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Issue 143
Messenger Issue 143

The Messenger Issue 143

Highlights include:

  • Nikolic, B., Richer, J. et al.: Tests of Radiometric Phase Correction with ALMA
  • Eisenhauer, F., Perrin, G. et al.: GRAVITY: Observing the Universe in Motion
  • Fosbury, R., Koch, G. et al.: Ozone: Twilit Skies, and (Exo-)planet Transits
  • Péroux, C., Bouché, N. et al.: The SINFONI Integral Field Spectroscopy Survey for Galaxy Counterparts to Damped Lyman-α Systems
  • Hainaut, O., Sandu, O. et al.: ESO’s Hidden Treasures Competition

Read the full PDF

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Messenger Issue 195
2025Issue 195
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Table of Content No. 143 | 2011
The Organisation
de Zeeuw, T., Pottasch, S. et al.
Adriaan Blaauw, 1914–2010
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143....2Z
Authors:
de Zeeuw, T.; Pottasch, S.; Wilson, R.
Abstract:
In the last issue of The Messenger (142, p. 51) only a brief obituary of Adriaan Blaauw, the second Director General of ESO, could be included at the time of going to press. There follow three tributes to Adriaan Blaauw: by Tim de Zeeuw, current ESO Director General; by his long-term colleague at the Kapteyn Institute, Stuart Pottasch; and by Raymond Wilson, who led the Optics Group during his tenure as Director General.

Page 2-4 (PDF)
de Zeeuw, T.
Brazil to Join ESO
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143....5Z
Authors:
de Zeeuw, T.

Page 5-5 (PDF)
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Piskunov, N., Snik, F. et al.
HARPSpol — The New Polarimetric Mode for HARPS
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143....7P
Authors:
Piskunov, N.; Snik, F.; Dolgopolov, A.; Kochukhov, O.; Rodenhuis, M.; Valenti, J.; Jeffers, S.; Makaganiuk, V.; Johns-Krull, C.; Stempels, E.; Keller, C.
Abstract:
The HARPS spectrograph can now perform a full polarisation analysis of spectra. It has been equipped with a polarimetric unit, HARPSpol, which was jointly designed and produced by Uppsala, Utrecht and Rice Universities and by the STScI. Here we present the new instrument, demonstrate its polarisation capabilities and show the first scientific results.

Page 7-10 (PDF)
Nikolic, B., Richer, J. et al.
Tests of Radiometric Phase Correction with ALMA
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...11N
Authors:
Nikolic, B.; Richer, J.; Bolton, R.; Hills, R.
Abstract:
Of the many challenges facing ALMA, one of the greatest is overcoming the natural seeing limit set by the atmosphere to achieve very high resolution images. Its longest antenna separations (baselines) permit ALMA to synthesise the effect of a single antenna with a diameter exceeding 15 km, but an accurate radio “adaptive optics” system is required to ensure ALMA’s images are diffraction limited. With initial test data now available from the first ALMA antennas in Chile, we describe current progress towards this goal.

Page 11-15 (PDF)
Eisenhauer, F., Perrin, G. et al.
GRAVITY: Observing the Universe in Motion
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...16E
Authors:
Eisenhauer, F.; Perrin, G.; Brandner, W.; Straubmeier, C.; Perraut, K.; Amorim, A.; Schöller, M.; Gillessen, S.; Kervella, P.; Benisty, M.; Araujo-Hauck, C.; Jocou, L.; Lima, J.; Jakob, G.; Haug, M.; Clénet, Y.; Henning, T.; Eckart, A.; Berger, J.-P.; Garcia, P.; Abuter, R.; Kellner, S.; Paumard, T.; Hippler, S.; Fischer, S.; Moulin, T.; Villate, J.; Avila, G.; Gräter, A.; Lacour, S.; Huber, A.; Wiest, M.; Nolot, A.; Carvas, P.; Dorn, R.; Pfuhl, O.; Gendron, E.; Kendrew, S.; Yazici, S.; Anton, S.; Jung, Y.; Thiel, M.; Choquet, É; Klein, R.; Teixeira, P.; Gitton, P.; Moch, D.; Vincent, F.; Kudryavtseva, N.; Ströbele, S.; Sturm, S.; Fédou, P.; Lenzen, R.; Jolley, P.; Kister, C.; Lapeyrère, V.; Naranjo, V.; Lucuix, C.; Hofmann, R.; Chapron, F.; Neumann, U.; Mehrgan, L.; Hans, O.; Rousset, G.; Ramos, J.; Suarez, M.; Lederer, R.; Reess, J.-M.; Rohloff, R.-R.; Haguenauer, P.; Bartko, H.; Sevin, A.; Wagner, K.; Lizon, J.-L.; Rabien, S.; Collin, C.; Finger, G.; Davies, R.; Rouan, D.; Wittkowski, M.; Dodds-Eden, K.; Ziegler, D.; Cassaing, F.; Bonnet, H.; Casali, M.; Genzel, R.; Lena, P.
Abstract:
GRAVITY is the second generation Very Large Telescope Interferometer instrument for precision narrow-angle astrometry and interferometric imaging. With its fibre-fed integrated optics, wavefront sensors, fringe tracker, beam stabilisation and a novel metrology concept, GRAVITY will push the sensitivity and accuracy of astrometry and interferometric imaging far beyond what is offered today. Providing precision astrometry of order 10 microarcseconds, and imaging with 4-milliarcsecond resolution, GRAVITY will revolutionise dynamical measurements of celestial objects: it will probe physics close to the event horizon of the Galactic Centre black hole; unambiguously detect and measure the masses of black holes in massive star clusters throughout the Milky Way; uncover the details of mass accretion and jets in young stellar objects and active galactic nuclei; and probe the motion of binary stars, exoplanets and young stellar discs. The instrument capabilities of GRAVITY are outlined and the science opportunities that will open up are summarised.

