NASA Hubble Space Telescope Daily Report #4482
Notice: Due to the conversion of some ACS WFC or HRC observations into WFPC2, or NICMOS observations after the loss of ACS CCD science capability in January, there may be an occasional discrepancy between a proposal’s listed (and correct) instrument usage and the abstract that follows it.
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE DAILY REPORT #4482
– Continuing to collect World Class Science
PERIOD COVERED: UT November 2,3,4, 2007 (DOY 306,307,308)
OBSERVATIONS SCHEDULED
NIC1/NIC2/NIC3 8794
NICMOS Post-SAA calibration – CR Persistence Part 5
A new procedure proposed to alleviate the CR-persistence problem of NICMOS. Dark frames will be obtained immediately upon exiting the SAA contour 23, and every time a NICMOS exposure is scheduled within 50 minutes of coming out of the SAA. The darks will be obtained in parallel in all three NICMOS Cameras. The POST-SAA darks will be non- standard reference files available to users with a USEAFTER date/time mark. The keyword ‘USEAFTER=date/time’ will also be added to the header of each POST-SAA DARK frame. The keyword must be populated with the time, in addition to the date, because HST crosses the SAA ~8 times per day so each POST-SAA DARK will need to have the appropriate time specified, for users to identify the ones they need. Both the raw and processed images will be archived as POST-SAA DARKs. Generally we expect that all NICMOS science/calibration observations started within 50 minutes of leaving an SAA will need such maps to remove the CR persistence from the science images. Each observation will need its own CRMAP, as different SAA passages leave different imprints on the NICMOS detectors.
WFPC2 11418
Investigating the Spectacular Outburst of Comet 17P/Holmes
Comet 17P/Holmes is currently undergoing a spectacular eruption in activity, with its brightness increasing by ~14 mag over a 24 hour period. The comet is shedding huge amounts of dust, presumably associated with a major splitting event at the nucleus. The high spatial resolution and high sensitivity of Hubble has proven to be invaluable during previous observations of several fragmenting comets, and the 2007 apparition of 17P/Holmes represents another excellent opportunity to investigate this important cometary phenomenon. We request 3 orbits of WFPC2 observations to measure the size and V-R color of the principal nucleus, perform a deep search for large fragments released during the outburst, monitor the temporal development of the event, and search for a satellite whose collision with the principal nucleus may have triggered the current outburst, as was suggested for the similar outburst observed in 1892.
NIC1/NIC2/NIC3 11330
NICMOS Cycle 16 Extended Dark
This takes a series of Darks in parallel to other instruments. WFPC2 11307
Completing the ACS Nearby Galaxy Survey with WFPC2
We are requesting 25 orbits of Director’s Discretionary Time to complete the primary science goals of our highly-ranked ACS Nearby Galaxy Survey Treasury program {ANGST}. Our program lost ~2/3 of its orbits due to the ACS failure. Roughly half of these were restored as a result of an appeal to the Telescope Time Review Board which re-scoped the program. The Board’s response to our appeal was explicit in terms of which targets were to be observed and how. We were directed to request Director’s discretionary time for the components of the appeal which were not granted by the Review Board, but which were vital to the success of the program. The observing strategy for ANGST is two-fold: to obtain one deep field per galaxy which enables derivation of an accurate ancient star formation history, and to obtain radial tilings sufficient for recovering the full star formation history. The Review Board granted WFPC2 observations for deep fields in 7 galaxies, but no time for radial tilings. However, recovering the full star formation history of a galaxy is not possible without additional radial coverage. We have searched the archives for observations which may be used in place of the tilings {conceding some of the Treasury goals, but providing significant constraints on the full star formation history}, and have identified suitable observations for all but two of the galaxies. Here we request DD time for radial tilings for those last two galaxies.
