ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120....2D
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Dekker, H.; D'Odorico, S.
AA(ESO, ON BEHALF OF THE X-SHOOTER CONSORTIUM TEAM) AB(ESO, ON BEHALF OF THE X-SHOOTER CONSORTIUM TEAM)
Abstract:
X-shooter is the first of the approved second-generation VLT instruments to have completed the Preliminary Design Phase. Here we give an update of developments in the project since its official launch in December 2003.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120....5K
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Koehler, B.; The AT Assembly and Commissioning Team
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
The Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) at Paranal Observatory had another extension of its already impressive capabilities by combining interferometrically the light from two relocatable 1.8-m Auxiliary Telescopes in February 2005. This achievement heralds an era of new scientific discoveries. Both Auxiliary Telescopes will be offered from October 1, 2005 to the community of astronomers for routine observations, together with the MIDI instrument. By the end of 2006, Paranal will be home to four operational ATs that may be placed at 30 different positions and thus be combined in a very large number of ways (baselines). This will enable the VLTI to operate with enormous flexibility and, in particular, to obtain extremely sharp images of celestial objects.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120....7M
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Monnet, G.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The OPTICON FP6 programme which started at the beginning of 2004 is already playing a large role in coordinating optical and near-IR European astronomy. ESO, a full participant to this endeavour, is reaping very significant benefits for its community, in particular through the development activities aimed at validating enabling technologies for next-generation instrumentation of 8-10 m class telescopes and through a number of 'structuring' network activities.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...10C
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Capaccioli, M.; Mancini, D.; Sedmak, G.
AA(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF NAPLES “FEDERICO II”, NAPLES, ITALY & INAF – CAPODIMONTE ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY, NAPLES, ITALY) AB(INAF – CAPODIMONTE ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY, NAPLES, ITALY) AC(DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY, UNIVERSITY OF TRIESTE, TRIESTE, ITALY)
Abstract:
The VLT Survey Telescope (VST) is now a few months from its completion. this paper briefly reviews the project, accounts for its current status, anticipates the calendar of future milestones up to first light, and lists the scientific programmes for the observing time guaranteed to the OAC by ESO for procurement of the telescope.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...13C
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Cappellarao, E.
AA(INAF – CAPODIMONTE ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY, NAPLES, ITALY)
Abstract:
OmegaCAM is the large-format CCD pixels imaging camera that has been designed to exploit the square degree field of view of the VST while sampling the excellent seeing of Paranal (Kuijken et al. 2002, The Messenger 110, 15). The instrument is built by a consortium which comprises institutes in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy, and is headed by PI Konrad Kuijken (Groningen and Leiden University) with co-PI’s Ralf Bender (Munich USM/MPE) and Enrico Cappellaro (INAF Naples), and project management by Bernhard Muschielok and Reinhold Häfner (USM). The Optical Detector Team at ESO has designed and built the detector system.
References:
Arnaboldi M., Capaccioli M., Mancini D. et al.
1998, The Messenger 93, 30
Arnaboldi M., Capaccioli M., Mancini D. et al.
1999, “Wide Field Surveys in Cosmology”,
XIV IAP Symp., Colombi, Mellier & Raban
(eds.), Edition Frontières, 343
Alcalà J. M., Pannella M., Puddu, E. et al. 2004
A&A 428, 339
Capaccioli M., Mancini D., Sedmak G. 2003a,
Mem. SAIt 74, 450
Capaccioli M., Cappellaro E., Mancini D., Sedmak
G., 2003b, Mem. SAIt Suppl. 3, 286
Radovich, M., Arnaboldi, M., Ripepi, V. et al. 2004,
A&A 417, 51
Mancini D., Sedmak G., Brescia M. et al. 2000,
SPIE-ESO Conf. on Astronomical Telescopes
& Instrumentation, SPIE 4004, 79

