Messenger No. 148 (June 2012)

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Telescopes and Instrumentation

2-8 (PDF)
A. McPherson, R. Gilmozzi et al.
Recent Progress Towards the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT)

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148....2M
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
McPherson, A.; Gilmozzi, R.; Spyromilio, J.; Kissler-Patig, M.; Ramsay, S.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO)
Abstract:
The European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) has evolved over the last few years since the phase B review of the 42-metre design. While the design was strongly endorsed, the cost exceeded the maximum envelope and a re-baselining was implemented by the Project Office. The extent and ramifications of the new design are outlined including scientific, engineering and managerial aspects. Prototyping activities of some of the components are described and the first light instruments have been selected. The new baseline for the 39-metre E-ELT has been accepted by the ESO Council and awaits the decision on the start of construction.
References:
Arsenault, R. et al. 2011, The Messenger, 142, 12; D’Odorico, S. et al. 2010, The Messenger, 140, 17; Gilmozzi, R. & Kissler-Patig, M. 2010, The Messenger, 143, 25; Spyromilio, J. et al. 2008, The Messenger, 133, 2
9-12 (PDF)
F. Kerber, T. Rose et al.
Monitoring Atmospheric Water Vapour over Paranal to Optimise VISIR Science Operations

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148....9K
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Kerber, F.; Rose, T.; van den Ancker, M.; Querel, R. R.
AA(ESO) AB(Radiometer Physics GmbH, Meckenheim, Germany) AC(ESO) AD(Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile)
Abstract:
A water vapour radiometer has been permanently deployed on Paranal as a new tool for supporting science operations at the Very Large Telescope. The instrument allows the water vapour content of the atmosphere above the observatory to be monitored in real time with high precision and time resolution and periods of low precipitable water vapour (PWV) to be selected, providing better atmospheric transmission for observations in the infrared. The PWV measurements will be made available to VISIR users in the form of FITS header keywords. In addition, we expect that over time these data will allow a deeper insight into the atmospheric conditions on Paranal, with implications also for the operation of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) on nearby Cerro Armazones.
References:
Chacon, A. et al. 2010, SPIE, 7733, 77334K Kerber, F. et al. 2010a, SPIE, 7733, 7731M Kerber, F. et al. 2010b, The Messenger, 141, 9; Rose, T. et al. 2005, Atmospheric Research, 75, 183; Querel, R. R. et al. 2010, SPIE, 7733, 773349; Querel, R. R., Naylor, D. A. & Kerber, F. 2011, PASP, 123, 222
13-16 (PDF)
P. Bristow, P. Baksai et al.
PILMOS: Pre-Image-Less Multi-Object Spectroscopy for VIMOS

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...13B
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Bristow, P.; Baksai, P.; Balestra, I.; Dekker, H.; Garcia Dabo, C. E.; Hammersley, P.; Izzo, C.; Mieske, S.; Rejkuba, M.; Rosati, P.; Sanchez-Janssen, R.; Selman, F.; Wolff, B.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(INAF–Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste, Italy) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(ESO) AH(ESO) AI(ESO) AJ(ESO) AK(ESO) AL(ESO) AM(ESO)
Abstract:
The primary observing mode of the VLT visible imager and multi-object/integral field spectrometer, VIMOS, is multi-object spectroscopy, for which pre-imaging with VIMOS is currently mandatory. We report on the results of a study of the astrometric calibration of the VIMOS imaging mode and the efforts to improve it. Based on this study, we announce the introduction of an option that allows users to omit the VIMOS pre-imaging step and create masks directly from sufficiently accurate astrometric catalogues.
References:
Cuby, J. G., Bottini, D. & Picat, J. P. 1998, Proc. SPIE, 3355, 36; Hammersley, P. et al. 2010, The Messenger, 142, 8; Postman, M. et al. 2012, ApJ, 199, 25
17-19 (PDF)
C. Lagerholm, H. Kuntschner et al.
A Method to Deal with the Fringe-like Pattern in VIMOS-IFU Data

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...17L
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Lagerholm, C.; Kuntschner, H.; Cappellari, M.; Krajnovíc, D.; McDermid, R.; Rejkuba, M.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(Sub-department of Astrophysics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom) AD(ESO) AE(Gemini Observatory, Northern Operations Centre, Hawaii, USA) AF(ESO)
Abstract:
Many observers using spectrographs will be familiar with the fringes nor- mally appearing at longer wavelengths (λ ≥ 7000 Å). In spectra obtained with the VIMOS integral field unit such a fringe-like pattern is also observed in the optical wavelength range. This fringe-like pattern affects the shape of the continuum and will, if not corrected, have consequences for derived parameters such as recession velocity, stellar velocity dispersion and line strengths. We describe an empirical method to correct for these fringe-like patterns and briefly describe the improved results.
References:
Jullo, E. et al. 2008, in 2007; ESO Instrument Calibration Workshop, eds. Kaufer, A. & Kerber, F., 343; Lagerholm, C. et al. 2012, A&A, 541, 82; Landsman, W. 1993, in ASP Conf. 52, ADASS II, eds. Hanisch, R. J., Brissenden, R. J. V. & Barnes, J., 246; Le Fèvre, O. et al. 2003, Proc. SPIE, 4841, 1670; Trager, S. et al. 1998, ApJS, 116, 1