WFPC2 11229
SEEDS: The Search for Evolution of Emission from Dust in Supernovae with HST and
The role that massive stars play in the dust content of the Universe is extremely uncertain. It has long been hypothesized that dust can condense within the ejecta of supernovae {SNe}, however there is a frustrating discrepancy between the amounts of dust found in the early Universe, or predicted by nucleation theory, and inferred from SN observations. Our SEEDS collaboration has been carefully revisiting the observational case for dust formation by core-collapse SNe, in order to quantify their role as dust contributors in the early Universe. As dust condenses in expanding SN ejecta, it will increase in optical depth, producing three simultaneously observable phenomena: {1} increasing optical extinction; {2} infrared {IR} excesses; and {3} asymmetric blue-shifted emission lines. Our SEEDS collaboration recently reported all three phenomena occurring in SN2003gd, demonstrating the success of our observing strategy, and permitting us to derive a dust mass of up to 0.02 solar masses created in the SN. To advance our understanding of the origin and evolution of the interstellar dust in galaxies, we propose to use HST’s WFPC2 and NICMOS instruments plus Spitzer’s photometric instruments to monitor ten recent core- collapse SNe for dust formation and, as a bonus, detect light echoes that can affect the dust mass estimates. These space-borne observations will be supplemented by ground- based spectroscopic monitoring of their optical emission line profiles. These observations would continue our 2-year HST and Spitzer monitoring of this phenomena in order to address two key questions: Do all SNe produce dust? and How much dust do they produce? As all the SN are within 15 Mpc, each SN stands an excellent chance of detection with HST and Spitzer and of resolving potential light echoes.
FGS 11228
Extrasolar Planet XO-2b
We propose observations of the newly discovered extrasolar planet XO-2b and its twin star XO-2. When combined with the transit light curve, the FGS-derived parallax will constrain the stellar mass of the host star XO-2. From the high signal-to-noise near-IR time series resulting from NICMOS grism spectroscopy, we will refine the system parameters, in particular radii of the star and planet. From the same data, we will search for evidence of water vapor in the atmosphere via transmission spectroscopy. Differential observations with NICMOS in the spectroscopic mode will be used to search for the small spectral changes that occur during planetary transits resulting from absorption of stellar light as it passes through the planetary atmosphere. Water is an important constituent, the detection of which would provide information on Oxygen, and it has a convenient strong band well- positioned for NICMOS.
NIC2 11219
Active Galactic Nuclei in nearby galaxies: a new view of the origin of the radio-loud radio- quiet dichotomy?
Using archival HST and Chandra observations of 34 nearby early-type galaxies {drawn from a complete radio selected sample} we have found evidence that the radio-loud/radio-quiet dichotomy is directly connected to the structure of the inner regions of their host galaxies in the following sense: [1] Radio-loud AGN are associated with galaxies with shallow cores in their light profiles [2] Radio-quiet AGN are only hosted by galaxies with steep cusps. Since the brightness profile is determined by the galaxy’s evolution, through its merger history, our results suggest that the same process sets the AGN flavour. This provides us with a novel tool to explore the co-evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes, and it opens a new path to understand the origin of the radio-loud/radio-quiet AGN dichotomy. Currently our analysis is statistically incomplete as the brightness profile is not available for 82 of the 116 targets. Most galaxies were not observed with HST, while in some cases the study is obstructed by the presence of dust features. We here propose to perform an infrared NICMOS snapshot survey of these 82 galaxies. This will enable us to i} test the reality of the dichotomic behaviour in a substantially larger sample; ii} extend the comparison between radio-loud and radio-quiet AGN to a larger range of luminosities.
FGS 11212
Filling the Period Gap for Massive Binaries
The current census of binaries among the massive O-type stars is seriously incomplete for systems in the period range from years to millennia because the radial velocity variations are too small and the angular separations too close for easy detection. Here we propose to discover binaries in this observational gap through a Faint Guidance Sensor SNAP survey of relatively bright targets listed in the Galactic O Star Catalog. Our primary goal is to determine the binary frequency among those in the cluster/association, field, and runaway groups. The results will help us assess the role of binaries in massive star formation and in the processes that lead to the ejection of massive stars from their natal clusters. The program will also lead to the identification of new, close binaries that will be targets of long term spectroscopic and high angular resolution observations to determine their masses and distances. The results will also be important for the interpretation of the spectra of suspected and newly identified binary and multiple systems.
FGS 11211
An Astrometric Calibration of Population II Distance Indicators
In 2002 HST produced a highly precise parallax for RR Lyrae. That measurement resulted in an absolute magnitude, M{V}= 0.61+/-0.11, a useful result, judged by the over ten refereed citations each year since. It is, however, unsatisfactory to have the direct, parallax-based, distance scale of Population II variables based on a single star. We propose, therefore, to obtain the parallaxes of four additional RR Lyrae stars and two Population II Cepheids, or W Vir stars. The Population II Cepheids lie with the RR Lyrae stars on a common K-band Period-Luminosity relation. Using these parallaxes to inform that relationship, we anticipate a zero-point error of 0.04 magnitude. This result should greatly strengthen confidence in the Population II distance scale and increase our understanding of RR Lyrae star and Pop II Cepheid astrophysics.