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...15W
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Wilson, T.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT The European ALMA Science Advisory Committee (ESAC) met on 23 February 2005 at ESO in Garching. On the two following days, the ALMA Science Advisory Committee (ASAC) met. In both meetings the discussions were mostly concerned with a request by the ALMA Board to consider the impact of ‘rebaselining’ proposals on the science that can be done with ALMA. Much of the need for rebaselining is caused by the large increases in commodity prices, such as those of steel and oil. These have led to large cost increases for ALMA. A number of possible options for savings were proposed.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...17H
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hook, R.; Moller, P.; Ignatius, J.; Vasko, K.; Peron, M.; Quinn, P.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(CSC, The Finnish IT Center for Science, Finland) AD(CSC, The Finnish IT Center for Science, Finland) AE(ESO) AF(ESO)
Abstract:
As an in-kind contribution to its joining fee, the Republic of Finland is funding a three-year project to assess future data reduction and analysis software needs for the ESO community. The SAMPO project, named after a mysterious artifact and source of power in the Finnish Kalevala legends, will gather requirements, assess technologies and perform detailed pilot software projects to help prepare ESO for the software challenges of data handling in the next decade.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...19P
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pont, F.; Bouchy, F.; Queloz, D.; Melo, C.; Santos, N.; Udry, S.; Mayor, M.; Moutou, C.
AA(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND) AB(LABORATOIRE D’ASTROPHYSIQUE DE MARSEILLE, FRANCE) AC(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND) AD(ESO) AE(CENTRO DE ASTRONOMIA E ASTROFÍSICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE LISBOA, OBSERVATÓRIO ASTRONÓMICO DE LISBOA, PORTUGAL) AF(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND) AG(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND) AH(LABORATOIRE D’ASTROPHYSIQUE DE MARSEILLE, FRANCE)
Abstract:
The past year witnessed a blossoming in the field of transiting exoplanets. Until 2003, only one transiting exoplanet was known, the famous hd 209568, first detected by radial-velocity surveys. Then in quick succession, six transiting planets were discovered among the candidates identified by photometric transit surveys. Five of these transiting exoplanets were characterized by our team with FLAMES on the VLT.
References:
Bouchy et al. 2004, A&A Letters 421, L13
Moutou et al. 2004, A&A Letters 424, L31
Pont et al. 2004, A&A Letters 426, L15
Bouchy et al. 2005, A&A 431, 1105
Pont et al. 2005, A&A Letters 433, 21
Pont et al. 2005, A&A, in press, astro-ph/0501615

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...22P
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pepe, F.; Mayor, M.; Queloz, D.; Benz, W.; Bertaux, J.-L.; Bouchy, F.; Lovis, C.; Mordasini, C.; Santos, N.; Sivan, J.-P.; Udry, S.
AA(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND) AB(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND) AC(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND) AD(PHYSIKALISCHES INSTITUT, UNIVERSITÄT BERN, SWITZERLAND) AE(SERVICE D’AÉRONOMIE DU CNRS, FRANCE) AF(LABORATOIRE D’ASTROPHYSIQUE DE MARSEILLE, FRANCE) AG(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND) AH(PHYSIKALISCHES INSTITUT, UNIVERSITÄT BERN, SWITZERLAND) AI(CENTRO DE ASTRONOMIA E ASTROFÍSICA DA UNIVERSIDADE DE LISBOA, OBSERVATÓRIO ASTRONÓMICO DE LISBOA, PORTUGAL) AJ(LABORATOIRE D’ASTROPHYSIQUE DE MARSEILLE, FRANCE) AK(OBSERVATOIRE DE GENÈVE, SWITZERLAND)
Abstract:
In only one and a half years of operation HARPS has discovered eight new extra-solar planet candidates. Many more discoveries are expected with the increase of the duration of the survey. What makes HARPS unique compared with other instruments is its unprecedented precision and its ability to discover planets with very low mass. In fact, all the planets discovered with HARPS lie in the low-mass tail of the planetary companion mass distribution. This distribution, which is known to be highly sensitive in its low mass end to the detection threshold, can be explored with HARPS in a comprehensive way. The exploration of the very low-mass end of giant planets may bring new constraints on planet formation and evolution scenarios.
References:
Alibert, Y., Mordasini, C., Benz, W., Winisdoerffer,
C., 2005, A&A 434, 343
Baraffe, I., Selsis, F., Chabrier et al. 2004, A&A
419, L13
Boss, A. 2002, ApJ 566, 472
Bouchy, F., Bazot, M., Santos, N. C. et al. 2005,
A&A, submitted, astro-ph/0504043
Butler, P. et al. 2004, ApJ 617, 580
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Ida, S., Lin, D. N. C. 2004, ApJ 604, 388
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astro-ph/0503660
Monnet, G. and D’Odorico, S. 2004, SPIE 5489
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423, 385 (2004)
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1996, Icarus 124, 62
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A&A 426, L19
Sasselov, D. D., Lecar, M. 2000, ApJ 525, 928
Veras, D., Armitage, P. J. 2004, MNRAS 347, 613

