Hubble Space Telescope Daily Report #2996 – 13 Nov 2001

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE

DAILY REPORT #2996

PERIOD COVERED: 0000Z (UTC) 11/09/01 – 0000Z (UTC) 11/13/01

Daily Status Report as of 317/0000Z

1.0 OBSERVATIONS SCHEDULED AND ACCOMPLISHED:

1.1 Completed STIS/CCD 8914 (Sensitivity Monitor C10)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to monitor
the sensitivity of each CCD grating mode to detect any change due to
contamination or other causes. The STIS focus is also monitored in an
imaging mode. There was no anomalous activity.

1.2 Completed Ten Sets of WF/PC-2 8936 (Cycle 10 Supplemental Darks Pt1/3)

The WF/PC-2 was used to perform a dark calibration program that
obtains three dark frames every day to provide data for monitoring and
characterizing the evolution of hot pixels. The proposal completed with no
reported problems.

1.3 Completed Eight Sets of WF/PC-2 9042 (An Archive To Detect The
Progenitors Of Massive, Core-Collapse Supernovae)

The WF/PC-2 was used to search for supernovae which have massive
star progenitors. The already extensive HST archive and high-resolution
ground-based images of galaxies within ~20 Mpc enables us to resolve and
quantify their individual bright stellar content. As massive, evolved
stars are the most luminous single objects in a galaxy, the progenitors of
core-collapse supernovae should be directly detectable on pre-explosion
images. One Type II progenitor has been observed this year, and the
investigators have proposed a short, companion WFPC2 proposal to confirm
this candidate and identify a second. The observations completed nominally.

1.4 Completed Twenty Sets of WF/PC-2/STIS/CCD 9285 (POMS Test Proposal:
STIS Non-scripted Parallel Proposal Continuation III)

The WF/PC-2 and the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) were
used to make low galactic latitude, non-scripted parallel observations as
part of a POMS test proposal. As described in 2.1 and HSTAR 8394, the
acquisition for the tenth and eleventh iterations of this proposal
defaulted to fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting the
observations in these iterations. Then, as detailed in 2.1 and HSTAR 8395,
the acquisition for the thirteenth iteration of this proposal also
defaulted to fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting the
observations in this iteration. Otherwise, the observations were completed
as planned, and no other anomalies were reported.

1.5 Completed Four Sets of STIS/CCD 8903 (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. There were no problems.

1.6 Completed FGS/1 9072 (Dynamical Masses of White Dwarfs from
Resolved Sirius-Like Binaries)

Fine Guidance Sensor #1 was used to observe resolved “Sirius-like”
systems containing hot white-dwarf companions of cooler main-sequence
stars. It is proposed to image them annually in the UV. No anomalous
activity was reported.

1.7 Completed Eighteen Sets of WF/PC-2 9244 (POMS Test Proposal: WFII
Parallel Archive Proposal Continuation)

The WF/PC-2 was used to perform a generic target version of the
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 Group. As described in 2.1 and HSTAR 8394, the
acquisition for the eighth iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine
lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting the observations in this
iteration. Then, as detailed in 2.1 and HSTAR 8395, the acquisition for
the tenth iteration of this proposal also defaulted to fine lock backup on
one FGS only, possibly affecting the observations in this
iteration. Otherwise, the observations completed with no further anomalous
activity.

1.8 Completed Seven Sets of STIS/CCD 8901 (Dark Monitor-Part 1)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to monitor
the darks. There was no anomalous activity.

1.9 Completed Three Sets of FGS/1 9034 (The Masses and Luminosities of
Population II Stars)

Fine Guidance Sensor #1 was used to observe the mass-luminosity
relation {MLR} of Population II stars of which very little is currently
known. With the advent of the Hipparcos Catalogue, improved distances to
many spectroscopic binaries known to be Pop II systems are now
available. After surveying the literature and making reasonable estimates
of the secondary masses, we find 13 systems whose minimum separation should
be larger than the resolution limit of FGS #1. The observations completed
nominally.

