HUBBLE
SPACE TELESCOPE - Continuing to collect World Class Science
DAILY
REPORT # 4622
PERIOD
COVERED: 5am May 30 - 5am Jun 02, 2008 (DOY 151/0900z-154/0900z)
OBSERVATIONS
SCHEDULED
NIC1/NIC2/NIC3
8795
NICMOS Post-SAA Calibration - CR Persistence Part 6
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 DARKSs. 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 i
mages.
Each observation will need its own CRMAP, as different SAA
passages
leave different imprints on the NICMOS detectors.
NIC3
11332
NICMOS
Cycle 16 Time Dependent Flat Fields
This
proposal obtains sequences of NICMOS narrow, medium and broad band
filter
flat fields for camera 1. In cameras 2 and 3, parallel
observations
will allow us to obtain high S/N flats for all spectral
elements.
NIC1/NIC2/NIC3
11330
NICMOS
Cycle 16 Extended Dark
This
takes a series of Darks in parallel to other instruments.
WFPC2
11235
HST
NICMOS Survey of the Nuclear Regions of Luminous Infrared Galaxies
in
the Local Universe
At
luminosities above 10^11.4 L_sun, the space density of far-infrared
selected
galaxies exceeds that of optically selected galaxies. These
`luminous
infrared galaxies' {LIRGs} are primarily interacting or
merging
disk galaxies undergoing enhanced star formation and Active
Galactic
Nuclei {AGN} activity, possibly triggered as the objects
transform
into massive S0 and elliptical merger remnants. We propose
NICMOS
NIC2 imaging of the nuclear regions of a complete sample of 88
L_IR
> 10^11.4 L_sun luminous infrared galaxies in the IRAS Revised
Bright
Galaxy Sample {RBGS: i.e., 60 micron flux density > 5.24 Jy}.
This
sample is ideal not only in its completeness and sample size, but
also
in the proximity and brightness of the galaxies. The superb
sensitivity
and resolution of NICMOS NIC2 on HST enables a unique
opportunity
to study the detailed structure of the nuclear regions,
where
dust obscuration may mask star clusters, AGN and additional nuclei
from
optical view, with a resolution significantly higher than possible
with
Spitzer IRAC. This survey thus provides a crucial component to our
study
of the dynamics and evolution of IR galaxies presently underway
with
Wide-Field, HST ACS/WFC and Spitzer IRAC observations of these 88
galaxies.
Imaging will be done with the F160W filter {H-band} to examine
as
a function of both luminosity and merger stage {i} the luminosity and
distribution
of embedded star clusters, {ii} the presence of optically
obscured
AGN and nuclei, {iii} the correlation between the distribution
of
1.6 micron emission and the mid- IR emission as detected by Spitzer
IRAC,
{iv} the evidence of bars or bridges that may funnel fuel into the
nuclear
region, and {v} the ages of star clusters for which photometry
is
available via ACS/WFC observations. The NICMOS data, combined with
the
HST ACS, Spitzer, and GALEX observations of this sample, will result
in
the most comprehensive study of merging and interacting galaxies to
date.
WFPC2
11227
The
Orbital Period for an Ultraluminous X-ray Source in NGC1313
The
ultraluminous X-ray sources {ULXs} are extragalactic point sources
with
luminosities that exceed the Eddington luminosity for conventional
stellar-mass
black holes by factors of 10 - 100. It has been hotly
debated
whether the ULXs are just common stellar-mass black hole sources
with
beamed emission or whether they are sub-Eddington sources that are
powered
by the long-sought intermediate mass black holes {IMBH}. To
firmly
decide this question, one must obtain dynamical mass measurements
through
photometric and spectroscopic monitoring of the secondaries of
these
system. The crucial first step is to establish the orbital period
of
a ULX, and arguably the best way to achieve this goal is by
monitoring
its ellipsoidal light curve. The extreme ULX NGC1313 X-2
provides
an outstanding target for an orbital period determination
because
its relatively bright optical counterpart {V = 23.5} showed a
15%
variation between two HST observations separated by three months.
This
level of variability is consistent with that expected for a tidally
distorted
secondary star. Here we propose a set of 20 imaging
observations
with HST/WFPC2 to define the orbital period. This would be
the
first photometric measurement of the orbital period of a ULX binary.
Subsequently,
we will propose to obtain spectroscopic observations to
obtain
its radial velocity amplitude and thereby a dynamical estimate of
its
mass.
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.
WFPC2
11218
Snapshot
Survey for Planetary Nebulae in Globular Clusters of the Local
Group
Planetary
nebulae {PNe} in globular clusters {GCs} raise a number of
interesting
issues related to stellar and galactic evolution. The number
of
PNe known in Milky Way GCs, 4, is surprisingly low if one assumes
that
all stars pass through a PN stage. However, it is likely that the
remnants
of stars now evolving in Galactic GCs leave the AGB so slowly
that
any ejected nebula dissipates long before the star becomes hot
enough
to ionize it. Thus there should not be ANY PNe in Milky Way
GCs--but
there are four! It has been suggested that these PNe are the
result
of mergers of binary stars within GCs, i.e., that they are
descendants
of blue stragglers. The frequency of occurrence of PNe in
external
galaxies poses more questions, because it shows a range of
almost
an order of magnitude. I propose a Snapshot survey aimed at
discovering
PNe in the GC systems of Local Group galaxies more distant
than
the Magellanic Clouds. These clusters, some of which may be much
younger
than their counterparts in the Milky Way, might contain many
more
PNe than those of our own galaxy. I will use the standard technique
of
emission-line and continuum imaging, which easily discloses PNe.