WFPC2 11167
A Unique High Resolution Window to Two Strongly Lensed Lyman Break Galaxies
On rare occasions, the otherwise very faint Lyman Break Galaxies {LBGs} are magnified by gravitational lensing to provide exceptional targets for detailed spectroscopic and imaging studies. We propose HST WFPC2 and NICMOS imaging of two strongly lensed Lyman Break Galaxies {LBGs} that were recently discovered by members of our team. These two LBGs — the “8 O’Clock Arc” and the “SDSS J1206+5142 Arc” — are currently the brightest known LBGs, roughly 3 times brighter than the former record-holder, MS1512-cB58 {a.k.a. “cB58”}. The z=2.73 “8 O’Clock Arc” extends ~10 arcsec in length and is magnified by a factor of 12. The z=2.00 “SDSS J1206+5142 Arc” also extends ~10 arcsec in length and is magnified by a factor of 30. Due to their brightness and magnification, these two strongly lensed LBGs offer an unprecedented opportunity for the very detailed investigation of two individual galaxies at high redshift. We are currently pursuing a vigorous ground-based campaign to obtain multi-wavelength {UV, optical, NIR, radio} observations of these two LBGs, but our campaign currently lacks a means of obtaining high-resolution optical/NIR imaging — a lack that currently only HST can address. Our prime objective for this proposal is to obtain high resolution HST images of these two systems with two-orbit WFPC2 images in the BVI bands and two-orbit NICMOS/NIC2 images in the J and H bands. These data will allow us to construct detailed lensing models, probe the mass and light profiles of the lenses and their environments, and constrain the star formation histories and rest-frame UV/optical spectral energy distributions of the LBGs.
WFPC2 11079
Treasury Imaging of Star Forming Regions in the Local Group: Complementing the GALEX and NOAO Surveys
We propose to use WFPC2 to image the most interesting star-forming regions in the Local Group galaxies, to resolve their young stellar populations. We will use a set of filters including F170W, which is critical to detect and characterize the most massive stars, to whose hot temperatures colors at longer wavelengths are not sensitive. WFPC2’s field of view ideally matches the typical size of the star-forming regions, and its spatial resolution allows us to measure individual stars, given the proximity of these galaxies. The resulting H-R diagrams will enable studies of star-formation properties in these regions, which cover largely differing metallicities {a factor of 17, compared to the factor of 4 explored so far} and characteristics. The results will further our understanding of the star-formation process, of the interplay between massive stars and environment, the properties of dust, and will provide the key to interpret integrated measurements of star-formation indicators {UV, IR, Halpha} available for several hundreds more distant galaxies. Our recent deep surveys of these galaxies with GALEX {FUV, NUV} and ground-based imaging {UBVRI, Halpha, [OIII] and [SII]} provided the identification of the most relevant SF sites. In addition to our scientific analysis, we will provide catalogs of HST photometry in 6 bands, matched corollary ground-based data, and UV, Halpha and IR integrated measurements of the associations, for comparison of integrated star-formation indices to the resolved populations. We envisage an EPO component.
WFPC2 11038
Narrow Band and Ramp Filter Closeout
These observations are to improve calibration of narrow band and ramp filters. We also test for changes in the filter properties during WFPC2’s 14 years on-board HST.
WFPC2 11035
Photometric Zero Points Closeout
Updated zero points will be obtained by observing NGC 2419 for which extensive BVRI ground based observations exist, and the field in 47 Tuc used for frequent monitoring of ACS. For NGC 2419 emphasis is given to repeating observations obtained in earlier epochs, and to covering filters near standard BVRI. For 47 Tuc emphasis is given to covering a large set of broadband filters from F300W through F850LP to maximise transformation capabilities between filters of WFPC2 and ACS.
WFPC2 11029
WFPC2 CYCLE 15 Intflat Linearity Check and Filter Rotation Anomaly Monitor
Intflat observations will be taken to provide a linearity check: the linearity test consists of a series of intflats in F555W, in each gain and each shutter. A combination of intflats, visflats, and earthflats will be used to check the repeatability of filter wheel motions. {Intflat sequences tied to decons, visits 1-18 in prop 10363, have been moved to the cycle 15 decon proposal xxxx for easier scheduling.} Note: long-exposure WFPC2 intflats must be scheduled during ACS anneals to prevent stray light from the WFPC2 lamps from contaminating long ACS external exposures.
