Messenger No. 50 (December 1987)

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1-3 (PDF)
ESO
ESO's Directors General: Retrospect and Prospect

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50R...1.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
1-1 (PDF)
ESO
Europe Decides to Build the World's Largest Optical Telescope

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50Q...1.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
3-3 (PDF)
ESO
About 'The Messenger - El Mensajero'

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50....3.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
4-4 (PDF)
ESO
Where ESO was Born

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50....4.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
5-6 (PDF)
G. Soucail, Y. Mellier et al.
Discovery of the first gravitational Einstein ring - The luminous arc in Abell 370

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50....5S
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Soucail, G.; Mellier, Y.; Fort, B.; Mathez, G.; Cailloux, M.
AA(Toulouse, Observatoire, France), AB(Toulouse, Observatoire, France), AC(Toulouse, Observatoire, France), AD(Toulouse, Observatoire, France), AE(Toulouse, Observatoire, France)
Abstract:
The luminous arc in Abell 370 was reobserved at ESO with EFOSC/PUMA 2 at the 3.6-m telescope in order to test the gravitational lensing model of luminous arcs in rich clusters of galaxies. The resulting data confirm that the eastern parts of the arc really show the same spectral energy distribution, so that the eastern end of the structure belongs to the arc. A narrow emission line is clearly observed at 6427 A all along the arc spectrum. The assumption that it is the forbidden O II 3727 A line leads to a redshift of 0.724, a value confirmed by the detection of absorption features corresponding to the Ca II 3933, 3968 A and the 4000 A break, the CN band at 3883 A, the Mg II 2800 A line, and several Balmer lines, still at the same redshift.
References:
Fort, B., Mellier, Y., Picat, J.P., Rio, Y.,
Lelievre, G., 1986, Proc. SPIE 627, 321.
Lynds, R., Petrosian, v., 1986, Bull. Amer.
Astron. Soc. 18, 1014.
Nottale, L., Hammer, F., 1984, Astron. Astrophys.
141, 144.
Soucail, G., Fort, Y., Mellier, Y., Picat, J. P.,
1987a, Astron. Astrophys. 172, L 14.
Soucail, G., Mellier, Y., Fort, S., Hammer, F.,
Mathez, G., 1987b, Astron. Astrophys.
184, L 7.
6-8 (PDF)
A. Richichi
Lunar occultations at La Silla

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50....6R
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Richichi, A.
AA(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Federal Republic of Germany)
Abstract:
The first ever lunar occultations at La Silla are reported. The angular diameter of SAO 185573 was measured for the first time with very high accuracy. The occultation of Antares was also recorded with very good SNR, allowing a detailed study of the outer layers of this supergiant.
References:
Davis, J., 1984, in "Calibration 0f Fundamental
Stellar Quantities", IAU Symp. no. 111,
Peterson, D. and White, N. eds.
McAlister, H.A., 1985, Ann. Rev. Astron. Astrophys.,
23, 59.
Richichi, A., Salinari, P., Lisi, F., 1987, Astroph.
J., in press.
White, N. M., Feierman, B. H., 1987, Astron.
J., 94, 751.
8-11 (PDF)
H. W. Duerbeck
The large intractable nova shells

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50....8D
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Duerbeck, H. W.
AA(Muenster, Universitaet, Federal Republic of Germany)
Abstract:
Observations of nova shells are discussed. The different types of shells produced by novas with different characteristics are pointed out. The significance of newly found lines in the spectra of nova shells is addressed.
References:
Duerbeck, H.W., Seitter, W.C.: 1987, in RS
Ophiuchi (1985) and the Recurrent Nova
Phenomenon, ed. M. F. Bode, VNU Science
Press, Utrecht, p. 71.
Kippenhahn, R., Thomas, H.-C.: 1978, Astr.
Astrophys. 63, 265.
Marsh, T.R., Wade, R.A., Oke, J.B.: 1983,
Mon. Not. R. astron. Soc. 250, 33 p.
Seitter, W.C.: 1987, in RS Ophiuchi (1985)
and the Recurrent Nova Phenomenon, ed.
M. F. Bode, VNU Science Press, Utrecht,
p.63.
Williams, R. E., Gallagher, J. S.: 1979, Astrophys.
J. 228, 482.
11-14 (PDF)
M. Srinivasan, J. C. Pecker et al.
Internal dynamics of the GUM Nebula

