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Issue 141
Messenger Issue 141

The Messenger Issue 141

Highlights include:

  • Martinez, P., Kolb, J. et al.: On the Difference between Seeing and Image Quality: When the Turbulence Outer Scale Enters the Game
  • Schuller, F., Beuther, H. et al.: The APEX Telescope Large Area Survey of the Galaxy (ATLASGAL)
  • Saito, R., Hempel, M. et al.: VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV): Current Status and First Results
  • Fosbury, R., Trygg, T.: Solargraphs of ESO
  • Sartori, L., Pelloni, C.: The Experience of Two High School Students Doing Astronomical Research at ESO

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Table of Content No. 141 | 2010
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Kenworthy, M., Quanz, S. et al.
A New Coronagraph for NAOS–CONICA — the Apodising Phase Plate
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141....2K
Authors:
Kenworthy, M.; Quanz, S.; Meyer, M.; Kasper, M.; Girard, J.; Lenzen, R.; Codona, J.; Hinz, P.
Abstract:
In April 2010, a new coronagraphic optical element, called an Apodising Phase Plate (APP), was installed in NAOS–CONICA (NACO). The APP coronagraph is optimised for use at 4.05 µm with both narrow- and broadband filters. Unlike other types of coronagraph, it requires no alignment overhead and can be used immediately after switching from direct imaging for observing targets of interest where high contrast is required.

Page 2-4 (PDF)
Martinez, P., Kolb, J. et al.
On the Difference between Seeing and Image Quality: When the Turbulence Outer Scale Enters the Game
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141....5M
Authors:
Martinez, P.; Kolb, J.; Sarazin, M.; Tokovinin, A.
Abstract:
We attempt to clarify the frequent confusion between seeing and image quality for large telescopes. The full width at half maximum of a stellar image is commonly considered to be equal to the atmospheric seeing. However the outer scale of the turbulence, which corresponds to a reduction in the low frequency content of the phase perturbation spectrum, plays a significant role in the improvement of image quality at the focus of a telescope. The image quality is therefore different (and in some cases by a large factor) from the atmospheric seeing that can be measured by dedicated seeing monitors, such as a differential image motion monitor.

Page 5-8 (PDF)
Kerber, F., Querel, R. et al.
Balloons over the La Silla Paranal Observatory
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141....9K
Authors:
Kerber, F.; Querel, R.; Hanuschik, R.; Chacón, A.; Sarazin, M.; on behalf of the project team
Abstract:
Precipitable water vapour (PWV) in the atmosphere is one of several key properties required to characterise overall quality of an astronomical site for observations at infrared wavelengths. Through analysis of archival data and by mounting a series of dedicated PWV measurement campaigns, we achieved our goal of establishing the Paranal Observatory as a reference site for evaluation of locations for the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) project. For the first time in an astronomical study, all measurement methods have been successfully validated with respect to balloon-borne radiosondes, the accepted standard in atmospheric research.

Page 9-13 (PDF)
Astronomical Science
Barucci, M.A., Alvarez-Candal, A. et al.
The Outer Frontiers of the Solar System: Trans-Neptunian Objects and Centaurs
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...15B
Authors:
Barucci, M.A.; Alvarez-Candal, A.; Belskaya, I.; de Bergh, C.; DeMeo, F.; Dotto, E.; Fornasier, S.; Merlin, F.; Perna, D.
Abstract:
The icy bodies in orbit beyond Neptune and known as Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), or Kuiper Belt objects, are the most distant objects of the Solar System accessible to direct investigation from the ground. The study of these objects, containing the least processed material of the Solar System, can help in understanding the still-puzzling accretion/evolution processes that governed planetary formation in our Solar System as well as in other dusty star discs. An ESO large programme has been devoted to obtaining simultaneous high quality visible and near-infrared spectroscopy and photometry of about forty objects with various dynamical properties. A few selected objects have also been observed with polarimetry to define their surface characteristics better and with detailed photometry to determine their rotational properties. The results provide a unique insight into the physical and surface properties of these remote objects.