NIC1 10889
The Nature of the Halos and Thick Disks of Spiral Galaxies
We propose to resolve the extra-planar stellar populations of the thick disks and halos of seven nearby, massive, edge-on galaxies using ACS, NICMOS, and WFPC2 in parallel. These observations will provide accurate star counts and color-magnitude diagrams 1.5 magnitudes below the tip of the Red Giant Branch sampled along the two principal axes and one intermediate axis of each galaxy. We will measure the metallicity distribution functions and stellar density profiles from star counts down to very low average surface brightnesses, equivalent to ~32 V-mag per square arcsec. These observations will provide the definitive HST study of extra-planar stellar populations of spiral galaxies. Our targets cover a range in galaxy mass, luminosity, and morphology and as function of these galaxy properties we will provide: – The first systematic study of the radial and isophotal shapes of the diffuse stellar halos of spiral galaxies – The most detailed comparative study to date of thick disk morphologies and stellar populations – A comprehensive analysis of halo and thick disk metallicity distributions as a function of galaxy type and position within the galaxy. – A sensitive search for tidal streams – The first opportunity to directly relate globular cluster systems to their field stellar population We will use these fossil records of the galaxy assembly process preserved in the old stellar populations to test halo and thick disk formation models within the hierarchical galaxy formation scheme. We will test LambdaCDM predictions on sub-galactic scales, where it is difficult to test using CMB and galaxy redshift surveys, and where it faces its most serious difficulties.
ACS/SBC 10864
Mapping the Gaseous Content of Protoplanetary and Young Planetary Systems with ACS
One of the key problems in planetary system formation is understanding how rapidly, and over what time interval Jovian planets can form. Dust in the protoplanetary disk is critical in planetesimal formation, but it is the gas which produces giant planets, and which is essential for their migration. However, compared to data on the circumstellar dust, information on the gas component is sparse, especially in the planet-formation zone. This severely limits our ability to put observational constraints on giant planet formation, except to note that the process must be largely complete by 12 Myr, given the paucity of Herbig Ae or classical T Tauri stars older than 10-12 Myr. In the FUV, photo-excited molecular hydrogen transitions have the requisite contrast to the stellar photosphere, accretion shock, and reflection nebulosity, and can be traced 50-100 AU from the exciting stars in both envelopes and outflow cavities and protoplanetary disks. Central disk cavities, an expected consequence of planet formation, larger than 0.1″ are directly detectable in HST FUV spectra, while smaller cavities may be detected by comparison with protoplanetary disks which are still accreting onto their stars. We propose augmenting existing HST coronagraphic imagery of 6 Herbig Fe and T Tauri disks with ACS Solar-Blind Channel Lyman alpha imagery and slitless spectroscopy simultaneously sampling the disk in molecular hydrogen and small-grain reflection nebulosity. These data will be used to quantify the amount of vertical stratification in these disks, to map the mass-loss geometry from the star, and to determine whether removal of molecular material precedes, lags, or is contemporary with clearing of the dust.
ACS/WFC 10812
Space Motions for the Draco and Sextans Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies
We will use the powerful astrometric capabilities of HST to measure proper motions for the Draco and Sextans dwarf spheroidal galaxies that will yield tangential velocities accurate to about 30 km/s. These two galaxies are the last inside a galactocentric radius of 200~kpc without measured proper motions. Knowing their orbits is critical for our understanding of the low-luminosity satellites of the Milky Way. In particular they are critical for understanding why Ursa Minor has survived tidal disruption on its plunging orbit and how Carina formed a large intermediate-age stellar population despite its small mass.
FLIGHT OPERATIONS SUMMARY:
Significant Spacecraft Anomalies: (The following are preliminary reports of potential non-nominal performance that will be investigated.)
HSTARS:
11044 – GSACQ(2,1,1) fails to acquire fine lock while LOS Upon acquisition of signal at 12:53:01, one 486 ESB message “A0A” (FGS Fine Lock failed-Timed out waiting for fine lock) was observed. GSACQ(2,1,1) at 11:52:45 appears to not have acquired fine lock, #44 commands did not update from previous values seen at LOS 11:07:30. All acquisition events occurred while vehicle was LOS. OBAD map at 12:29:12 had RSS error of 1877.48 arcseconds, indicating that vehicle had drifted far off target.
REACQ(2,1,1) at 13:28:01 was successful.
COMPLETED OPS REQUEST: (None)
COMPLETED OPS NOTES: (None)
SCHEDULED SUCCESSFUL FGS GSacq 24 23 FGS REacq 18 18 OBAD with Maneuver 84 84
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS: (None)