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...11S
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Srinivasan, M.; Pecker, J. C.; Pottasch, S. R.; Sahu, K. C.
AA(College de France, Paris), AB(College de France, Paris), AC(Groningen, Rijksuniversiteit, Netherlands), AD(Groningen, Rijksuniversiteit, Netherlands)
Abstract:
The state of knowledge of the Gum Nebula is reviewed, and the results of new observations are reported. Findings made by previous observations are summarized. A new study is reported which found the expansion velocity of the nebula and failed to detect forbidden O III emission in any of the 14 positions observed. None of the H-alpha profiles showed splitting.
References:
Brand, P.W.J.L., Hawarden, T.G., Longmore,
A.J., Williams, P. M., Caldwell,
J.A.R.: 1983, Monthly Notices Roy. Astron.
Soc. 203, 215.
Chanot, A., Sivan, J.-P.: 1983, Astron. Astrophys.
121, 19.
Hawarden, T.G., Brand, P.W.J.L.: 1976,
Monthly Notices Roy. Astron. Soc. 175,
19 P.
Hippelein, H. H., Weinberger, R., 1975, Astron.
Astrophys., 43, 405.
Pettersson, B.: 1987, Astron. Astrophys. 171,
101.
Reipurth, B.: 1983, Astron. Astrophys. 117,
183.
Reynolds, R. J.: 1976, Astrophys. J. 203, 151.
Sandqvist, A.: 1976, Monthly Notices Roy.
Astron. Soc. 177, 69 P.
Srinivasan, M., Pottasch, S. R., Sahu, K. C.,
Wesselius, P.R., Desai, J.N.: 1987, submitted
to Astron. Astrophys.
Wallerstein, G., Silk, J., Jenkins, E. B.: 1980,
Astrophys. J., 240, 834.
Zealey, W.J.: 1979, New Zealand J. Sci. 22,
549.
14-17 (PDF)
W. C. Seitter
V 605 Aquilae - A star and a nebula with no hydrogen

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...14S
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Seitter, W. C.
AA(Muenster, Universitaet, Federal Republic of Germany)
Abstract:
Observations of the planetary nebulae A 58 and V 605 Aquilae and their common central star are discussed. The spectral characteristics of the star and PNs and the velocities of the PNs are reported. The results indicate that V 605 Aql is a final helium shell flash object about 25,000 yr old evolving on a dynamic time scale. Incomplete CNO cycle and possibly He-burning can account for the elemental abundances in the remnant star and nebula. The remnant star shows a strong WC-type wind. The presence of hydrogen previously reported in the central nebula of A 58 is attributed here to a superimposed PN spectrum.
References:
Abell, G.O.: 1966, Astrophys. J. 144,259.
Cohen, M., Barlow, M.J.: 1974, Astrophys. J.
193,401.
Herbig, G. H.: 1966, PubI. Astron. Soc. Pacific
70,605.
Iben Jr., 1., Kaler, J. B., Turan, J. W., Renzini,
A.: 1983, Astrophys. J. 264, 605.
Jacoby, G.H., Ford, H.C.: 1983, Astrophys.
J. 266, 298.
Kettner, K. U., Becker, H. W., Buchmann, l.,
Goerres, J., Kraewinkel, H., Rolfs, C.,
Schmalbrock, P., Trautvetter, H. P., Vlieks,
A.: 1982, Zeitschr. f. Physik A 308, 73.
lundmark, K.: 1921, Publ. Astron. Soc.
Pacific 33, 314.
Miller, J.S.: 1974, Ann. Rev. Astron. Astrophys.
12, 331.
Pottasch, S. R.: 1980, Astron. Astrophys. 89,
336.
Pottasch, S. R.: 1985, in Proceedings ESO
Workshop "Production and Distribution of
C, N, 0 Elements", eds. I.J. Danziger, F.
Matteucci, K. Kjaer, p. 258.
Pollasch, S. R.: 1986, in Proceedings IAU
Colloquium No. 87 "Hydrogen deficient
stars and related objects", eds. K. Hunger,
D. Schoenberner, N. Kameswara Rao,
Reidel, Dordrecht, p. 359.
Schönberner, D.: 1987, private communication.
Seit1er, W.C.: 1985a, Mitt. Astron. Ges. 63,
181.
Seit1er, W.C.: 1985b, in Proceedings ESO
Workshop "Production and Distribution of
C, N, O Elements", eds. I.J. Danziger, F.
Mat1eucci, K. Kjaer, p. 256.
Seit1er, W.G.: 1987, Sterne 63, 44.
Wolf, M.: 1920, Astron. Nachr. 211, 119.
14-14 (PDF)
ESO
Stellar Evolution and Dynamics in the Outer Halo of the Galaxy

