Hubble Space Telescope Daily Report #3099 – 22 Apr 2002

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE

DAILY REPORT #3099

PERIOD COVERED: 0000Z (UTC) 04/19/02 – 0000Z (UTC) 04/22/02

Daily Status Report as of 112/0000Z

1.0 OBSERVATIONS SCHEDULED AND ACCOMPLISHED:

1.1 Completed Two Sets ACS/HRC/WFC 9018 (Flat Field Stability)

The Advanced Camera for Surveys (HRC and WFC) was used to assess
the stability and uniformity of the low-frequency flat fields {L-flat} of
the WFC detector by using multiple pointing observations of the globular
clusters 47 Tucanae {NGC104}, thus imaging moderately dense stellar
fields. By placing the same star over different portions of the detectors
and measuring relative changes in its brightness it will be possible to
determine local variations in the response of the detectors. There were no
reported problems.

1.2 Completed Six Sets of STIS/CCD 8902 (Dark Monitor-Part 2)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to monitor
the darks. No problems were reported.

1.3 Completed Nine Sets of WF/PC-2 8937 (Cycle 9 Supplemental Darks pt2/3)

The WF/PC-2 was used obtain three dark frames every day to provide
data for monitoring and characterizing the evolution of hot pixels. No
problems were encountered.

1.4 Completed STIS/CCD 8906 (Hot Pixel Annealing)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to measure
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. There were no reported problems.

1.5 Completed WF/PC-2 8950 (SM3B Cool Down, Contamination Monitor, and
Focus Check)

The WF/PC-2 was used to monitor the planned cooldown to -88C,
followed by UV monitors, focus checks, as well as decons and associated
monitors. No problems were noted.

1.6 Completed Three Sets of STIS/CCD 8904 (Bias Monitor-Part 2)

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 in order to build up high-S/N superbiases and track the evolution
of hot columns. The proposal completed with no anomalous activity.

1.7 Completed Three Sets of STIS/MA2 9573 (NUV-MAMA Daily Dark Monitor)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA2) was used to perform
daily monitoring of the NUV MAMA detector dark noise in order to monitor
the effects of thermal changes on the NUV dark rate. No problems occurred.

1.8 Completed STIS/MA2 8923 (FUV-MAMA Cycle 10 Flats)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA2) was used to obtain
FUV-MAMA observations of the STIS internal Krypton lamp to construct an FUV
flat applicable to all FUV modes. No problems were encountered.

1.9 Completed Fifteen Sets of ACS/WFC/HRC 8947 (Weekly Test)

The Advanced Camera for Surveys (WFC and HRC) was used to perform
basic tests to monitor, the read noise, the development of hot pixels and
test for any source of noise in ACS CCD detectors. This program will be
executed at least once a day for the entire lifetime of ACS. There were no
problems reported.

1.10 Completed STIS/CCD 9077 (Survey of the LMC Planetary Nebulae)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to perform
a snapshot survey of all known LMC planetary nebulae {PNe} in order to
study the co-evolution of the nebulae and their central stars, and to probe
the chemical enrichment history of the LMC. There were no reported problems.

1.11 Completed STIS/CCD/MA1/MA2 9036 (An Ultraviolet Spectroscopic
Survey of Star-Forming Galaxies in the Local Universe)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD, MA1 and MA2) was
used to perform a comprehensive STIS ultraviolet spectroscopic survey of
star-forming galaxies in the local universe. The sample covers a broad
range of morphologies, chemical composition, and luminosity. The
observations will provide spectral coverage between 1200 and 3100 Angstrom,
at a resolution of 100 to 200 kms and S/N of about 30. The data set will
allow the proposers to document and quantify the effects of massive stars
on the interstellar medium and to infer implications for the evolution of
the host galaxies. The proposal completed with no anomalous activity.

1.12 Completed Thirty-eight Sets of NICMOS/1/2/3 8945 (Cooling System
Monitoring)

The Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Camera (NIC1, NIC2 and
NIC3 was used 1) to measure NICMOS detector performance during the
cool-down and steady state operation of the NCS. 2}. to demonstrate
stability {+/-0.1K} of the NICMOS detector temperature at the optimal
science operating temperature. and 3}.to demonstrate repeatability {+/-0.1
K} of NICMOS detector temperature following changes from the optimal
science operating temperature. As described in 2.1 and HSTAR 8621, the
acquisition for the twenty-third iteration of this proposal defaulted to
fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting three
observations. Then, as described in 2.1 and HSTAR 8622, the acquisition
for the thirty-second iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock
backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting one observation. The NICMOS
suspend occurred during the thirty-fifth iteration. Due to the suspend the
final three iterations did not execute. No other problems were encountered.

