Hubble Space Telescope Daily Report #2724 10/10/00
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE
DAILY REPORT #2724
PERIOD COVERED: 0000Z (UTC) 10/06/00 – 0000Z (UTC) 10/10/00
Daily Status Report as of 284/0000Z
1.0 OBSERVATIONS SCHEDULED AND ACCOMPLISHED:
1.1 Completed Six Sets of STIS/CCD 8837 (CCD Dark Monitor-Part 1)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to monitor the darks. The proposal completed with no reported problems.
1.2 Completed STIS/CCD 8700 (A STIS Spectroscopic Snapshot Survey of 3CR Radio Galaxies : The Nature of the Unresolved Nuclei)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to perform STIS snapshot long-slit spectroscopy of these nuclei over 2900- 10300 AA to classify them {QSO, NLRG, BLRG, BL Lac, ldots} and establish their AGN characteristics down to the lowest nuclear luminosities, while still within powerful 3C radio galaxies. The primary goals are : {1} to test unification schemes by identifying previously undetected signatures of low-level AGN/QSO activity in their spectra in the form of weak, broad emission lines, featureless continua, and UV excess, {2} to constrain the FR I/BL Lac connection by measuring the relative contribution of thermal {starburst}, non-thermal {optical synchrotron}, and line emission, and {3} to perform line and continuum diagnostics to determine the dominant ionization mechanisms in the circumnuclear regions {tenths of arcseconds} and the role of dust extinction in the NLRGs and BLRGs in the form of geometrically thick or thin tori and foreground dust. The proposal completed as planned, with no reported anomalies.
1.3 Completed Four Sets of STIS/CCD 8838 (Bias Monitor – Part 1)
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. The proposal completed nominally.
1.4 Completed STIS/CCD/MA1/MA2 8781 (NGC 2363 V1: A Rare Case Of Major LBV Eruption)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD, MA1 and MA2) was used to observe NGC 2363 which in January 1966, revealed the presence of a new bright, blue star. It has been shown that this star is a Luminous Blue variable {LBV} undergoing a major outburst. As described in HSTAR 7891 and 2.1, a loss of lock occurred near the end of this four-hour proposal, possibly affecting some observations. Otherwise, the observation completed nominally, with no further reported problems.
1.5 Completed Three Sets of WF/PC-2 8822 (Decontaminations and Associated Observations Pt. 1/4)
The Wf/PC-2 was used for the monthly decons. Also included are instrument monitors tied to decons: photometric stability check, focus monitor, pre- and post-decon internals {bias, intflats, kspots, & darks}, UV throughput check, VISFLAT sweep, and internal UV flat check. There were no reported problems.
1.6 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD/MA2 8145 (Abundances and Physical Conditions in the ISM of the Magellanic Clouds)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA2) was used to obtain high-resolution UV spectra of one star, SK155, in the SMC, as part of a detailed study of the interstellar medium in and toward the Magellanic Clouds — nearby systems of low metallicity and low dust-to-gas ratio for which stellar abundance data are also available. The proposal completed with no reported problems.
1.7 Completed Nine Sets of WF/PC-2 8826 (Cycle 9 Supplemental Darks pt 1)
The WF/PC-2 was used to perform a T dark calibration program that obtains three dark frames every day in order to provide data for monitoring and characterizing the evolution of hot pixels. There were no reported anomalies.
1.8 Completed STIS/MA1 8843 (Cycle 9 MAMA Dark Measurements)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA1) was used to perform the routine monitoring of the MAMA detector dark noise. The proposal completed nominally.
1.9 Completed Two Sets of WF/PC-2 8599 (A Census of Nuclear Star Clusters in Late-Type Spiral Galaxies)
The WF/PC-2 was used to conduct an I-band snapshot survey of a well-defined sample of nearby, face-on spiral galaxies of type Scd or later. The proposal completed nominally.
1.10 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD/MA1 8329 (Double Degenerates Among DAO White Dwarfs)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA1) was used to make observations of the white dwarf star PGC1210+533. The evolution of DAO white dwarfs, which have hybrid spectra showing both hydrogen and helium lines, is not well understood. A wavelength calibration image was also taken. The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.