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...25.
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
A team of astronomers has confirmed the discovery of a giant planet, approximately five times the mass of Jupiter, that is gravitationally bound to a young brown dwarf, putting an end to a year-long discussion on the nature of this object. Last year, the team reported a faint red object in the close vicinity of a young brown dwarf (see ESO PR 23/04). The red object, now called 2M1207b, is more than 100 times fainter than the brown dwarf, 2M1207A. The spectrum of 2M1207b contains a strong signature of water molecules, confirming that it must be cold. Based on the infrared colours and the spectral data, evolutionary model calculations led to the conclusion that 2M1207b is a 5-Jupiter-mass planet. Its mass can also be estimated from a different method, which focuses on the strength of its gravitational field; this technique suggests that the mass might be even less than 5 Jupiter masses.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...26G
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Gillessen, S.; Davies, R.; Kissler-Patig, M.; Lehnert, M.; van der Werf, P.; Nowak, N.; Eisenhauer, F.; Abuter, R.; Horrobin, M.; Gilbert, A.; Genzel, R.; Bender, R.; Saglia, R.; Lemoine-Busserolle, M.; Reunanen, J.; Kjaer, K.; Messineo, M.; Nuernberger, D.; Dumas, C.
AA(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AB(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AC(ESO) AD(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AE(LEIDEN OBSERVATORY, LEIDEN, THE NETHERLANDS) AF(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AG(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AH(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AI(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AJ(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AK(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AL(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AM(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AN(INSTITUTE OF ASTRONOMY, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM) AO(ESO & LEIDEN OBSERVATORY, LEIDEN, THE NETHERLANDS) AP(ESO) AQ(ESO) AR(ESO) AS(ESO)
Abstract:
Since the beginning of 2005 another success story has gone into regular operation at the ESO facilities on Paranal. On UT4 (Yepun) an adaptive optics assisted near infrared integral field spectrometer makes an astronomer's dream come true: obtaining a diffraction-limited image of which each pixel contains a full spectrum. In fact, such data are best thought of as a cube rather than a flat image. SINFONI is the name of the new instrument and a whole symphony of exciting science results has been obtained already.
References:
Bonnet, H. et al. 2003, Proc. SPIE 4839, 329
Davies, R., Tacconi L., Genzel, R. 2004a, ApJ 602,
148
Davies, R., Tacconi L., Genzel, R. 2004b, ApJ 613,
781
Eisenhauer, F. et al. 2003, Proc. SPIE 4814, 1548
Eisenhauer, F. et al. 2005, ApJ, in press
Genzel, R. et al. 2003, ApJ 594, 812
Ghez, A. M. et al. 2003, ApJ 586, L127
Shapley, A. E. et al. 2004, ApJ 612, 108
Thomas et al. 1997, Science 277, 1492
Wada, K., Norman, C. 2002, ApJ 566, L21