Page 15-19 (PDF)
Schuller, F., Beuther, H. et al.
The APEX Telescope Large Area Survey of the Galaxy (ATLASGAL)
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...20S
Authors:
Schuller, F.; Beuther, H.; Bontemps, S.; Bronfman, L.; Carlhoff, P.; Cesaroni, R.; Contreras, Y.; Csengari, T.; Deharveng, L.; Garay, G.; Henning, T.; Herpin, F.; Immer, K.; Lefloch, B.; Linz, H.; Mardones, D.; Menten, K.; Minier, V.; Molinari, S.; Motte, F.; Nguyen Luong, Q.; Nyman, L.-Å.; Rathborne, J.; Reveret, V.; Risacher, C.; Russeil, D.; Schilke, P.; Schneider, N.; Tackenberg, J.; Testi, L.; Troost, T.; Vasyunina, T.; Walmsley, M.; Wienen, M.; Wyrowski, F.; Zavagno, A.
Abstract:
Thermal emission from dust at submillimetre wavelengths is a direct tracer of high column densities and, thus, of dense cloud regions in which new stars are forming. Surveys of the Galactic Plane in thermal dust emission have the potential to deliver an unbiased view of high-mass star formation throughout the Milky Way. The Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) telescope is ideally located for mapping the inner Galaxy. Using the Large APEX Bolometer Camera (LABOCA), we have recently completed the APEX Telescope Large Area Survey of the Galaxy (ATLASGAL). This survey, which covers 360 square degrees at 870 µm, provides the first unbiased sample of cold dusty clumps in the Galaxy at submillimetre wavelengths and reveals the clumpy structure of the cold interstellar medium over very large scales that have previously been little explored.

Page 20-23 (PDF)
Saito, R., Hempel, M. et al.
VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV): Current Status and First Results
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...24S
Authors:
Saito, R.; Hempel, M.; Alonso-García, J.; Toledo, I.; Borissova, J.; González, O.; Beamin, J.C.; Minniti, D.; Lucas, P.; Emerson, J.; Ahumada, A.; Aigrain, S.; Alonso, M.V.; Amôres, E.; Angeloni, R.; Arias, J.; Bandyopadhyay, R.; Barbá, R.; Barbuy, B.; Baume, G.; Bedin, L.; Bica, E.; Bronfman, L.; Carraro, G.; Catelan, M.; Clariá, J.; Contreras, C.; Cross, N.; Davis, C.; de Grijs, R.; Dékány, I.; Drew, J.; Fariña, C.; Feinstein, C.; Fernández Lajús, E.; Folkes, S.; Gamen, R.; Geisler, D.; Gieren, W.; Goldman, B.; Gosling, A.; Gunthardt, G.; Gurovich, S.; Hambly, N.; Hanson, M.; Hoare, M.; Irwin, M.; Ivanov, V.; Jordán, A.; Kerins, E.; Kinemuchi, K.; Kurtev, R.; Longmore, A.; López-Corredoira, M.; Maccarone, T.; Martín, E.; Masetti, N.; Mennickent, R.; Merlo, D.; Messineo, M.; Mirabel, F.; Monaco, L.; Moni Bidin, C.; Morelli, L.; Padilla, N.; Palma, T.; Parisi, M.C.; Parker, Q.; Pavani, D.; Pietrukowicz, P.; Pietrzynski, G.; Pignata, G.; Rejkuba, M.; Rojas, A.; Roman-Lopes, A.; Ruiz, M.T.; Sale, S.; Saviane, I.; Schreiber, M.; Schröder, A.; Sharma, S.; Smith, M.; Sodré Jr., L.; Soto, M.; Stephens, A.; Tamura, M.; Tappert, C.; Thompson, M.; Valenti, E.; Vanzi, L.; Weidmann, W.; Zoccali, M.
Abstract:
VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) is a public ESO near-IR variability survey aimed at scanning the Milky Way Bulge and an adjacent section of the mid-plane. VVV observations started in October 2009 during ESO science verification. Regular observations for the first year of the survey have been conducted since February 2010 and will cover a total area of 520 square degrees in five passbands and five epochs. Here we address the first results obtained from the VVV Survey as well as the current status of the observations.

Page 24-28 (PDF)
Giuffrida, G., Sbordone, L. et al.
A Wide-angle VIMOS Survey of the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...29G
Authors:
Giuffrida, G.; Sbordone, L.; Zaggia, S.; Marconi, G.; Bonifacio, P.; Izzo, C.; Szeifert, T.; Buonanno, R.
Abstract:
Using VIMOS in imaging and spectroscopy modes and FLAMES spectroscopy data, we have mapped the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy (Sgr dSph) photometrically and spectroscopically over eight fields along the galaxy minor and major axes. We have found, for the first time, striking evidence of multiple populations in the peripheral zones of this near companion of the Milky Way. These data, together with previous analyses of the Sgr dSph core and streams, supply a detailed picture of this galaxy, and will give us the opportunity to reconstruct the history of this object and its influence on the evolution of the Milky Way.

