Hubble Space Telescope Daily Report #2647 19 June 2000

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE
 
  DAILY REPORT #2647
 
PERIOD COVERED:  0000Z (UTC) 06/16/00 – 0000Z (UTC) 06/19/00
 
Daily Status Report as of 171/0000Z
 
1.0 OBSERVATIONS SCHEDULED AND ACCOMPLISHED:
 
    1.1 Completed STIS/CCD/MA1 8241 (A Snapshot Survey of Interstellar Absorption Lines)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA1) was used to make high resolution Echelle spectrographic observations of the standard ultraviolet star HD192273 as part of a snapshot survey of interstellar absorption lines.  A wavelength calibration image was also taken.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
 
    1.2 Completed Seven Sets of WF/PC-2 8461 (Cycle 8 Supplemental Darks pt3/3)
 
        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.  As described in HSTAR 7677 and 2.1, the acquisition for the fifth and sixth iterations of this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Then, as described in HSTAR 7678 and 2.1, the acquisition for the final iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all
observations. Otherwise, the proposal completed nominally.
 
    1.3 Completed WF/PC-2 8243 (SINS: The Supernova Intensive Study – Cycle 8)
 
        The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of supernova
LMC-SN1987.  Supernovae reveal the last stages of stellar evolution, create the chemical history of the Universe, energize the interstellar gas, and occupy the center of attention for the extragalactic distance scale and cosmology.  A wavelength calibration image was also taken.  The observations were completed as planned, and no problems were reported.
 
    1.4 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD 7912 (STIS Parallel Archive Proposal – Nearby Galaxies – Imaging and Spectroscopy)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to make parallel observations of nearby galaxies.  This survey will be useful to study the star formation histories, chemical evolution, and distances to these galaxies.  These data will be placed immediately into the Hubble Data Archive.  The observations were completed as scheduled, and no problems were reported.
 
    1.5 Completed Three Sets of STIS/CCD 8439 (Bias Monitor-Part 2 C8)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to monitor the bias in the 1×1, 1×2, 2×1, and 2×2 bin settings at gain=1, and 1×1 at gain = 4, to build up high-S/N superbiases and track the evolution of hot columns.  As described in HSTAR 7677 and 2.1, the acquisition for the third iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Otherwise, the proposal completed with no further reported problems.
 
    1.6 Completed Five Sets of STIS/CCD 8437 (Dark Monitor-Part 2 C8)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to monitor the darks.  As described in HSTAR 7677 and 2.1, the acquisition for the fourth iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Otherwise, the proposal completed nominally.
 
    1.7 Completed Two Sets of WF/PC-2 7282 (A Continuing Snapshot Survey for Compact Stellar Groups and Clusters around Wolf-Rayet Stars)
 
        The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the Wolf-Rayet stars WR10 and WR14 as part of a continuing snapshot survey of compact stellar groups and clusters.  The newly-imaged clusters allow us to accurately determine the distances, luminosities, and ages of the WR members.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
 
    1.8 Completed Three Sets of 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.  As described in HSTAR 7673 and the previous report, the acquisition for the first iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Then, as described in HSTAR 7674 and 2.1, the acquisition for the second iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Finally, as described in HSTAR 7680 and 2.1, the acquisition for the final iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Otherwise, the observations completed with no further reported problems.
 
    1.9 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD/MA1 8188 (Snapshot Spectroscopic Diagnostic Survey of the Symbiotic Stars)
 
        The Space Telescope imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA1) was used to make ultraviolet observations of stars HEN-1591M1-21 as part of a snapshot spectroscopic diagnostic survey of symbiotic stars.  Using these data we will be able to establish meaningful statistical limits on the nature of hot component sources of ionization and fundamental wind parameters, which are vital steps toward understanding the accretion hydrodynamics and the evolutionary status of symbiotic systems.  A wavelength calibration image was also taken.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
 
    1.10 Completed Seven Sets of WF/PC-2 8805 (POMS Test Proposal: WFII Parallel Archive Proposal Continuation)
 
        The WF/PC-2 was used to perform a generic target version of the WFPC2 Archival Pure Parallel program.  The program will be used to take parallel images of random areas of the sky, following the recommendations of the Parallels Working.  As described in HSTAR 7678 and 2.1, the acquisition for the third iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Otherwise, the proposal completed with no further reported problems.
 
    1.11 Completed STIS/CCD 8333 (Pox 186: A Nearby Protogalaxy?)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to investigate a blue compact dwarf galaxy {BCDG}, Pox 186.  BCDGs typically consist of clusters of early-type stars embedded in older, evolved stellar populations similar in size and shape to normal dwarf
ellipticals.  However, deep ground-based CCD images of this BCDG reveal a very compact {~ 5" diameter} structure with no evidence of an underlying older population.  Optical spectroscopy of this object also indicates that a large number of Wolf-Rayet stars are present, which implies that a burst of star formation must have occurred very recently {<=sssim 10^7 years ago}.  It has thus been suggested that Pox 186 is a protogalaxy, forming its very first generation of stars.  The observations completed with no reported anomalies.
 