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...33B
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Boehringer, H.; Mullis, C.; Rosati, P.; Lamer, G.; Fassbender, R.; Schwope, A.; Schuecker, P.
AA(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AB(DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, ANN ARBOR, USA) AC(ESO) AD(ASTROPHYSIKALISCHES INSTITUT, POTSDAM, GERMANY) AE(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY) AF(ASTROPHYSIKALISCHES INSTITUT, POTSDAM, GERMANY) AG(MAX-PLANCK-INSTITUT FÜR EXTRATERRESTRISCHE PHYSIK, GARCHING, GERMANY)
Abstract:
With the discovery of an X-ray luminous cluster of galaxies at z = 1.4 we have extended the horizon for studies of well-evolved galaxy clusters to a look-back time of 9 gyrs. This recordbreaking cluster was detected as an extended X-ray source in an archival XMM-newton observation during the pilot study phase of a search for distant clusters. This result, combined with additional newly-identified candidates from our programme, demonstrates the potential of the XMM-Newton archive to provide a substantial sample of very distant clusters for detailed cosmic evolution studies.
References:
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Daddi, E., Cimmati, A., Renzini, A. 2000, A&A
362, L45
Gladders, M. & Yee, H. 2000, AJ 120, 2148;
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553, 545
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Gladders, M., Garmire, G. 2004, astroph/
0410167
Holden, B. P., van der Wel, A., Franx, M.,
Illingworth, G. D., Blakeslee, J. P., van Dokkum,
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H.-W., Rosati, P. 2005, ApJ 620, 83
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175
Mullis, C. R., Rosati, P., Lamer, G., Böhringer, H.,
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2005, ApJ 623, L85
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40, 539
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Collins, C. A., Guzzo, L., Weinberg, N. N., 2003,
A&A 402, 53
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502, 558
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C. S. 1993, Nature 366, 429

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...37H
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Habart, E.; Walmsley, M.; Abergel, A.
AA(INSTITUT D’ASTROPHYSIQUE SPATIALE, ORSAY, FRANCE & OSSERVATORIO ASTROFISICO DI ARCETRI, FIRENZE, ITALY) AB(OSSERVATORIO ASTROFISICO DI ARCETRI, FIRENZE, ITALY) AC(INSTITUT D’ASTROPHYSIQUE SPATIALE, ORSAY, FRANCE)
Abstract:
The Horsehead Nebula has been a great source of speculation and inspiration for the last century. We give a brief discussion of why that is as well as summarizing our recent observations using SofI on the NTT.
References:
Abergel, A., Teyssier, D., Bernard, J. P.,
Boulanger, F., Coulais, A. et al. 2003, A&A410,
577
Barnard, E. E. 1913, ApJ 38, 496
Habart, E., Abergel, A., Walmsley, C., Teyssier, D.,
& Pety, J. 2005, A&A, in press
Odland, L. 1946, Popular Astronomy 48, 570
Pety, J., Teyssier, D., Fossé, D., Gerin, M., Roueff,
E., Abergel, A., Habart, E. 2005, A&A, in press
Pound, M. W., Reipurth, B. & Bally, J. 2003, AJ
125, 2108
Reipurth, B. & Bouchet, P. 1984, A&A 137, L1
Teyssier, D., Fossé, D., Gerin, M., Pety, J., Abergel,
A. & Roueff, E. 2004, A&A 417, 135