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...14.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
17-17 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Slide Sets

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50R..17.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
17-17 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Book Presented to the Press

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50Q..17.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
18-21 (PDF)
E. Oliva, A. F. M. Moorwood et al.
A 1-5 micron meter infrared spectrum of SN 1987A

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...18O
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Oliva, E.; Moorwood, A. F. M.; Danziger, I. J.
AA(Arcetri, Osservatorio Astrofisico, Florence, Italy), AB(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Federal Republic of Germany), AC(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Federal Republic of Germany)
Abstract:
The results of infrared observations of SN 1987A are reported. All the lines are broad, with typical FWHM of 3000 km/s. The findings for the lines of H, He, Fe, neutral atoms, and CO are discussed. The spectrum is dominated by emission lines from a gas of low ionization degree and apparently relatively normal abundances. The symmetry and widths of the lines are generally consistent with an envelope expanding at 1000-2000 km/s. However, the emission in virtually all lines appears to be dominated by a gas receding along the line of sight at a few hundreds of km/s relative to the systemic velocity of the LMC.
18-18 (PDF)
ESO
SN 1987 A (continued)

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...18.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
21-21 (PDF)
F. Murtagh
Conference Report Astronomy from Large Databases

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...21M
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Murtagh, F.
AA((ST-ECF, ESO), affiliated to the Astrophysics Division, Space Science Dept., European Space Agency)
Abstract:
The conference on Astronomy from Large Databases: Scientific Objectives and Methodological Approaches took place in Garching on 12-14 October 1987.
21-21 (PDF)
A. A. Chalabaev, C. Perrier et al.
IR Speckle Interferometry

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...21C
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Chalabaev, A. A.; Perrier, C.; Mariotti, I. J.
AA(Observatoire de Lyon) AB(Observatoire de Lyon) AC(Observatoire de Lyon)
22-23 (PDF)
ESO
List of ESO Preprints (September-November 1987)

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50R..22.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
22-22 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Frontpages

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50Q..22.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
23-23 (PDF)
ESO
R. M. W.: A Timely Reminder

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...23.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
24-27 (PDF)
R. M. West, H. Pedersen et al.
Deep LMC Images

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...24W
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
West, R. M.; Pedersen, H.; Madsen, C.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
One of the most observed objects in the southern sky is the Large Magellanic Cloud. It is easily seen as a naked-eye object near the southern celestial pole together with its less conspicuous neighbour, the Small Magellanic Cloud. Looking at the LMG, the casual observer discerns the elongated bar and the bright 30 Doradus nebula and, since February this year, the famous Supernova 1987 A.
24-24 (PDF)
T. J.-L. Courvoisier
Discovery of a New Gravitational Lense System

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...24C
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Courvoisier, T. J.-L.
AA((ST-EGF, affiliated to the Astrophysics Division, Space Science Department, European Space Agency)
Abstract:
From detailed observations of several of the most luminous quasars, it has been found that the aso UM 673 (z = 2.72) is a gravitationallens system (Surdej, J., Magain, P., Swings, J.-P., Borgeest, U., Gourvoisier, 1. J. -L., Kayser, R., Kellermann, K.I., Kuehr, H., and Refsdal, S., 1987, Nature 329,695; Surdej, J., Magain, P., Swings, J.-P., Borgeest, U., Gourvoisier, T.J.-L., Kayser, R., Kellermann, K.I., Kuehr, H., and Refsdal, S., 1987, submitted to Astronomy and Astrophysics). This observational programme is designed to estimate how many of the highly luminous quasars are so luminous because of amplification effects by gravitational lensing. It is mostly conducted at ESO by the team who wrote the quoted papers.
27-27 (PDF)
ESO
The 3rd ESO/CERN Symposium on Cosmology, Astronomy and Fundamental Physics