1.10 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD 9110 (A Search for Kuiper Belt
Object Satellites)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to
investigate whether the large number of collisions thought to have taken
place in the primordial Kuiper belt suggest that many Kuiper belt objects
{KBOs} could have suffered binary-forming collisions similar to that which
formed the Pluto — Charon binary. Detection of such KBO satellites would
allow measurement of KBO masses, would help to understand the past
collisional environment of the Kuiper belt, and would give a context to the
otherwise unique-seeming formation of the Pluto — Charon binary. The
proposal completed with no reported problems.

1.11 Completed STIS/CCD/MA2 9040 (Baryons In Intermediate Redshift {Z >
1} OVI Absorbers)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA2) was used to
search for intervening OVI absorption systems in two further extremely UV
bright intermediate redshift QSOs {HS 0747 + 4259, z = 1.9, V = 15.6; HS
0818+2554, z = 1.5, V = 15.4} using the STIS E230M Echelle mode. The
scientific aim is to measure the baryonic fraction in the warm-hot
intergalactic medium at redshifts 1 <=q z <=q 1.8. Present existing data on HE 0515-4414 taken also with STIS E230M seem to indicate that the baryonic fraction at z = 1.5 is lower by a factor of ~ 15 than the high value found by Tripp et al. {2000} for z < 0.3. Our results need to be confirmed by more lines of sight, and we plan to test hierarchical structure formation models which predict a rapid evolution between z = 1.5 and z = 0. The observations completed as planned with no reported anomalous activity.

1.12 Completed FGS/1 9089 (Parallaxes of Cataclysmic Variables:
Understanding Their Peculiar Secondary Stars)

Fine Guidance Sensor #1 was used to measure precise parallaxes for
three additional CVs {WZ Sge, RU Peg, and YZ Cnc}, whose orbital periods
span a much larger range than explored in previous observations, allowing
examination of how the accretion luminosity and secondary star change with
orbital period. There were no problems.

1.13 Completed Two Sets of FGS/1 9168 (The Distances to AM CVn Stars)

Fine Guidance Sensor #1 was used to determine the parallaxes and
proper motions of the five brightest of the seven known AM CVn systems. AM
CVn systems are binaries where mass is transferred from a completely
hydrogen-deficient, degenerate mass donor to a white dwarf primary through
a helium accretion disk. A better understanding of these systems is
crucial for a number of reasons: (1) to study the late stages of binary
evolution, (2) to study the effect of chemical composition on the physics
of accretion discs, (3) to estimate their contribution to the Supernovae Ia
rate, and (4) to estimate their contribution to the gravitational radiation
background. All observations completed with no reported problems.

1.14 Completed Three Sets of STIS/CCD 9136 (T Tauri Star Coronagraphic
Survey: A PMS Protoplanetary Disk Census)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to observe
pre-main sequence solar-mass stars, the T Tauri stars that Millimeter and
IR studies suggest at least 50 percent have circumstellar disks similar to
the disk from which our planetary system formed. High spatial resolution,
high dynamic range imaging of such systems will map the spatial
distribution of material around the star, constraining the disk sizes and
inclinations, and provide a first assessment of when structure in the disk,
such as cleared central zones and annuli, which has been linked to planet
formation, develops. All observations completed without incident.

1.15 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD 8929 (First-order LSFs for
Pseudo-Aperture Locations)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to measure
the LSFs for the CCD spectroscopic modes at the new pseudo-aperture
locations. The proposal completed as planned.