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...40S
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Scarpa, R.; Falomo, R.; Kotilainen, J. K.; Treves, A.
AA(ESO) AB(INAF, OSSERVATORIO ASTRONOMICO DI PADOVA, ITALY) AC(TUORLA OBSERVATORY, UNIVERSITY OF TURKU, FINLAND) AD(UNIVERSITÀ DELL’INSUBRIA, COMO, ITALY)
Abstract:
Based on the most widely accepted model for structure formation in the Universe, the massive galaxies we see today are the result of the merging of smaller structures. Looking far enough, and therefore far back in time, one should then be able to see galaxies getting smaller and smaller. To explore this issue we focus on quasars host galaxies and trace their properties up to redshift z = 2.5 (about 8 billion years in the past). Observations indicate that up to z ~ 2.5 quasar hosts are massive galaxies that are fully formed even at these early epochs. This is in partial disagreement with the hierarchical merging scenario, for the formation of massive spheroids.
References:
Bertoldi, F., Carilli, C. L., Cox, P., et al. 2003a,
A&A406, L55
Croom, S. M., Schade, D., Boyle, B. J., Shanks, T.,
Miller, L., and Smith, R. J. 2004, ApJ 606, 126
Falomo, R., Kotilainen, J. K., Pagani, C., Scarpa,
R.,and Treves, A. 2004, ApJ 604, 495
Falomo, R., Kotilainen, J. K., Scarpa, R., and
Treves A. 2005, A&A 434, 469
Fan, X., Strauss, M. A., Schneider, D. P., et al. 2003,
AJ 125, 1649
Freudling, W., Corbin, M. R., and Korista K. T.
2003 ApJ 587, 67
Hook, M., Shaver, P. A., Jackson, C. A., Wall, J. V.,
and Kellermann, K. I. 2003, A&A 399, 469
Kauffmann, G. and Haehnelt, M. 2000, MNRAS
311, 576
Kuhlbrodt B., Örndahl E., Wisotzki L., and Jahnke
K. 2005, A&A, in press (astro-ph 0503284)
Pahre, M. A., Djorgovski, S .G., and de Carvalho,
R. R. 1998, ApJ 116, 1591
Walter, F. et al. 2004, ApJL 615, 17
Willott, C. J., McLure, R. J., and Jarvis, M. J. 2003
ApJ 587, L15

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...42C
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Cowley, C. R.; Castelli, F.; Hubrig, S.
AA(UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, ANN ARBOR, USA) AB(OSSERVATORIO ASTRONOMICO DI TRIESTE, ITALY) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
The discovery of a new isotopic anomaly in young, chemically-peculiar stars draws attention to extraordinary chemical separation processes that must take place in the atmospheres of these stars. No other natural processes are known that can do this so efficiently.
References:
Castelli, F. & Hubrig, S. 2004, A&A 421, L1
Cowley, C. R. & Hubrig, S. 2005, A&A 432, L21
Nörterhäuser, W., Blaum, K., Icker, P., et al. 1998,
Eur. Phys. J. D2, 33

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...44K
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Kissler-Patig, M.; Kaufer, A.; Leibundgut, B.; Mirabel, F.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO)
Abstract:
ESO offers a number of opportunities for graduate students to spend part of their research studies in the observatory environment. The primary aim is to give young researcher the opportunity to discover ESO during their PhD studies and participate in an exciting research environment. Further, this represents one of many opportunities for students to be immerged in an international environment and to work at one of the centres of European and worldwide astronomy. Last but not least, it allows researchers/ supervisors of ESO’s community to foster stronger links with their ESO colleagues.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...46M
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Madsen, C.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
THE EUROPEAN SOCIETIES ARE undergoing fast changes these years. The need to manage the European integration process as well as to develop adequate solutions in the face of globalization and the pressure on the ‘European way of life’ led the Heads of states and governments of the EU to set for themselves the goal of developing the most dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world within a 10-year period. Both the goals and the policies to reach them are known as the Lisbon Agenda and the Lisbon Process, respectively, reminding us that it was in the city of Lisbon – in the year 2000 – that this development was started. Now, at half-time, the process has been reviewed and the governments have acknowledged the need to focus on the most essential policy areas that must be developed to achieve success.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...48R
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Richichi, A.; Glindemann, A.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
This workshop was held in Garching from April 4 through April 8, 2005, with 2.5 days dedicated to science from interferometers, and 2.5 days dedicated to concepts of second-generation instrumentation for the VLTI. With about 170 registered participants from a large number of countries and institutions, it can be safely stated that the workshop was a huge success. This massive participation forced the organizers to abandon the idea of holding the workshop inside the ESO headquarters, and accept the generous offer of a vast meeting room at the MPE, made by Prof. R. Genzel. Similarly overwhelming was the number of contributions. The number of requests for just the scientific part of the workshop could have easily filled a full week-long schedule with interesting oral presentations, and difficult selections were necessary.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...51.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Mrs. Maria van der Hoeven, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, who travelled to the Republic of Chile, arrived at the ESO Paranal Observatory on Friday afternoon, May 13, 2005. The Minister was accompanied, among others, by the Dutch Ambassador to Chile, Mr. Hinkinus Nijenhuis, and Mr. Cornelis van Bochove, the Dutch Director of Science.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...52.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
In a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. (USA) on June 6, 2005, ESO, the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere, received the coveted 21st Century Achievement Award from the Computerworld Honors Program for its visionary use of information technology in the Science category. Sybase, a main database server vendor and member of the Chairmen’s Committee, nominated ESO’s Data Flow System in recognition of its contributions to the global information technology revolution and its positive impact on society.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...53.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
MARTIN VANNIER; MARTIN ZWANN