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50S..27.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
27-27 (PDF)
ESO
Staff Movements

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50R..27.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
27-27 (PDF)
ESO
The ESO Exhibition

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50Q..27.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
30-32 (PDF)
D. Enard
The VLT - genesis of a project.

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...30E
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Enard, D.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Maybe it is not reasonable to write the history of a project before it even gets started. On the other hand, it is the common lot of the definition and predefinition phases of projects to be rapidIy forgotten. First of all, this is unfair to the people who have played a decisive role for the project to exist at all. Secondly, the choices made during this "pre-history" tend to survive the reasons which justified them at a certain moment. Tracing back the origin of the main trade-offs can later on prove to be quite useful. This is why a project such as the VLT should be weil documented. It is the reason for this paper to be written now, before this part of the VLT history is completely forgotten.
31-31 (PDF)
ESO
The Pre-VLT Milestones

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...31.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
32-32 (PDF)
Zago L.
Pre-Assembly of an Inflatable Dome Prototype for the VLT

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...32Z
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Zago L.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Those who are familiar with the present technical proposal for the VLT, or have just seen pictures of the model published in the press, will have remarked the peculiar inflatable domes proposed. They can be opened entireIy, leaving the telescopes in the open air during favourable weather conditions.
33-37 (PDF)
B.-A. Yao
New variable stars in the globular cluster M4

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...33Y
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Yao, B.-A.
AA(Shanghai Observatory, People's Republic of China)
Abstract:
The DAOPHOT program was used to study the globular cluster M4 in order to confirm previous observations of variability made by photographic methods. A variable star with periodicity in the middle part of the red giant branch (RGB) was observed. Three other variables may be members of a new subgroup of RR Lyrae stars in globular clusters. Another star is found to be located at the intersection of the RGB and the horizontal branch.
References:
(1) Greenstein, J. L., 1939, Ap. J. 90, 387.
(2) Alcaino, G., 1975, Astron. & Astrophys.
Suppl. 21, 1.
(3) Lee, S.W., 1977, Astron. & Astrophys.
Suppl. 27,367.
(4) Norris, J., 1981, Ap. J. 248, 177.
(5) Publ. of the Beijing Astr. Obs., 1979,
NO.4.
(6) Yao Bao-an, 1986, Astrophys. and Space
Seience, 119, 41 .
34-34 (PDF)
ESO
Notes on the Use of DAOPHOT

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...34.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
37-40 (PDF)
R. A. Malaney
Neutron density and neutron source determination in barium stars

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...37M
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Malaney, R. A.
AA(California Institute of Technology, Pasadena)
Abstract:
The origin of the large s-process enhancements observed in Ba II stars remains one of the most fundamental challenges in stellar nucleosynthesis theory. Knowledge of the two crucial aspects of the s-process site, namely the neutron source and the neutron density, would allow strong constaints to be placed on any evolutionary hypothesis purporting to explain the Ba II star phenomenon. In this paper, spectroscopic observations of a large number of both northern and southern hemisphere Ba II stars are used to determine the neutron source and neutron density in the cool (K4) Ba II star HD 178717. The results are compared with the abundances predicted if mass transfer from an evolved AGB star has occurred. A neutron density of about 2 x 10 to the 7th/cu cm at the s-process site is found for HD 178717. If an AGB mass transfer mechanism is responsible for the s-process enhancements of Ba II stars, then this low neutron density implies that significant revisions of present low-mass AGB models are required.
References:
Arnould, M. and Jorissen, A., 1986, in Advances
in Nuclear Astrophysics, eds. E.
Vangioni-Flam, J. Audouze, M. Chasse,
J. P. Chieze and J. Tran Thanh Van, (Editions
Frontieres, France), p. 419.
Lambert, D.L., 1985, in Cool Stars with Excesses
of Heavy Elements, eds. M. Jascheck
and P. C. Keenan (Dordrecht:
Reidel), p. 191.
Malaney, R.A., 1987, Ap. J., 321,832.
Sneden, C., 1974, PhD Thesis, Univ. of
Texas.
40-43 (PDF)
R. M. West
Of whirls and molten gold. An introduction to Fontenelle's 'Entretiens' (1686).