1.11 Completed Six 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. The proposal completed with no reported problems.
1.12 Completed Three Sets of STIS/CCD/MA1/MA2 8569 (A New Survey for Low-Redshift Damped Lyman-Alpha Lines in QSO MgII Systems)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD, MA1 and MA2) was used to support studies which have shown that most of the observable neutral gas mass in the Universe resides in QSO damped LyAlpha {DLA} systems. However, at low redshift , DLA can only be found by searching in the UV with HST. By boot-strapping from the MgII statistics, we will be able to further improve the determination of the low- redshift statistical properties of DLA {their incidence and cosmological mass density} and open up new opportunities for studies at low redshift. The observations completed nominally.
1.13 Completed Three Sets of WF/PC-2/STIS/MA2 8867 (Gamma-Ray Bursts: Discovering The Progenitors And Understanding The Explosion – Visits A0-R0)
The WF/PC-2 and the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA2) were used to observe a target-of-opportunity: gamma-ray burster,
GRB000926. Gamma-ray burst astronomy, one of the most active and exciting frontiers in astrophysics, is now entering a critical stage — with dramatic leaps in understanding of these events, as well as new discoveries. Improvements in triggering and positioning accuracy provided by the SAX and HETE-2 gamma-ray satellites will allow entirely new classes of events to be studied. Given the recent progress in this field, the proposers are now in a position to design precision, broadband measurements that can provide quantitative information on the as-yet unknown energy sources, the explosion geometry, and the surrounding medium. In particular, the growing evidence of an intimate connection between SNe and GRBs can be definitively tested. The proposal completed with no problems.
1.14 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.
1.15 Completed Three Sets of WF/PC-2 8656 (The Hydrogen-Burning Limit in the Globular Cluster NGC 6397)
The WF/PC-2 was used to perform a major enhancement of an earlier study of the bottom of the main sequence (MS) of NGC 6397, the globular cluster with the smallest distance modulus. In the earlier work the lowest part of the MS had been lost among the numerically dominant field stars; but accurate astrometry, over a baseline of a few years, now allows an excellent proper-motion separation of faint cluster stars from the field. The proposal completed with no problems.
1.16 Completed Four Sets of STIS/CCD 8562 (Probing the Large Scale Structure: Cosmic Shear Observations)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to probe the distortion of light bundles from distant galaxies, looking at the statistical properties of the intervening inhomogeneous {dark} matter distribution. The proposal completed nominally.
1.17 Completed Four Sets WF/PC-2 8816 (Cycle 9 UV Earthflats)
The WF/PC-2 was used to obtain sequences of earth streak flats to improve the quality of pipeline flat fields for the WFPC2 UV filter set and in order to monitor flat field stability. There were no reported problems.
1.18 Completed STIS/MA2 8429 (Cycle 8 Plate Scale Verification)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA2) was used to conduct a Cycle-8 plate scale calibration verification. The calibration was completed as scheduled, and no anomalies were reported.
1.19 Completed FGS 8392 (The Masses of the O-type Binary 15 Monocerotis – Continued)
The Fine Guidance Sensors were used to perform astrometric observations of the binary system relative to nearby reference stars that are also observable in the FGS FOV. This will lead to a determination of the mass of each component. Both radial velocity and astrometric measurements are scant at present, but the system is now close to periastron and continued spectroscopic and astrometric monitoring will lead to a definitive orbit and yield important information about the masses of O-type stars. FGS measurements of separation, position angle, and magnitude difference {begun in Cycle 5} are needed to bridge the gap between current speckle observations and the new generation of optical interferometers. The proposal completed with no reported problems.
1.20 Completed STIS/CCD/MA2 8327 (Observations of Eta Carinae: The Central Star
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA2) was used to observe Eta Carinae {1} to obtain the spectrum of the star at “normal” times; {2} to extend the wavelength coverage below 1700 Angstrom; {3} to seek evidence for a hypothetical companion star; {4} to learn whether the star varies significantly when it is not near a discrete spectroscopic event; and {5} to study the bizarre spectra of dense, slow-moving, extremely peculiar ejecta located 0.15" to 1.5" from the star. The proposal completed nominally.
