Hubble Space Telescope Daily Report #2635 06/01/00
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE
DAILY REPORT #2635
PERIOD COVERED: 0000Z (UTC) 05/31/00 – 0000Z (UTC) 06/01/00
Daily Status Report as of 153/0000Z
1.0 OBSERVATIONS SCHEDULED AND ACCOMPLISHED:
1.1 Completed WF/PC-2 8230 (Snapshot Survey of Dynamically Close Galaxy Pairs from z=0.1 to z=0.5)
The WF/PC-2 was used to make snapshot survey observations of galactic cluster Gal-Clus-2. This is to obtain snapshot images of a large, well-defined, and dynamically selected sample of close galaxy pairs at moderate redshift. The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
1.2 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD 8808 (POMS Test Proposal: STIS Non-Scripted Parallel Proposal Continuation III)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to make non-scripted, parallel observations as part of a POMS test proposal. The observations completed with no anomalous activity.
1.3 Completed Two Sets of WF/PC-2 8460 (Cycle 8 Supplemental Darks pt2/3)
The WF/PC-2 was used to obtain three dark frames every day to provide data for monitoring and characterizing the evolution of hot pixels. The observations completed with no reported problems.
1.4 Completed STIS/CCD/MA1/MA2 8265 (Reverberation Mapping of a Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 Galaxy)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD, MA1 and MA2) was used to monitor the UV spectral variability of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 {NLS1} galaxy AKN 564 at 46 epochs in order to measure the size of the broad emission-line region via reverberation-mapping techniques. This measurement, and the virial mass estimate that follows from it, will provide a key test of NLS1 models and help determine the physical mechanism that underlies the principal component of AGN spectra, the Boroson–Green primary eigenvector. These observations will be undertaken in parallel with X-ray and ground-based optical observations that will allow us for the first time to explore the multiwavelength variability characteristics of this important subclass of active galactic nuclei. The observations completed with no reported problems.
1.5 Completed WF/PC-2 8444 (WF/PC-2 CYCLE-8 Internal Monitor)
The WF/PC-2 was used to make a bias, and an internal flat, observation as part of a Cycle-8 monitoring program to monitor the health of the cameras. A variety of internal exposures are obtained in order to provide a monitor of the integrity of the CCD camera electronics in both bays {gain 7 and gain 15}, a test for quantum efficiency in the CCDs, and a monitor for possible buildup of contaminants on the CCD windows. The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
1.6 Completed WF/PC-2 8118 (Snapshot Survey of Galactic Globular Clusters0
The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of crowded centers of globular clusters {GCs} which have produced intriguing discoveries of new phenomena, most of which are not understood theoretically. This is a continuation of a Cycle 7 snapshot proposal, to extend such work to a much larger portion of the Galactic GC system. The observations completed nominally, with no reported problems.
1.7 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD 8410 (STIS CCD Hot Pixel Annealing C8)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to assess the effectiveness of the CCD hot pixel annealing process by measuring the dark current behavior before and after annealing and by searching for any window contamination effects. In addition CTE performance is examined by looking for traps in a low signal level flat. The observations were completed as planned, and no anomalies were reported.
1.8 Completed WF/PC-2 8200 (Globular Cluster Systems in Three Giant Coma Ellipticals)
The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the giant Coma elliptical galaxy NGC-4889-DI in order to study its globular
clusters. What we know about the Coma ellipticals so far present serious challenges to virtually every one of the current formation scenarios for globular cluster systems. The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
1.9 Completed WF/PC-2 8181 (Resolving Sirius-like Binaries)
The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the star HD90052 in order to try and resolve these Sirius-like binary star systems. Subsequent determinations of the visual orbits of the resolved binaries with the HST will provide dynamical measurements of the white-dwarf masses. The observations were completed as scheduled, and no anomalies were reported.
1.10 Completed FGS 8775 (Astrometry of the Extrasolar Planet of GL876)
The Fine Guidance Sensors were used to continue the astrometric observations of GL876 with HST/FGS in Position Mode to confirm the radial velocity detection of an extra-solar planet around the M4 dwarf star. The observations completed with no reported problems.
1.11 Completed WF/PC-2 7343 (Photometric Survey of Galaxies lying Behind Gravitational Lens Cluster)
The WF/PC-2 was used to make an extensive photometric survey of the galaxies lying behind the exceptional gravitational lens cluster A2218. The distortion of these images has been mapped from the ground, and shows one of the strongest signals to date, but the signal to noise is still limited. Using WFPC2 images we show that with two orbits on each of 22 fields covering the cluster we will obtain approximately 10000 galaxies over a region extending to 0.9 Mpc/h from the cluster center. The observations were completed with no reported problems.
2.0 FLIGHT OPERATIONS SUMMARY:
2.1 Guide Star Acquisitions:
Scheduled Acquisitions: 7
Successful: 7
Scheduled Re-acquisitions: 9
Successful: 9
2.2 FHST Updates:
Scheduled: 16
Successful: 16
2.3 Operations Notes:
ROP IC-2 was used twice to turn SSA transmitter #2 on and off.
3.0 SIGNIFICANT FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Continuation of normal science observations and calibrations.