    1.12 Completed FGS 8319 (Masses and Distances of Pre-Main Sequence Binaries)
 
        The Fine Guidance Sensors were used to make astrometric observations of the pre-main sequence binary star system
ROX-42B.  Observations were also made of several reference stars.  Our goal is to measure the masses of low mass young stars.  This will enable a calibration of theoretical calculations of stellar evolution to the main sequence.  The observations were completed as planned and no problems were reported.
 
    1.13 Completed Eight Sets of WF/PC-2 8680 (The Asymmetric Atmosphere of Uranus)
 
        The WF/PC-2 was used to image Uranus in preparation for the planet’s plunge toward equinox in 2000.  This period approaching equinox is the first opportunity {in the era of modern instrumentation} to examine the far regions of the northern hemisphere on Uranus.  As described in HSTAR 7677 and 2.1, the acquisition for the eighth iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all
observations.  Otherwise, there were no further reported problems.
 
    1.14 Completed Two Sets of WF/PC-2/STIS/CCD 8675 (The Massive Star Content of NGC 6822)
 
        The WF/PC-2 and the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) were used to characterize the young, coeval stellar population discovered with WFPC2 multiband imaging in a NGC6822 star forming region, with follow-up spectroscopy of the massive star candidates.  The proposal completed with no reported problems.
 
    1.15 Completed WF/PC-2 8654 (Confirmation of Black Hole, Planetary, and Binary Microlensing Events)
 
        The WF/PC-2 was used to take images of five MACHO Project microlensing events in order to confirm our microlensing models which indicate that these events were caused by black holes and stars with extra-solar planets.  The proposal completed nominally.
 
    1.16 Completed STIS/CCD 8796 (POMS Test Proposal: STIS Non-Scripted Parallel Proposal Continuation IV)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used in the parallel mode to make some low galactic latitude archive observations.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
 
    1.17 Completed STIS/MA1 8344 (UV Spectral Properties of O and B Stars Versus Metallicity)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA1) was used to perform slitless UV spectroscopy of bright OB associations in three Local Group galaxies that span a factor of 30 in metallicity.  Our target is star-forming regions in Sextans A.  Metallicity is the most fundamental parameter governing both stellar and galactic evolution.  Yet, little is known observationally about how metallicity affects the physics of massive stars.  The proposal completed nominally.
 
    1.18 Completed WF/PC-2 8059 (POMS Test Proposal: Targeted Parallel Archive Proposal)
 
        The WF/PC-2 was used to observe the parallel opportunities available in the neighborhood of bright galaxies are treated in a slightly different way from the normal pure parallels.  Local Group galaxies offer the opportunity for a closer look at young stellar
populations.  Narrow-band images in F656N can be used both to identify young stars via their emission lines, and to map the gas distribution in star-forming regions.  The observations completed nominally.
 
    1.19 Completed STIS/MA1 8426 (Cycle 8 MAMA Dark Measurements)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA1) was used to make a routine Cycle-8 MAMA dark noise calibration measurement.  This proposal will provide the primary means of checking on the health of the MAMA detectors.  This is done through frequent monitoring of the background count rate.  The observations were completed as planned, and no problems were reported.
 
    1.20 Completed STIS/MA2 8433 (Angle Corrections for MAMA)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA2) was used to run a test in order to provide incidence angle corrections for MAMA observations using non-concentric slits.  As described in HSTAR 7674 and 2.1, the acquisition for this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Otherwise, the proposal completed with no further reported problems.
 
    1.21 Completed WF/PC-2 8778 (Proper Motion of the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy-Cycle 9)
 
        The WF/PC-2 was used to determine the proper motion of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy {Sgr}.  Three fields, previously imaged will be imaged again in cycle 7 and late in cycle 9.  This will yield a baseline of ~ 3-4 years from which the proper motion of Sgr will be measured to an accuracy of ~ 35 km/s.  The proposal completed with no reported problems.
 
    1.22 Completed 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.
 
    1.23 Completed STIS/CCD 8788 (Followup on Fomalhaut)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to follow-up on previous observations of Fomalhaut to see if a faint nearby star is a companion.  The proposal completed nominally.
 
    1.24 Completed STIS/CCD 8228 (The Black Hole Versus Bulge Mass Relationship in Spiral Galaxies)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to make observations of the galaxy NGC-6951 in order to study the black hole versus bulge mass relationship in spiral galaxies.  A wavelength calibration image was also taken.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
 
    1.25 Completed STIS/CCD/MA1 8103 (A Global Picture of White Dwarfs in Cataclysmic Variables)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA1) was used to make ultraviolet spectrographic observations of the white dwarf star that is located in the cataclysmic variable star system known as EF-PEG.  As described in HSTAR 7678 and 2.1, the acquisition for this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all
observations.  Otherwise, the observations were executed as scheduled, and no further problems were reported.
 
