Llullaillaco and Paranal’s Skyline

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...58H
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hanuschik, R.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The visibility of the volcano Llullaillaco from Paranal is discussed. That it can be seen at all depends on two circumstances: a fortunate geometry and the superb quality of the atmosphere over the Atacama Desert, stretching over a baseline of 190 kilometres, much longer than in any astronomical observation.
61-62 (PDF)
L. L. Christensen
Hännes Heyer Retires

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...61C
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Christensen, L. L.
AA(ESO)
62-62 (PDF)
ESO
New Implementation of the ESO Data Access Policy

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...62.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
63-64 (PDF)
L. Cortese, G. Tremblay
Fellows at ESO

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...63.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Cortese, L.; Tremblay, G.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
65-65 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Studentship Programme

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...65.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
66-66 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the ESO Workshop ''Deconstructing Galaxies: Structure and Morphology in the Era of Large Surveys''

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151Q..66.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
66-66 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the ESA/ESO Workshop ''SCIENCE OPERATIONS 2013: Working Together in Support of Science''

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151R..66.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
67-67 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the Workshop ''400 years of Stellar Rotation''

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151Q..67.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
67-67 (PDF)
ESO
Personnel Movements

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151R..67.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

Annual Index

68-71 (PDF)
ESO
Annual Index 2012 (Nos. 147–150)

ADS BibCode:
2013Msngr.151...68.
Section:
Annual Index
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)