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...40W
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
West, R. M.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Whereas everybody agrees that there has been enormous progress in many areas of astronomy and astrophysics during recent years, nobody knows for sure which contemporary achievements of our science will be considered particularly important by scientists in a distant future. It is therefore sometimes interesting to place yourself in that privileged position by looking backwards in time and to judge the ideas of our forefathers in the light of our present knowledge.
43-44 (PDF)
S. D'Odorico
The First School for Young Astronomers Organized by ESO and the Astronomical Council of the USSR Acadeny of Sciences

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...43D
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
D'Odorico, S.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The first international school for young astronomers organized jointly by ESO and the Astronomical Council of the USSR Academy of Sciences took place from the 22nd to the 29th of September at the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences of Armenia and was dedicated to "Observations with Large Telescopes". It was appropriately closed with a oneday visit to the Special Astrophysical Observatory at Zelenchukskaja, in northern Caucasus, home of the 6-m telescope, the largest in the world. The lecturers came from ESO and from the Soviet Union; the 45 participants were from ESO member states, from Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Poland, Spain and the USSR. After the welcome addresses by Academician V.A. Ambartsumian and by E. Ye Khachikian, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, the school was opened by M. Tarenghi of ESO who spoke on the characteristics of existing ESO telescopes and on the innovative features of the ESO 3.5-m New Technology Telescope, to be erected at La Silla next year. H. A. Abrahamian and J.A. Stepanian of the Byurakan Observatory presented the Byurakan 2.6-m telescope and the 1-m Schmidt respectively, illustrating the scientific programmes carried out in the recent past and presently at these two facilities.
45-46 (PDF)
R. Florentin Nielsen, P. Nørregaard et al.
First fully automatic telescope on La Silla.

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...45F
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Florentin Nielsen, R.; Nørregaard, P.; Olsen, E. H.
AA(Kobenhavns Universitets Astronomiske Observatorium, Brorfelde, Denmark) AB(Kobenhavns Universitets Astronomiske Observatorium, Brorfelde, Denmark) AC(Kobenhavns Universitets Astronomiske Observatorium, Brorfelde, Denmark)
Abstract:
The Danish 50-cm telescope on La Silla can now do the observing all by itself for many hours, while the observer visits the kitchen or library; or maybe uses another telescope. This is accomplished by having a single computer set the telescope, centre on astar, manipulate the instrumentation and take care of the data acquisition. The observing rate for stars brighter than ninth magnitude is often around 30 per hour. The telescope is dedicated to Stroemgren uvby-
46-47 (PDF)
A. Gilliotte, P. Magain
A new CCD camera for the Echelec spectrograph.

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...46G
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Gilliotte, A.; Magain, P.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
The Echelec spectrograph, installed at La Silla in 1973, was designed to be used with an electronographic camera. However, by adding a flatfield corrector, it can be operated with other detectors, such as CCD's. As part of the upgrading programme of the 1.52-m telescope, and in order to improve the spectroscopic capabilities of that instrument, the Echelec spectrograph has been modified and is now working with the same CCD detector as used on the Boiler and Chivens spectrograph.
47-48 (PDF)
P. François, E. Brocato
First results from remote control observations with CAT/CES.