Page 16-24 (PDF)
Gilmozzi, R., Kissler-Patig, M.
The E-ELT has Successfully Passed the Phase B Final Design Review
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...25G
Authors:
Gilmozzi, R.; Kissler-Patig, M.

Page 25-25 (PDF)
Astronomical Science
Fosbury, R., Koch, G. et al.
Ozone: Twilit Skies, and (Exo-)planet Transits
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...27F
Authors:
Fosbury, R.; Koch, G.; Koch, J.
Abstract:
Although only a trace constituent gas in the Earth’s atmosphere, ozone plays a critical role in protecting the Earth’s surface from receiving a damaging flux of solar ultraviolet radiation. What is not generally appreciated, however, is that the intrinsically weak, visible Chappuis absorption band becomes an important influence on the colour of the entire sky when the Sun is low or just below the horizon. This effect has been explored using spectra of the sunset and also of the eclipsed Moon; phenomena that involve a similar passage of sunlight tangential to the Earth’s surface. This geometry will also be relevant in future attempts to perform transit spectroscopy of exo-Earths.

Page 27-31 (PDF)
Pontoppidan, K.M., van Dishoeck, E. et al.
Planet-forming Regions at the Highest Spectral and Spatial Resolution with VLT–CRIRES
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...32P
Authors:
Pontoppidan, K.M.; van Dishoeck, E.; Blake, G.A.; Smith, R.; Brown, J.; Herczeg, G.J.; Bast, J.; Mandell, A.; Smette, A.; Thi, W.-F.; Young, E.D.; Morris, M.R.; Dent, W.; Käufl, H.U.
Abstract:
The inner regions (< 10 AU) of discs surrounding young pre-main sequence stars are thought to be places of active planet formation. The disc surfaces are traced by molecular emission lines in the infrared. We have carried out a spectroscopic 3–5 μm survey at the highest spectral resolution (as high as R = 100000) using CRIRES on the VLT, and have used the data to map the dynamics and chemistry of molecular gas, with the aims of constraining disc evolution and learning more about the process of planet formation. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of our CRIRES observing campaign and discuss the results obtained.

Page 32-36 (PDF)
Péroux, C., Bouché, N. et al.
The SINFONI Integral Field Spectroscopy Survey for Galaxy Counterparts to Damped Lyman-α Systems
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...37P
Authors:
Péroux, C.; Bouché, N.; Kulkarni, V.; York, D.; Vladilo, G.
Abstract:
A complete picture of galaxy formation can only be obtained by detailed study of the processes by which galaxies convert their gas into stars. One approach is to relate the H I gas and the stars in galaxies. Damped and sub-damped Lyman-α systems (DLAs), which are galaxies probed by the absorption they produce in the spectra of background quasars, are purely selected on H I gas, but identifying the galaxy responsible for the absorber with more traditional methods remains challenging. Integral field spectroscopy provides an efficient way of detecting faint galaxies near bright quasars, further providing immediate redshift confirmation. Here, we report on the detection of DLA and sub-DLA systems identified in Hα emission with VLT/SINFONI at near-infrared wavelengths.