1.13 Completed Two Sets of STIS/MA1/MA2 9151 (UV Snapshot Observation
of Nearby Star Forming Galaxies)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA1 and MA2) was used to
obtain FUV and NUV images of nearby emission- line galaxies with existing
star-formation rate {SFR} measurements from their HAlpha flux. Recently,
the use of the UV flux as a measure of SFR has gained much popularity for
estimating SFRs at different cosmic epochs. However, the SFR estimated
from UV flux could be greatly biased due to dust extinction. The KPNO
International Spectroscopic Survey {KISS} provides a large sample of nearby
HAlpha-selected starforming galaxies for which rich optical spectra are
available for measuring metallicity and dust extinction through line
ratios. By observing a subset of nearby emission-line galaxies in the KISS
sample with the STIS FUV and NUV MAMA, a direct comparison between UV and
Halpha SFR estimates will be possible. This will allow us to understand
the effect of dust extinction on UV flux for star- forming galaxies over a
wide range of HAlpha luminosity, metallicity absolute magnitude, and B-V
color . A rough dust extinction curve will be constructed for such
objects, making it possible to test plausible dust extinction curves used
in previous SFR studies of the distant universe. Also, high-resolution UV
images will allow us to search for plausible local counterparts to high
redshift galaxies whose rest-frame UV morphology is available from existing
optical HST data. There were no reported problems.

1.14 Completed Four Sets of STIS/CCD 9139 (Variability in the UV
Spectrum of 3C 279: Testing Models for the Gamma-Ray Emission in Blazars)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to
determine whether gamma- rays are produced on the scale of the broad line
region, using multi-epoch UV snapshots of 3C 279 to find and characterize
its LyAlpha variability. This will validate the mirror model for
generating the intense gamma-ray emission from blazars. 3C 279 is the
best-studied blazar from radio to gamma-ray wavelengths, showing frequent
large flares over days to months. Variability in the UV continuum and
LyAlpha will directly reveal any coupling between the jet ionizing flux and
the broad-line region emission, providing clues to the physics and
energetics of all radio-loud AGN. All observations completed without
reported incident.

1.15 Completed Three Sets of STIS/CCD 9070 (A Census of Nuclear Star
Clusters in Late-Type Spiral Galaxies: II. Spectroscopy and Stellar
Populations)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to
investigate spiral galaxies that have a prominent star cluster in their
dynamical center. Statistics for cluster frequency, size, and luminosity
remain incomplete. The proposal completed as planned.

1.16 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD 9131 (Imaging the Host Galaxies of
High Redshift Type Ia Supernovae)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to complete
the snapshot survey of distant galaxies of known redshift which hosted
supernovae {SNe} of Type Ia found via the Supernova Cosmology Project
{SCP}. No problems were seen.

1.17 Completed 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.

1.18 Completed FGS/1 8897 (Long Term Monitoring of FGS1R in Position Mode)

Fine Guidance Sensor #1R was used to monitor its long-term
evolution, presumably due to disorption of water from the instrument’s
graphite epoxy composits. This manifests principally as a change in the
plate scale and secondarily as a change in the distortions. These effects
are well modeled by adjustments to the rhoA and kA parameters which are
used to transform the star selector servo angles into FGS {x, y} detector
space coordinates. By observing the relative positions of stars in a
standard cluster at a fixed telescope pointing and orientation, the
evolution of rhoA and kA can be monitored and calibrated to preserve the
astrometric integrity of the FGS. There were no reported problems.

1.19 Completed Three Sets of STIS/CCD/MA1/MA2 9496 (UV Spectroscopic
Investigation of Any Bright, Newly Discovered Comet)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA1) was used to
perform a Target of Opportunity program to investigate any bright comet
{mboxV<=sssim7} that is newly discovered during Cycle 11, including comets of any dynamical class. The main scientific objective is to obtain accurate abundance measurements for several key cometary species: CO from the CO 4PG bands, cotwo from the CO Cameron bands, stwo from the stwo B-X bands, cstwo from CS emissions, and water from OH emissions. The UV Cameron band emission is currently the only way to probe cotwo in comets. As described in 2.1 and HSTAR 8622, the acquisition for the final iteration of this proposal defaulted to fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting two observations. There was no other anomalous activity.

1.20 Completed STIS/CCD 8962 (Contamination Monitor)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to observe
the flux standard GRW +70 5824 to assess whether FUV sensitivity is
significantly below performance obtained during execution of 8961 {End of
BEA Test} and prior to SM3B. Significantly degraded sensitivity will
trigger additional observations of flux standards to validate the initial
result and/or track subsequent {de}contamination. GRW +70 5824 is observed
bimonthly in the same mode as part of the regular STIS monitoring
program. Measurement accuracy will be limited global sensitivity
fluctuations {less than 5%}, rather than photon counting statistics. No
anomalous activity was observed.

1.21 Completed STIS/CCD/MA1 8965 (MAMA Darks)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD and MA1) was used to
obtain the twice-weekly dark frames, as in the corresponding calibration
program {program 8843 in Cycle 9}. Standard calibration reference files
are constructed for use in pipeline reduction of SMOV3B data. Transition
to analogous calibration program begins when normal science operation with
the MAMA detectors begins.

1.22 Completed STIS/MA1 8921 (MAMA Fold Distribution)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA1) was used to monitor
the performance of MAMA microchannel plates using a MAMA fold analysis
procedure. The fold analysis provides a measurement of the distribution of
charge cloud sizes incident upon the anode giving some measure of changes
in the pulse-height distribution of the MCP and, therefore, MCP gain. All
observations completed normally.