Astronomical Science

21-24 (PDF)
S. Hubrig, C. R. Cowley et al.
The Chemistry and Magnetism of Young and Old Intermediate-mass Stars Observed with CRIRES

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...21H
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hubrig, S.; Cowley, C. R.; Castelli, F.; González, J. F.; Wolff, B.; Elkin, V. G.; Mathys, G.; Schöller, M.
AA(Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP), Germany) AB(Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA) AC(Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste, Italy) AD(Instituto de Ciencias Astronomicas, de la Tierra, y del Espacio (ICATE), San Juan, Argentina) AE(ESO) AF(Jeremiah Horrocks Institute, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom) AG(ESO) AH(ESO)
Abstract:
In contrast to the case for the late-type stars, our knowledge of atomic transitions in intermediate-mass chemically peculiar stars and in Herbig Ae/Be stars is still quite poor. This is especially true in the infrared region of the spectrum. The recent availability of ESO’s high-resolution spectrograph CRIRES now offers the opportunity to study numerous spectral features in the near-infrared spectra of these types of stars. Example observations are presented and the chemistry and magnetic field properties are discussed. During these studies a CO ring was detected around the Herbig Ae star HD 101412.
References:
Cowley, C. R. et al. 2010, A&A, 523, A65; Cowley, C. R. et al. 2012, A&A, 537, L6; Heiter, U. et al. 2008, J. of Physics Conf. Ser., 130, 012011; Hubrig, S. et al. 2005, A&A, 440, L37; Hubrig, S. et al. 2012, A&A, in press, arXiv:1204.0652; Hubrig, S. et al. 2011, A&A, 525, L4; Kurucz, R. L. 1993, SYNTHE Spectrum Synthesis Programs and Line Data. Kurucz CD-ROM No. 18. Cambridge, Mass.: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Meléndez, J. & Barbuy, B. 1999, ApJS, 124, 527; Piskunov, N. E. 1999, in ASSL, Vol. 243, Solar polari- zation, eds. Nagendra, K. N. & Stenflo, J. O., (Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers), 515; Ryde, N. et al. 2010, A&A, 509, 20
25-27 (PDF)
H. M. J. Boffin, D. Jones et al.
POPIPlaN: A Deep Morphological Catalogue of Newly Discovered Southern Planetary Nebulae

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...25B
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Boffin, H. M. J.; Jones, D.; Beletsky, Y.; van den Ancker, M.; Smoker, J.; Gadotti, D.; Saviane, I.; Moehler, S.; Ivanov, V. D.; Schmidtobreick, L.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(Las Campanas Observatory, Chile) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(ESO) AH(ESO) AI(ESO) AJ(ESO) AK(ESO)
Abstract:
Planetary nebulae (PNe) are amongst the most complex and varied of celestial objects, displaying a wide range of shapes and colours that are difficult to explain. Using the FORS2 instrument — mostly when no other observations can be performed — we have started to build up a homogeneous morphological catalogue of deep two-colour narrowband images of newly discovered PNe. The catalogue will be public and should soon become an invaluable tool for the community.
References:
Balick, B. & Frank, A. 2002, ARA&A, 40, 439; De Marco, O. 2009, PASP, 121, 316; De Marco, O. 2011, in Asymmetric Planetary Nebulae 5; conference, arXiv:1010.3802 Duquennoy, A. & Mayor, M. 1991, A&A, 248, 485; Jacoby, G. H. et al. 2010, PASA, 27, 156; Miszalski, B. et al. 2008, A&A, 488, 79; Miszalski, B. et al. 2009, A&A, 505, 249; Miszalski, B. et al. 2011, MNRAS, 413, 1264; Moe, M. & De Marco, O. 2006, IAUS, 234, 463; Nagae, T. et al. 2004, A&A, 419, 335; Paczynski, B. 1976, IAUS, 73, 75; Parker, Q. A. et al. 2006, MNRAS, 373, 79; Sahai, R., Morris, M. R. & Villar, G. G. 2011, ApJ, 141, 134; Sandquist, E. L. et al. 1998, ApJ, 500, 909; Schwarz, H., Corradi, R. & Melnick, J. 1992, A&AS, 96, 23; Soker, N. & Subag, E. 2005, AJ, 130, 271; Theuns, T., Boffin, H. M. J. & Jorissen, A. 1996, MNRAS, 280, 1264
28-31 (PDF)
R. Campbell, K. Kjær et al.
3D Visualisation of Integral Field Spectrometer Data