1.16 Completed Two Sets of FGS/1 9171 (High Speed Photometry of the
Transiting Planet HD 209458b)

Fine Guidance Sensor #1 was used to observe HD 209458b, the only
extrasolar giant planet {EGP} detected that has an orbit inclined enough
toward the Sun for the transits to be detected. Differential photometry
with respect to comparison stars showed a transit depth of 1.5 a transit
time of 3.2 hours. Transit ingress and egress are ~25 minutes in duration
suggesting the planet transits along a short chord instead of the full
stellar disk. It is proposed to observe the transit ingress {1-orbit} and
egress {1-orbit} with a FGS used as a high- speed photometer. As described
in 2.1 and HSTAR 8394, the acquisition for the first iteration of this
proposal defaulted to fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting
the observations in this iteration. Then, as detailed in 2.1 and HSTAR
8395, the acquisition for the second iteration of this proposal also
defaulted to fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting the
observations in this iteration. Otherwise, the proposal completed with no
other reported problems.

1.17 Completed FGS/1 8898 (Calibrating FGS1r’s Interferometric Response
as a Function of Spectral Color)

Fine Guidance Sensor #1 was used to obtain reference point source
Transfer Functions {S-Curves} through the F583W filter and the F5ND
attenuator at the center position of the FGS1r FOV for a variety of stellar
spectral colors. The data will be added to the library of point source
interferograms that was assembled from the Cycles 8 and 9 calibration
program. These Transfer Functions are needed to support the analysis of GO
science data for the study of close and wide binary star systems and for
determining the angular diameter of extended sources. The proposal
completed with no reported problems.

1.18 Completed STIS/CCD/MA1 9304 (Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of the
Unexpected Outburst of WZ Sagittae)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA1) was used to
observe the extreme dwarf nova WZ Sge that unexpectedly went into outburst
on July 23, 2001, ten years earlier than anticipated. This event offers
the chance to obtain high-quality, time-resolved far-UV spectra, as the
outburst continues through its peak into decline. The observations
completed with no reported problems.

1.19 Completed STIS/CCD/MA1/MA2 8919 (MAMA Sensitivity and Focus
Monitor C10)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD, MA1 and MA2) was
used to monitor the sensitivity of each MAMA grating mode to detect any
change due to contamination or other causes, and also to monitor the STIS
focus in a spectroscopic and an imaging mode. All observations were
successful.

1.20 Completed WF/PC-2 8626 (Spatially Resolved Spectroscopy of
APM08279+5255)

The WF/PC-2 was used to obtain spatially resolved, high resolution
spectra of the z=3.911 BAL quasar, APM 08279+5255. All observations
completed nominally

1.21 Completed WF/PC-2 9046 (Black Holes and Bars: A Recipe for Making
Bulges?)

The WF/PC-2 was used to obtain multi-color images and (eventually)
STIS emission line spectroscopy of the nuclear regions of 6 edge-on barred
spiral galaxies spanning a range of bulge morphologies and bar
strengths. The goal is to quantify the amount of vertical heating in the
nuclei, and to test whether or not bars are indeed destroyed and create a
bulge if enough mass is accumulated in their centers. There were no
reported problems

1.22 Completed Four Sets of STIS/CCD 9066 (Closing in on the Hydrogen
Reionization Edge of the Universe)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used in parallel
constrain the Hydrogen reionization edge in emission that marks the
transition from a neutral to a fully ionized IGM at a predicted
redshifts. The proposal completed uneventfully.

1.23 Completed WF/PC-2 9045 (The Relationship Between Radio Luminosity
and Radio-Loud AGN Host Galaxy Properties)

The WF/PC-2 was used to determine the relationship between the
properties of the host galaxies of radio-loud AGN and their radio
luminosities. Previous studies in this area with the HST have concentrated
on the 3C sample which shows a tight correlation between luminosity and
redshift, such that evolutionary effects cannot be distinguished from those
depending upon radio luminosity. Our sample of 46 radio galaxies at z ~
0.5 comes from four complete, low-frequency-selected samples of radio
sources with differing flux limits. Thus the total sample spans an
unprecedented three orders of magnitude in radio luminosity at a fixed
redshift interval. The proposal completed with no reported problems.

1.24 Completed Six Sets of WF/PC-2 8935 (Cycle 10 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. The proposal completed with no reported problems.