1.23 Completed ACS/WFC 9020 (Preliminary ACS Sensitivity)

The Advanced Camera for Surveys (WFC) was used to observe a
spectrophotometric standard star through each filter of each camera to
assess the sensitivity of the instrument. The star is placed at the center
of the aperture, and two images are taken through each filter. As
described in 2.1 and HSTAR 8621, the acquisition for this proposal
defaulted to fine lock backup on one FGS only, possibly affecting one
observation. There were no other reported problems.

1.24 Completed Two Sets of STIS/CCD 8907 (Spectroscopic Flats C10)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to obtain
CCD flats in the spectrographic mode. There were no reported problems.

1.25 Completed STIS/CCD 8669 (Merger-Driven Evolution Of Galactic
Nuclei: Observations Of The Toomre Sequence)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to observe
galaxy mergers that are believed responsible for triggering starburst and
AGN activity in galaxies, and even perhaps transforming spiral galaxies
into ellipticals. The proposal completed nominally.

1.26 Completed Fourteen Sets of STIS/CCD 8900 (Performance Monitor)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to measure
the baseline performance and commandability of the CCD subsystem. All
exposures are internals. The observations completed normally.

1.27 Completed FGS/1 9034 (The Masses and Luminosities of Population II
Stars)

Fine Guidance Sensor #1R 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.

1.28 Completed WF/PC-2 9180 (Gamma-ray Burst Progenitors: Probing Their
Environment)

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The WF/PC-2 was used to perform a target of opportunity observation
of gamma ray burster (GRB), GRB-011121. GRB astronomy is a field maturing
at a phenomenal rate. Three important new observational and theoretical
discoveries, formulated over the last twelve months, allow the proposer to
address new, and in many cases, more sophisticated questions than could
have been posed previously. These developments: the discovery of X-ray
lines in GRB 991216; the observation that N_H as deduced from X-ray
afterglow are one to two orders of magnitude larger than the dust
extinction inferred from optical afterglow; and the growing realization
that the afterglow emission may exhibit features of dust echoes, appear to
offer unexpected and new diagnostics that will directly inform us about the
progenitor, the circum-progenitor material and the immediate interstellar
environs. There were no reported problems.

2.0 FLIGHT OPERATIONS SUMMARY:

2.1 Guide Star Acquisitions:

Scheduled Acquisitions: 32

Successful: 32

The acquisition at 110/221158Z defaulted to fine lock backup on
FGS-2 only when the scan step limit was exceeded on FGS-3. HSTAR 8621 was
written. The proposals detailed in 1.12 and 1.23 may have been affected.

As described in HSTAR 8622, the acquisition at 111/120212Z
defaulted to fine lock backup on FGS 1 only when the scan step limit was
exceeded on FGS-3. The proposals detailed in 1.12 and 1.19 may have been
affected.

Scheduled Re-acquisitions: 13

Successful: 13

2.2 FHST Updates:

Scheduled: 66

Successful: 63

Per HSTAR 8619, the full maneuver updates at 110/082304Z and at
110/082549Z failed due to tracker #1. The subsequent acquisition, however,
was successful.

The roll delay update scheduled for 110/100342Z failed due to
tracker #1. The following full maneuver updates passed. HSTAR 8620 was
written.

2.3 Operations Notes:

The NICMOS instrument transitioned to SAA Operate, via SMS
commanding, at 109/0908Z.

The +Wing Solar Array Drive Mechanism shaft temperature monitor,
telemetered through SADE-2, flagged out-of-limits high at 109/091008Z for
several minutes with values ranging between 75 and 87 degC. HSTAR 8618 was
generated.

Per an operations request, the NCS min/max buffer was reset at
109/1830Z.

TTRs were generated for required re-transmits during 486 loads at
110/0825Z, at 110/1003Z and at 111/1202Z. In each case, the CCS limit for
SESBSLD was updated per ROP DF-18A.

Per HSTAR 8623, the NICMOS instrument suspended at 111/170543Z. A
status buffer message indicated an Intel Exception debug error, a message
seen before on 97/270 and 98/017. At the time of this occurrence, the
instrument was in observe and executing dark exposures (see 1.12). Several
following NICMOS observations did not execute (see 1.12). A NICMOS memory
dump was performed per ROP NS-9 at 111/2053Z. The dump was analyzed by
flight software personnel. An operations note was utilized to set the
NICMOS bad mode count off while NICMOS was safed. NICMOS was recovered to
SAA Operate at 112/000253Z per an operations request. All NICMOS
observations following the recovery have been successful.

A TTR was created for a required re-transmit during a NSSC-1 load
at 111/1944Z. Following, ROP NS-5 was used to reset SI C&DH errors at
111/1949Z.

Using ROP SR-1A, the SSR EDAC error counter was cleared at 111/2217Z.

SI C&DH errors were reset at 112/0021Z per ROP NS-5.

3.0 SIGNIFICANT FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

Continuation of Servicing Mission Orbital Verification and the
gradual resumption of normal science observations and calibrations.