1.21 Completed WF/PC-2 8812 (Cycle 9 Internal Monitor)
The WF/PC-2 was used to obtain routine internal monitors for WFPC2 in order 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. There were no problems.
1.22 Completed WF/PC-2 8597 (The Fueling of Active Nuclei: Why are Active Galaxies Active?)
The WF/PC-2 was used to investigate the accretion onto massive black holes that are believed to be the energy source for AGN. However, evidence for black holes in quiescent galaxies has also been reported. Why are these galaxies inactive? One possibility is that active galaxies are better at providing fuel to the nuclear region than quiescent
galaxies. Other possible fueling mechanisms such as “bars-within-bars” or nuclear spirals cannot be investigated from the ground because they are relatively small features in the ISM. The observations were completed as planned.
1.23 Completed WF/PC-2 8804 (A Survey of Gravitational Lenses as Cosmological Tools III)
The WF/PC-2 was used to observe 60 known gravitational lenses that are a unique, mass-selected sample of galaxies, and their properties encode an enormous range of astrophysical information. The numbers of lenses and their distribution in separation, lens and source redshift determine both the cosmological model and the mass function of galaxies and its evolution. There were no reported problems.
1.24 Completed Four Sets of STIS/CCD 8260 (Searching for the Hydrogen Reionization Edge of the Universe at 5HST)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to observe one of 36 parallel orbits {4–5 fields of 5–8 orbits each} to constrain the H Lyman-edge in emission that marks the transition from a neutral to a fully ionized IGM at a predicted zion~eq5–15. This edge is due to recombination from the H Lyman series and Lyman continuum, and can be used to constrain zion, one of the most important unknown quantities in large scale structure and cosmology. As described in HSTAR 7892 and 2.1, the acquisition and re-acquisition for the second iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting the observations in this iteration. Otherwise, the proposal completed nominally.
1.25 Completed WF/PC-2 8645 (A Survey of Mid-UV Morphology of Nearby Galaxies: Galaxy Structure and Faint Galaxy)
The WF/PC-2 was used to investigate the relation between star formation and the global physical characteristics of galaxies to interpret the morphologies of distant galaxies in terms of their evolutionary status. As described in HSTAR 7892 and 2.1, the acquisition and re-acquisition for this proposal defaulted to fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting the observations. Otherwise, the observations completed nominally.
1.26 Completed Five Sets of WF/PC-2 8811 (Cycle 9 Standard Darks)
The WF/PC-2 was used to obtain dark frames every week in order to provide data for the ongoing calibration of the CCD dark current rate, and to monitor and characterize the evolution of hot pixels. Over an extended period these data will also provide a monitor of radiation damage to the CCDs. As described in HSTAR 7892 and 2.1, the acquisition and
re-acquisition for the first iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting the observations in this iteration. Otherwise, the proposal completed with no further reported problems.
1.27 Completed WF/PC-2 8634 (Atmospheric Variability on Uranus and Neptune)
The WF/PC-2 was used to obtain snapshot observations of Uranus and Neptune to monitor changes in their atmospheres on time scales of months to years. Uranus is rapidly approaching equinox in 2007, with another 4 degrees of latitude in the northern hemisphere becoming visible every year. Recent HST images during this unique epoch have revealed: {i} strongly wavelength-dependent latitudinal structure, {ii} the presence of numerous visible-wavelength cloud features in the northern hemisphere, and, {iii} in the near-IR, discrete features northward of 25degrees N that have the highest contrast ever seen for a Uranian cloud. Long-term ground- based observations show seasonal brightness changes whose origins are not well understood. Recent IR images of Neptune obtained using adaptive optics on the Keck Telescope indicate that a new "Bright Companion" type of feature has recently appeared in the southern hemisphere. Snapshot observations of these two dynamic planets can supply context in which to discern the nature of long-term changes in their latitudinal atmospheric bands and to track the appearance, movement, and disappearance of discrete albedo features. There were no reported problems.