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...53J
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Janssen, E.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
From June 3–5, 2005, ESO took part in the European Research and Innovation Salon, which was held at Paris Expo (France). The event, organized under the auspices of the French Government and the European Commission, was the first of its kind in Europe and was mostly aimed at the general public. This first event had over 24 000 visitors, including high-ranking officials, a great success given the numerous events that took place in Paris the same weekend.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120R..54.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Comparative studies of galaxy groups and group members, and detailed studies of individual groups, promise an understanding of the evolution of the groups themselves as well as their stellar systems. Historically, the former approach was pursued for nearby groups, while the latter was restricted to the Local Group. The recent advance of technology allows both approaches to be combined. The next generation of extremely large telescopes and space missions will make it possible to study nearby groups at the same level of detail as is currently achievable for the Local Group. We will hold a conference aiming to summarize the considerable progress that has been made since the last meetings dedicated to galaxy groups, and to formulate the new problems that can be tackled both with the new instrumentation available to the community, and with the ever advancing theoretical work.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120Q..54.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The main goal of the workshop is to thoroughly discuss, review and understand in depth all aspects related to the many carbon-rich stars found in the last decade among the oldest and most metal-poor objects of the Galactic Halo, i.e. their origin, nature, main characteristics, and implications for the chemical evolution of the (early) Galaxy.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...55A
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Argandona, G.; Mirabel, F.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
Daniel Hofstadt, former ESO representative in Chile, was honoured last May 12 by the Chilean government, in a ceremony held at the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the presence of ESO Director General, Dr. Catherine Cesarsky.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...56M
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Madsen, C.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
It is hard to believe, but after 35 years of service, Richard West has retired from ESO. Born 1941 in Copenhagen, Richard did his baccalaureate in 1959. In 1964, he obtained his degree (Mag. scient. et cand. mag.) in astronomy and astrophysics at Copenhagen University, followed by a period as Assistant Professor (Amanuensis) at Copenhagen University Observatory. In 1970, he joined ESO as Assistant Astronomer to the ESO Director General, Adriaan Blaauw.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120R..57.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120Q..57.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...58.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere awards each year several postdoctoral fellowships to provide young scientists with opportunities and facilities to enhance their research programmes. The goal is to bring young astronomers into close contact with the instruments, activities, and people at one of the world’s foremost observatories. For more information about ESO’s astronomical research activities please consult http://www.eso.org/science/

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...59.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) is an international astronomy facility. ALMA is an equal partnership between Europe and North America, in cooperation with the Republic of Chile, and is funded in North America by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), and in Europe by the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) and Spain. ALMA construction and operations are led on behalf of North America by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which is managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), and on behalf of Europe by ESO.

ADS BibCode:
2005Msngr.120...60.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)