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...28C
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Campbell, R.; Kjær, K.; Amico, P.
AA(W. M. Keck Observatory, Hawaii, USA) AB(Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
A tool is presented for analysing integral field spectrometer three-dimensional datacubes by rendering the data in 3D with volumetric display techniques. Volume rendering can highlight features and aid the discovery of characteristics of astronomical objects that may not be easily detected with the more common two- and one-dimensional image and spectroscopy analysis tools. Examples of volume analysis are described, including Keck OSIRIS IFS data for the classical nova, V723 Cas, which exhibits a ring structure in its nova shell, and a 3D representation of observations of the supernova SN 1987a based on VLT SINFONI data.
References:
Bonnet, H. et al. 2004, The Messenger, 117, 17; Eisenhauer, F. et al. 2003, Proc. SPIE, 4841, 1548; Kjær, K. et al. 2010, A&A, 517, A51; Larkin, J. et al. 2006, Proc. SPIE, 6269, 42; Lyke, J. & Campbell, R. 2009, AJ, 138, 1090
32-32 (PDF)
J. Walsh, L. Testi
First published ALMA Early Science Cycle 0 Result — Mapping of the Fomalhaut Debris Disc

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...32W
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Walsh, J.; Testi, L.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
References:
Aumann, H. H. 1985, PASP, 97, 885; Boley, A. C. et al. 2012, ApJ, 750, L1; Chiang, E. et al. 2008, ApJ, 693, 734; Janson, M. et al. 2012, ApJ, 747, 116; Kalas, P. et al. 2005, Nature, 435, 1067; Kalas, P. et al. 2008, Science, 322, 1345; Marengo, M. et al. 2009, ApJ, 700, 1647; Ricci, L. et al. 2012, A&A, 539, L6
33-37 (PDF)
H. Sana, A. de Koter et al.
X-shooter Spectroscopy of Massive Stars in the Local Group and Beyond

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...33S
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Sana, H.; de Koter, A.; Garcia, M.; Hartoog, O.; Kaper, L.; Tramper, F.; Herrero, A.; Castro, N.
AA(Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek, Amsterdam University, the Netherlands) AB(Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek, Amsterdam University, the Netherlands; Utrecht University, the Netherlands) AC(Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Astrofísica, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain) AD(Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek, Amsterdam University, the Netherlands) AE(Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek, Amsterdam University, the Netherlands; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands) AF(Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek, Amsterdam University, the Netherlands) AG(Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Astrofísica, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain) AH(Institute of Astronomy & Astrophysics, National Observatory of Athens, Greece)
Abstract:
Combined with the collecting power of the Very Large Telescope, X-shooter is the most sensitive medium-resolution spectrograph currently in operation, allowing us to perform quantitative spectroscopy of objects that, up to now, were deemed too faint. In addition, with its unique wavelength coverage, X-shooter provides access to an un-precedentedly large number of diagnostic lines. We review our recent work on massive stars in Local Group dwarf galaxies and in NGC 55, an irregular galaxy in the foreground of the Sculptor Group. The observations were obtained as part of the ESO Science Verification Programme and the NOVA–Dutch Guaranteed Time Observation Programme. The aim is to investigate the evolutionary status of high-mass stars in various environments and to test the theory of radiation-driven stellar winds at metallicities below that of the Small Magellanic Cloud.
References:
Bresolin, F. et al. 2007, ApJ, 671, 2028; Castro, N. et al. 2008, A&A, 485, 41; Evans, C. J. et al. 2008, The Messenger, 132, 25; Garcia, M. et al. 2009, A&A, 502, 1015; Garcia, M. et al. 2010, A&A, 523, A23; Gieren, W. et al. 2005, The Messenger, 121, 23; Hammer, F. et al. 2010, The Messenger, 140, 36; Hartoog, O. et al. 2012, MNRAS, 422, 367; Herrero, A. et al. 2011, IAUS, 272, 292; Herrero, A. et al. 2012, arXiv:1206.1238; Le Fèvre, O. et al. 2010, The Messenger, 140, 34; Morris, S. et al. 2010, The Messenger, 140, 22; Mokiem, M. R. et al. 2007, A&A, 473, 603; Tramper, F. et al. 2011, ApJ, 741, L8; Vink, J. et al. 2001, A&A, 369, 574