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...47F
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
François, P.; Brocato, E.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
As announced in the Messenger No. 49 (September 1987) by G. Raffi, the CES spectrograph with CCD (using the CAT telescope) is now available by means of remote control from Garching.
References:
Delbouille, L., Roland, G., Neven, L., 1973,
Photometrie atlas of the solar spectrum
from 3,000 to 10,000 A, Liege: Institut
d'Astrophysique.
Fran90is, P., 1986, Astron. Astrophys. 160,
264.
Francois, P., Spite, M., Spite, F., 1987, Astron.
Astrophys. (in press).
Gilroy, K. K., Sneden, C., Pilaehowsky, C.A.,
Cowan, J.J., 1987, preprint.
Gustafsson, B., 1981, private communieation
Gustafsson, B., Bell, R. A., Eriksson, K.,
Nordlund, A., 1975, Astron. Astrophys., 42,
407.
Holweger, H., 1979, in Les Elements et leurs
Isotopes dans l'Univers, eds. A. Boury, N.
Grevesse, L. Remy-Battiau, Institut d'Astrophysique
de l'Universite de Liege,
p.117.
Laird, J. B., 1985, Astrophys. J., Suppl. Sero
57,389.
Magain, P., 1987 (submitted to Astron. Astrophys.).
Raffi, G., 1986, The Messenger49, 35.
Spite, M., Spite, F., 1978, Astron. Astrophys.
67,23.
Wiese, W. L., Martin, GA, 1980, NSRDSNBS-
68.
48-50 (PDF)
K. Jockers, E. H. Geyer
CCD observations of Comet Wilson at the ESO 1-m telescope with a focal reducer

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...48J
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Jockers, K.; Geyer, E. H.
AA(Max-Planck-Institut fuer Aeronomie, Katlenburg-Lindau, Federal Republic of Germany), AB(Observatorium Hoher List, Daun, Federal Republic of Germany)
Abstract:
Observations of Comet Wilson made from April 24 until April 30, 1987 at the ESO 1-m telescope are discussed. The technical aspects of the observing procedure are described. The resulting CCD raw images of the comet are presented and discussed. Compared to Comet Halley, Comet Wilson is a weak object. The heliocentric distances of both comets are about 1.2 A.U., but Comet Halley was at a geocentric distance of 0.45 A.U. compared to 0.64 A.U. for Comet Wilson. The spectra showed an N+ ion tail at 391.4 nm.
References:
(1) Jockers, K., Geyer, E.H., Haenel, A.: 1986,
The Messenger No. 44, 12.
(2) Cullum, M., Deiries, S., D'Odorico, S.,
Reiss, R.: 1985, A & A 153, L 1.
(3) Jockers, K., Geyer, E. H., Rosenbauer, H.,
Haenel, A., 1987, A & A, in press.
50-51 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Image Processing Group: MIDAS Memo

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...50.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
51-52 (PDF)
M. Tarenghi
NTT Status

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...51T
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Tarenghi, M.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Work on the ND telescope is progressing at full speed both in Europe and on its location at La Silla. During September and October this year there was extensive preparation of the ground and roads on La Silla. Civil engineering Work began on the small hili next to the 3.6-m telescope at the place which was used during the past years for the Geneva Observatory Telescope. About 3000 m3 of earth was removed by means of a sequence of minor and finely Controlled dynamite explosions. Figure 1 shows the Chilean workers in the process of checking the locations of 28 explosions. The picture also shows their precautions to avoid excessive damage to the surrounding area. Large lorry tyres are placed on the ground and a strong metallic net is used as a protective cover. Figure 2 shows the explosion some minutes later. The smoke on the top of the hili indicates the future location of the ND.
53-55 (PDF)
P. Lena
An interferometric mode for the VLT

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...53L
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Lena, P.
AA(Paris VI, Universite; Paris, Observatoire, France)
Abstract:
The main lines of thought which led to the inclusion of interferometry into the VLT proposal are reviewed. It is shown that if the VLT can be operated as an interferometer in practical fashion, it will offer an order of magnitude gain in resolution, several orders of magnitude gain in sensitivity and/or integration time over smaller interferometers, and limited but appreciable imaging capabilities comparable to the ones of VLBI. Scientific endeavors that will become practical using the VLT interferometer are discussed. The impact of the choice of site for the VLT is addressed.
56-56 (PDF)
ESO
Europa decide construir el telescopio 6ptico mas grande dei munda

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...56.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
56-56 (PDF)
R. Castillo
Aigunos conceptos involucrados en el trabajo que se realiza en Paranal

ADS BibCode:
1987Msngr..50...56C
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Castillo, R.
AA(ESO)