Page 37-41 (PDF)
Shanks, T., Bielby, R. et al.
The VLT VIMOS Lyman-break Galaxy Redshift Survey — First Results
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...42S
Authors:
Shanks, T.; Bielby, R.; Infante, L.
Abstract:
We have completed the largest spectroscopic survey of Lyman-break galaxies (LBGs) at z ≈ 3, using the uniquely wide field of the VLT VIMOS multi-object spectrograph. The survey now contains about 2100 galaxy redshifts over the range 2 < z < 3.5 and is being used to investigate gas outflows from galaxies and large-scale structures at z ≈ 3. These results are having an immediate impact on theories of galaxy formation and producing new tests of the standard cosmological model. In particular, we find: further evidence from their clustering that LBGs may be the progenitors of spiral galaxies; new evidence for gas outflows from star-forming galaxies as required by theoretical galaxy formation models; and new evidence for gravitational infall of galaxies into clusters at a rate that is consistent with the standard cosmology.

Page 42-45 (PDF)
Astronomical News
Grosbøl, P., Carraro, G. et al.
Report on the ESO Workshop ''Spiral Structure in the Milky Way: Confronting Observations and Theory''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...47G
Authors:
Grosbøl, P.; Carraro, G.; Beletsky, Y.
Abstract:
The main objectives of the workshop were to review current observational evidence for spiral arms in our Galaxy and confront them with models of spiral structure in order to arrive at a consistent picture. Of primary importance was to understand just what additional information is required to resolve outstanding issues related to the spiral structure in the Milky Way, especially as new survey instruments (e.g., ALMA, VISTA and VST) are coming online and major space missions like GAIA will be launched in the near future.

Page 47-48 (PDF)
Randich, S., Covino, S. et al.
Report on the Workshop ''The First Year of Science with X-shooter''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...49R
Authors:
Randich, S.; Covino, S.; Cristiani, S.
Abstract:
The workshop was held with the aim of bringing together X-shooter users to discuss scientific results, performance and technical aspects, after the first year of successful operations of the instrument. The workshop was also organised to commemorate Roberto Pallavicini, whose scientific and human contribution to the development of X-shooter was invaluable and a source of continuous inspiration for all of us. A touching presentation focusing on the scientific personality of Roberto was given by Luca Pasquini on the second day of the workshop.

Page 49-51 (PDF)
Testi, L., Pilbratt, G. et al.
Report on the ESO Workshop ''The Impact of Herschel Surveys on ALMA Early Science''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...52T
Authors:
Testi, L.; Pilbratt, G.; Andreani, P.
Abstract:
The ESA Herschel Space Observatory is currently producing new and exciting results, thanks to its unprecedented sensitivity, spectral resolution and wide-area surveying capabilities at far-infrared and submillimetre wavelengths. Many of the new discoveries by Herschel will require high angular resolution follow-up observations with ALMA. The goal of the workshop was to discuss the priorities for ALMA Early Science follow-up of the Herschel photometric and spectroscopic surveys. The possibility, or need for, simultaneous observing programmes with ALMA and Herschel was also discussed.

Page 52-55 (PDF)
Sarazin, M.
Site Surveys for the Extremely Large Telescopes and More: Sharing the Experience and the Data
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...56S
Authors:
Sarazin, M.
Abstract:
As the site surveys for the Extremely Large Telescopes are nearing completion, two workshops gathered site testing specialists and atmospheric physicists to discuss the instrumental and data analysis issues. The two workshops are briefly reported.

Page 56-57 (PDF)
Hainaut, O., Sandu, O. et al.
ESO’s Hidden Treasures Competition
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...57H
Authors:
Hainaut, O.; Sandu, O.; Christensen, L.L.
Abstract:
ESO’s Hidden Treasures astrophotography competition gave amateur astronomers the opportunity to search ESO’s Science Archive for a well-hidden cosmic gem. The competition attracted nearly one hundred entries and the winners were announced in January 2011. Astronomy enthusiast Igor Chekalin from Russia won the first prize — a trip to the Very Large Telescope at Paranal — in this difficult but rewarding challenge.

Page 57-59 (PDF)
ESO
Fellows at ESO
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...59.
Authors:
ESO

Page 59-60 (PDF)
ESO
Personnel Movements
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...60.
Authors:
ESO

Page 60-60 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Studentship Programme
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...61.
Authors:
ESO

Page 61-61 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the ESO Workshop ''Multiwavelength Views of the ISM in High-redshift Galaxies''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143Q..62.
Authors:
ESO

Page 62-62 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the ESO/MPE/MPA/Excellence Cluster/USM Joint Astronomy Workshop ''Formation and Early Evolution of Very Low Mass Stars and Brown Dwarfs''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143R..62.
Authors:
ESO

Page 62-63 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the Workshop ''Feeding the Giants: ELTs in the Era of Surveys''
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...63.
Authors:
ESO

Page 63-63 (PDF)
Annual Index
ESO
Annual Index 2010 (Nos. 139–142)
More...
ADS BibCode: 2011Msngr.143...64.
Authors:
ESO

Page 64-67 (PDF)

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