Page 29-31 (PDF)
Bremer, M., Lehnert, M. et al.
Studying the Properties of Early Galaxies with the ESO Remote Galaxy Survey
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...32B
Authors:
Bremer, M.; Lehnert, M.; Douglas, L.; Stanway, E.; Davies, L.; Clowe, D.; Milvang-Jensen, B.; Birkinshaw, M.
Abstract:
We present a discussion of and results from the ESO Remote Galaxy Survey (ERGS), a spectroscopic survey of Lyman-break galaxies with z ~ 5 and above. The survey directly explores the properties of these early star-forming galaxies, increasing the observational detail in our picture of early galaxy evolution. The survey provides a sample of galaxies ideally matched in spatial distribution to the capabilities of current and imminently available instrumentation. We discuss the results of the first follow-on studies of the sample in the mm/sub-mm that signpost the potential of these facilities for exploring early galaxy evolution.

Page 32-35 (PDF)
Astronomical News
Neumayer, N., Emsellem, E.
Report on the ESO Workshop ''Central Massive Objects: The Stellar Nuclei – Black Hole Connection''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...37N
Authors:
Neumayer, N.; Emsellem, E.
Abstract:
An overview of the ESO workshop on black holes and nuclear star clusters is presented. The meeting reviewed the status of our observational and theoretical understanding of central massive objects, as well as the search for intermediate mass black holes in globular clusters. There will be no published proceedings, but presentations are available at http://www.eso.org/sci/meetings/cmo2010/program.html.

Page 37-39 (PDF)
Casali, M.
The 2010 SPIE Symposium on Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...40C
Authors:
Casali, M.
Abstract:
A brief overview of the 2010 SPIE Symposium on Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, with emphasis on the ESO contributions, is presented.

Page 40-40 (PDF)
Laing, R., Maiolino, R. et al.
Report on the ESO Workshop ''Science with ALMA Band 5''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...41L
Authors:
Laing, R.; Maiolino, R.; Rykaczewski, H.; Testi, L.
Abstract:
A small complement of receivers for the ALMA Band 5 (163–211 GHz) is under construction. This workshop was devoted to the scientific potential and goals of a full set of Band 5 receivers for ALMA, with emphasis on the detection of water in the local Universe and the 158 µm emission line of C+ from high redshift galaxies.

Page 41-42 (PDF)
Fosbury, R., Trygg, T.
Solargraphs of ESO
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...43F
Authors:
Fosbury, R.; Trygg, T.
Abstract:
The recently developed technique of simple pinhole camera “solargraphy” enables images of the path of the Sun to be recorded over long periods. Solargraphy cameras have been installed at the three ESO observatory sites in Chile and at ESO Headquarters in Garching. These intriguing images are presented and described. They illustrate, in a very direct way, the clear skies at the observatories.

Page 43-45 (PDF)
Sartori, L., Pelloni, C.
The Experience of Two High School Students Doing Astronomical Research at ESO
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...46S
Authors:
Sartori, L.; Pelloni, C.
Abstract:
As a project for diploma work at the end of Swiss high school, long-slit kinematic data for two giant elliptical galaxies, observed with the FORS1 spectrograph at the ESO VLT, were reduced by two students. The reduction of these data was our first research experience. The preparation and reduction of the long-slit data is outlined. We also describe our impressions of this first encounter with the scientific research world.

Page 46-49 (PDF)
Primas, F., Casali, M. et al.
ESO Astronomers Emeriti — Sandro D’Odorico and Alan Moorwood
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...50P
Authors:
Primas, F.; Casali, M.; Walsh, J.
Abstract:
In May and June 2010, Sandro D’Odorico and Alan Moorwood, both driving forces behind many ESO instruments and very active in research, retired after three decades at ESO. The ESO Director General, Tim de Zeeuw, elevated both to the newly inaugurated position of ESO Astronomer Emeritus. Celebrations on their transition to these esteemed positions were held and are briefly described.

Page 50-51 (PDF)
ESO
New Staff at ESO
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...51.
Authors:
ESO

Page 51-52 (PDF)
ESO
Fellows at ESO
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...53.
Authors:
ESO

Page 53-54 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the ESO Workshop ''Dynamics of Low-Mass Stellar Systems: From Star Clusters to Dwarf Galaxies''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141...54.
Authors:
ESO

Page 54-54 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the ESO/Universidad de Valparaíso Workshop ''Evolution of Compact Binaries''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141Q..55.
Authors:
ESO

Page 55-55 (PDF)
ESO
Personnel Movements
More...
ADS BibCode: 2010Msngr.141R..55.
Authors:
ESO

Page 55-55 (PDF)

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