1.28 Completed WF/PC-2 8581 (A Search For Low-Mass Companions To Ultracool Dwarfs)
The WF/PC-2 was used to search for very low-mass {VLM} companions to a complete sample of 120 late-M and L dwarfs, drawn mainly from the 2MASS and SDSS surveys. The primary goal is to determine the multiplicity of M < 0.1 M_odot dwarfs. In particular, we aim to identify binary systems suitable for long-term astrometric monitoring and mass measurement, and systems with cool, sub-1000K companions. The proposal completed with no reported problems.
1.29 Completed STIS/CCD/MA1 8695 (The Nature and Distribution of O VI Absorbers in the Vicinity of Galaxies)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA1) was to study PG1259+593 with the E140M echelle mode to substantially improve the statistical base of observed O VI absorbers {including weak lines} for comparison with the cosmological models and to constrain the physical conditions and abundances in these systems and their relationships with galaxies. With these observations we will {1} measure the number of O VI absorbers per unit redshift {dN/dz} with a limiting equivalent width of W_Lambda ~25 mAngstrom , {2} examine whether the O VI absorption arises in photoionized, collisionally ionized, or multiphase gas, {3} estimate the absorber metallicities, and {4} study the dependence of the absorber properties on the proximity of luminous galaxies. The observations completed nominally.
1.30 Completed STIS/MA1 8428 (STIS FUV-MAMA Cycle 8 Flats)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA1) was used to make a series of far-ultraviolet calibration flats with the Kr lamp for the construction of on-orbit D-flats for select modes. The calibration images were completed as planned, and no problems were reported.
1.31 Completed WF/PC-2 8575 (Leo A Evidence for the Delayed Formation of Dwarfs Scenario)
The WF/PC-2 was used to answer the question: Did all galaxies form at high redshift, or was the formation of certain galaxies delayed until recent cosmological epochs? There were no reported problems.
1.32 Completed STIS/MA2 8843 (Cycle 9 MAMA Dark Measurements)
The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA2) was used to perform the routine monitoring of the MAMA detector dark noise. The proposal completed nominally.
2.0 FLIGHT OPERATIONS SUMMARY:
2.1 Guide Star Acquisitions:
Scheduled Acquisitions: 31
Successful: 31
The acquisition at 283/102747Z defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-3 only, as did the following re-acquisition at 283/110119Z, possibly affecting the proposals described in 1.24, 1.25, and 1.26. HSTAR 7892 was written.
Scheduled Re-acquisitions: 31
Successful: 31
A loss of lock occurred at 280/162130Z during the proposal detailed in 1.4.
2.2 FHST Updates:
Scheduled: 73
Successful: 71
Per HSTAR 7893, the full maneuver updates at 283/151310Z and at 283/151555Z failed due to FHST-2. The following acquisition succeeded, however.
2.3 Operations Notes:
The proposal described in 1.13 represents a target of opportunity.
Using ROP SR-1A, the SSR EDAC error counter was reset seven times.
Per ROP DF-18Z, the engineering status buffer limit for SESBSLD was updated three times.
The FGS-1 star selector servo differences parameter (QF1SSDIF) flagged out-of-limits at 280/112707Z during a Term Exp. The mnemonic stayed out-of-limits until 280/120327. HSTAR 7890 was written. The subsequent acquisition was successful.
SSA transmitter #2 was turned on at 280/2349Z and turned off at 280/2359Z per ROP IC-2.
A TTR was written for a loss of 32k engineering data from 281/021211Z until 281/021352Z when there was a negative acquisition after a switch to Mode 1. Two additional TTRs reported command re-transmits required during 486 load uplinks (at 281/0756Z and at 282/0751Z).
As directed by ROP RD-7A, ESTR-2 was reconditioned at 282/0232Z.
A TTR was written for a loss of 32k engineering data from 282/164145Z until 282/16422254Z when a Mode 1 GCMR failed due to sun intrusion which caused an ops path outage.
A STIS EMC re-try occurred at 283/103957Z. The STIS flight software error counter was reset at 283/1101Z per ROP NS-13.
SSA transmitter #2 was turned on at 283/1243Z and turned off at 283/1255Z per ROP IC-2.
The ephemeris table was uplinked at 284/0411Z.
3.0 SIGNIFICANT FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Continuation of normal science observations and calibrations.