Astronomical News

39-41 (PDF)
U. Weilenmann
Renewable Energy for the Paranal Observatory

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...39W
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Weilenmann, U.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The operation of observatories at remote sites presents significant demands for electrical energy. The use of renewable energy may become the solution to cope with the ever-rising prices for electrical energy produced from fossil fuels. There is not only a purely commercial aspect, but also the carbon footprint of observatory activities has to be considered. As a first step on the way to a “greener” Paranal Observatory, we propose the installation of a solar cooling system for the cooling of the telescope enclosures, using the abundant insolation that is freely available in the north of Chile. Further into the future, feasible options for photovoltaic and wind energy could supply the needs of the Paranal Observatory in a sustainable manner.
References:
Abott, D. 2010, Proc. IEEE, 98, 42; Pickard, W. F. et al. 2012, Proc. IEEE, 100, 317; Weilenmann, U. et al. 2010, SPIE, 7737, 77371Y
42-44 (PDF)
T. Rivinius, A. Carciofi et al.
Report on the ESO/IAG/USP Workshop ''Circumstellar Dynamics at High Resolution''

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...42R
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Rivinius, T.; Carciofi, A.; Baade, D.
AA(ESO) AB(Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
The workshop was jointly sponsored by ESO, the Brazilian National and São Paulo state agencies CAPES and FAPESP, and the University of São Paulo. Nearly 70 participants gathered to discuss the immediate surroundings of stars, mostly those more massive and hotter than the Sun. The venue, near the spectacular Iguaçu waterfalls, and topic proved to be well chosen to attract a balanced crowd: about one third of the participants came from each of Brazil, other ESO member states and Chile, and ESO non-member states.
44-46 (PDF)
C. Dumas, M. Sterzik et al.
Report on the Workshop ''Observing Planetary Systems II''

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...44D
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Dumas, C.; Sterzik, M.; Melo, C.; Siebenmorgen, R.; Girard, J.; Mouillet, D.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(Observatoire de Grenoble, Switzerland)
Abstract:
This second edition of the Observing Planetary Systems workshop was aimed at bringing together the two communities of Solar System and exoplanetary system scientists to review the recent progress made in our understanding of the formation of the Solar System and its early chemistry, and how this picture fits with our current knowledge of the formation and evolution of planetary systems in general.
References:
Sterzik, M. & Dumas, C. 2007, The Messenger, 128, 72
47-48 (PDF)
B. Dąbrowski, M. Karlický
The ALMA Regional Centre in the Czech Republic and the ALMA Winter School in Prague

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...47D
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Dąbrowski, B.; Karlický, M.
AA(Astronomical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ondřejov, Czech Republic) AB(Astronomical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ondřejov, Czech Republic)
Abstract:
The scope of the work of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Regional Centre in the Czech Republic is briefly outlined and a short report is presented on the recent Winter School held in Prague.
References:
Karlický, M. et al. 2011, Solar Phys., 268, 165
48-50 (PDF)
The ESO-Chile Outreach Volunteer Team
Volunteer Outreach Activities at ESO Chile

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...48T
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
The ESO-Chile Outreach Volunteer Team
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
ESO staff in Chile are often asked to disseminate astronomical knowledge to schools and to the general public. A significant number of volunteers are now involved in these activities and the most recent projects in low-income schools and neighbourhoods are described and possible perspectives discussed.
50-51 (PDF)
J. Meléndez
Inspiring Young Brazilian Astronomers at the La Silla Observatory

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...50M
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Meléndez, J.
AA(Astronomy Department, Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazi)
Abstract:
Eight astronomy students from the University of São Paulo in Brazil had the invaluable experience of visiting the La Silla Observatory from 27–30 April 2012. This visit proved an excellent opportunity to develop stronger links between the new generation of Brazilian astronomers and ESO.
52-52 (PDF)
P. Ballester, M. Péron
Retirement of Klaus Banse

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...52B
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Ballester, P.; Péron, M.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
References:
Banse, K. et al. 1983, The Messenger, 31, 26; Crane, P. 1979, The Messenger, 19, 31
53-53 (PDF)
A. McPherson
Staff at ESO

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...53M
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
McPherson, A.
AA(ESO)
53-56 (PDF)
M. Vučković, G. Beccari
Fellows at ESO

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...53V
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Vučković, M.; Beccari, G.
AA(ESO) AB (ESO)
56-57 (PDF)
Y. Tsamis
External Fellows at ESO

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...56T
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Tsamis, Y.
AA(ESO)
57-57 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the Conference ''The First Year of ALMA Science''

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...57.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
58-58 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Fellowship Programme 2012/2013

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148...58.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
59-59 (PDF)
ESO
The ALMA Newsletter

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148Q..59.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
59-59 (PDF)
ESO
Personnel Movements

ADS BibCode:
2012Msngr.148R..59.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)