1.25 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD 8910 (Sparse Field CTE
Test-Internal {Cycle 10})

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to perform
CTE measurements that are made using the “sparse field test”, along both
the serial and parallel axes. This program needs special commanding to
provide {a} off-center MSM positionings of some slits, and {b} the ability
to read out with any amplifier {A, B, C, or D}. No problems were encountered.

1.26 Completed STIS/CCD 8291 (The Alpha-Element/Iron Ratio in Starburst
Populations)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to observe
A and F supergiants in NGC1569, the closest starburst galaxy. Spectra
around 6200 Angstrom taken with the G750M grating will be used to determine
element abundances of Fe and several Alpha-elements. The galaxy has
experienced a strong starburst over the past few hundred Myr and possibly
only very few and much less intense episodes of star formation at earlier
epochs. Chemical evolution models predict a significant Alpha/Fe
enhancement in the galaxy. The proposal completed with no reported anomalies.

1.27 Completed WF/PC-2 8939 (Cycle 10 Internal Monitor)

The WF/PC-2 was used to calibrate the internal monitor, to be run
weekly to monitor the health of the cameras. No problems were encountered

1.28 Completed STIS/CCD 8611 (Observations of Nearby Type Ia Supernovae)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to obtain
UV spectra of five nearby {0.02 < z < 0.08} SNe Ia in the Hubble Flow. The spectra will be taken at weekly intervals over a range in time starting slightly before maximum light and extending to +30 days. These observations will accomplish the following three goals: {1} calibration of the rest frame UV light curves of SNe Ia and an assessment of their potential use as distance indicators through UV light curve shape analyses. {2} improvement in our understanding of the physics of SNe Ia, metallicity/evolutionary effects and correlations between peak brightness and UV spectral features. {3} calibration of the SNe Ia previously observed by HST at high-redshift. This data is crucial for proper cross-filter k-corrections and calibration of the supernova photometry. The observations completed with no reported anomalous activity.

2.0 FLIGHT OPERATIONS SUMMARY:

2.1 Guide Star Acquisitions:

Scheduled Acquisitions: 35

Successful: 35

HSTAR 8394 documents a guide star acquisition at 314/064753Z which
defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-3 only when the scan step limit was
exceeded on FGS-2. The proposals described in 1.4, 1.7, and 1.16 may have
been affected.

HSTAR 8395 details a guide star acquisition at 314/100319Z that
defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS-2 only when the scan step limit was
exceeded on FGS-3. The proposals described in 1.4, 1.7, and 1.16 may have
been affected.

Scheduled Re-acquisitions: 19

Successful: 19

2.2 FHST Updates:

Scheduled: 83

Successful: 83

2.3 Operations Notes:

Using ROP SR-1A, the SSR EDAC error counter was cleared five times.

As directed by ROP RD-7A, ESTR #2 was reconditioned at 314/1938Z.

Per HSTAR 8396, the RWA 1 momentum error counter (SSFRWME1) flagged
out-of-limits for two telemetry samples at 314/203532Z. During this
anomalous event, the vehicle was not slewing and was not in an SAA
interval. The HST remained in normal mode since it takes at least three
counts for the RWA momentum management test to exceed 2.2 Nms for
autonomous entry into software sunpoint. The RWA 1 monitor error counter
was cleared at 314/2324Z per an operations request.

The Bay 6 Aft ES Bulkhead temperature (TB6AESB) flagged
out-of-limits high for the interval 314/2142Z – 314/2205Z with a value of
20.91 degC (limit is 20.0 degC). The HST was in orbit day and also in a
period of high Sun time. HSTAR 8397 was written.

SSA transmitter was powered on and off for the interval 314/2225Z –
314/2236Z per ROP IC-2.

The ephemeris table was uplinked at 317/0032Z using ROP DF-07A.

A TTR was generated when there was a required re-transmit during a
486 load at 317/0911Z. Accordingly, the engineering status buffer limits
were adjusted at 317/0911Z per ROP DF-18A.

3.0 SIGNIFICANT FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

Continuation of normal science observations and calibrations.