    1.26 Completed FGS 8334 (HD 98800: An Opportunity to Measure True Masses for Low-Mass PMS Stars)
 
        The Fine Guidance Sensors were used to make astrometric observations of the low mass pre-main sequence (PMS) star HD98800 in order to measure its true mass.  HD 98800 became interesting when IRAS found it to have a large infrared excess, indicating a substantial dust disk.  As described in HSTAR 7679 and 2.1, the acquisition for this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all
observations.  Otherwise, the observations were executed as scheduled, and no further anomalies were noted.
 
    1.27 Completed STIS/MA1/MA2 8144 (UV Spectroscopic Snapshots of FUSE AGN Targets)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD, MA1 and MA2) was used to make far ultraviolet spectrographic snapshot observations of the FUSE AGN target PG1322+659.  This object is currently scheduled to be observed by the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer {FUSE}.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
 
    1.28 Completed STIS/CCD 8055 (Long Slit Spectroscopy of the Seyfert Galaxies)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to make long slit spectrographic observations of the Seyfert galaxy
NGC-3516.  These observations are  particularly important to detect and measure the mass concentration associated with any central massive black hole.  A wavelength calibration image was also taken.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted
 
    1.29 Completed Two Sets of WF/PC-2 8544 (POMS Test Proposal: WFII Backup Parallel Archive Proposal II)
 
        The WF/PC-2 was used to execute a POMS test proposal that was designed to simulate scientific plans.  As described in HSTAR 7681 and 2.1, the acquisition for this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Otherwise, no other problems were encountered.
 
    1.30 Completed STIS/CCD 8640 (A Public STIS Survey of the Host Galaxies of Gamma-Ray Bursts)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to obtain high-resolution images of the fields containing gamma-ray burst with well-localized coordinates; i.e. the burst has been localized to within approximately one arcsecond.  The goal of this survey is to obtain a uniform sample of images of the host galaxies of these bursts.  There were no reported problems.
 
    1.31 Completed WF/PC-2 7409 (Resolving sdB Binary Systems)
 
        The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations to try to resolve the sdB class binary system Star-23014.  The observations were completed as scheduled, and no anomalies were reported.
 
    1.32 Completed STIS/CCD 8236 (Black Holes and Gas Disks in a Complete Sample of Radio-Loud Ellipticals – II: Kinematics)
 
        The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to make observations of the radio-loud elliptical galaxy NGC-315.  From these observations we will measure the black hole masses, determine the nature, kinematics, and structure of the central gas disks and obtain a modeled upper limit to their mass accretion rates.  A wavelength calibration image was also taken.  As described in HSTAR 7682 and 2.1, the acquisition for this proposal defaulted to fine lock on one FGS only, possibly affecting all observations.  Otherwise, the observations were completed as planned, and no further problems were reported.
 
2.0 FLIGHT OPERATIONS SUMMARY:
 
    2.1 Guide Star Acquisitions:
      Scheduled Acquisitions: 31
Successful: 31
 
        The acquisition at 169/075326Z defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-3 only when the scan step limit was exceeded on FGS-2.  HSTAR 7674 was written.  The proposals described in 1.8 and 1.20 may have been affected.
 
        The acquisition at 169/235342Z defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-1 only when the scan step limit was exceeded on FGS-2.  HSTAR 7677 was written.  The proposals described in 1.2, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.13 may have been affected.
 
        The acquisition at 170/013224Z defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-3 only when the scan step limit was exceeded on FGS-2.  HSTAR 7678 was written.  The proposals described in 1.2, 1.10 and 1.25 may have been affected.
 
        The acquisition at 170/071727Z defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-3 only when the scan step limit was exceeded on FGS-2.  HSTAR 7679 was written.  The proposal described in 1.26 may have been affected.
 
        The acquisition at 170/093730Z defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-3 only when the scan step limit was exceeded on FGS-2.  HSTAR 7680 was written.  The proposal described in 1.8 may have been affected.
 
        The acquisition at 170/161712Z defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-1 only when the scan step limit was exceeded on FGS-2.  HSTAR 7681 was written.  The proposal described in 1.29 may have been affected.
 
        The acquisition at 170/210739Z defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-3 onlu when the scan step limit was exceeded on FGS-2.  A contributing factor was the uplinking of incorrect K-factors for an ITS test.  HSTAR 7682 was written.  The proposal described in 1.32 may have been affected.
 
        The acquisition at 171/010932Z defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-3 only when the scan step limit was exceeded on FGS-2.  A contributing factor was the uplinking of incorrect K-factor during an ITS test.  HSTAR 7682 was written.  Three proposals, all occurring during the period of the next report may have been affected: STIS 8472, WF/PC-2 8461, and WF/PC-2 8442.   Scheduled Re-acquisitions: 15
Successful: 15
 
    2.2 FHST Updates:
Scheduled: 79
Successful: 79
 
    2.3 Operations Notes:
 
        Real-time operations returned to the STOCC area at
168/2240Z.  Operations are being conducted on CCS string "B".
 
        Using ROP SR-1A, the SSR EDAC error counter was cleared five times.
 
        SSA transmitter #1 was turned on and off for the interval 169/1928Z until 169/1956Z per ROP IC-2.
 
3.0 SIGNIFICANT FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
 
        Continuation of normal science observations and calibrations.