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
11210
The
Architecture of Exoplanetary Systems
Are
all planetary systems coplanar? Concordance cosmogony makes that
prediction.
It is, however, a prediction of extrasolar planetary system
architecture
as yet untested by direct observation for main sequence
stars
other than the Sun. To provide such a test, we propose to carry
out
FGS astrometric studies on four stars hosting seven companions. Our
understanding
of the planet formation process will grow as we match not
only
system architecture, but formed planet mass and true distance from
the
primary with host star characteristics for a wide variety of host
stars
and exoplanet masses. We propose that a series of FGS astrometric
observations
with demonstrated 1 millisecond of arc per-observation
precision
can establish the degree of coplanarity and component true
masses
for four extrasolar systems: HD 202206 {brown dwarf+planet}; HD
128311
{planet+planet}, HD 160691 = mu Arae {planet+planet}, and HD
222404AB
= gamma Cephei {planet+star}. In each case the companion is
identified
as such by assuming that the minimum mass is the actual mass.
For
the last target, a known stellar binary system, the companion orbit
is
stable only if coplanar with the AB binary orbit.
NIC2
11123
A
NICMOS Survey for Proplyds in the RCW 38 Massive Embedded Cluster
We
propose a search for line emission from photoevaporating
protoplanetary
disks in the Massive Embedded Cluster RCW 38. These disks
would
be analogous to the "proplyds" discovered in the Orion Nebula:
disks
around young low mass stars which are being photoionized by a
nearby
O star. We will search for these disks in RCW 38 using narrowband
imaging
in the lines of Paschen alpha and molecular hydrogen (1-0) S(1)
with
NICMOS. The RCW 38 region is an excellent target for determining
whether
proplyds are observable in large numbers outside of Orion. It is
a
young embedded cluster hosting a few hundred low mass young stars with
a
large percentage showing infrared excess indicating the presence of
disks.
About 100 of these stars are found within 0.1 pc of the central
O5
star, and the cluster is located within a cleared cavity 0.2 pc in
size,
embedded within a molecular cloud, exposing the cluster members
directly
to the UV radiation from the O star. Unlike Orion, but like
many
other young clusters, RCW 38 is not seen in visible light, and
infrared
imaging is needed. The best line in the infrared for revealing
proplyds
is the Paschen alpha line, which is not detectable from the
ground.
Only HST is able to perform these observations. From these
observations
we will estimate the lifetime of the evaporating disks, and
ascertain
whether these disks will survive long enough to form planets.
NIC3
11120
A
Paschen-Alpha Study of Massive Stars and the ISM in the Galactic
Center
The
Galactic center (GC) is a unique site for a detailed study of a
multitude
of complex astrophysical phenomena, which may be common to
nuclear
regions of many galaxies. Observable at resolutions
unapproachable
in other galaxies, the GC provides an unparalleled
opportunity
to improve our understanding of the interrelationships of
massive
stars, young stellar clusters, warm and hot ionized gases,
molecular
clouds, large scale magnetic fields, and black holes. We
propose
the first large-scale hydrogen Paschen alpha line survey of the
GC using
NICMOS on the Hubble Space Telescope. This survey will lead to
a
high resolution and high sensitivity map of the Paschen alpha line
emission
in addition to a map of foreground extinction, made by
comparing
Paschen alpha to radio emission. This survey of the inner 75
pc
of the Galaxy will provide an unprecedented and complete search for
sites
of massive star formation. In particular, we will be able to (1)
uncover
the distribution of young massive stars in this region, (2)
locate
the surfaces of adjacent molecular clouds, (3) determine
important
physical parameters of the ionized gas, (4) identify compact
and
ultra-compact HII regions throughout the GC. When combined with
existing
Chandra and Spitzer surveys as well as a wealth of other
multi-wavelength
observations, the results will allow us to address such
questions
as where and how massive stars form, how stellar clusters are
disrupted,
how massive stars shape and heat the surrounding medium, and
how
various phases of this medium are interspersed.
WFPC2
11113
Binaries
in the Kuiper Belt: Probes of Solar System Formation and
Evolution
The
discovery of binaries in the Kuiper Belt and related small body
populations
is powering a revolutionary step forward in the study of
this
remote region. Three quarters of the known binaries in the Kuiper
Belt
have been discovered with HST, most by our snapshot surveys. The
statistics
derived from this work are beginning to yield surprising and
unexpected
results. We have found a strong concentration of binaries
among
low-inclination Classicals, a possible size cutoff to binaries
among
the Centaurs, an apparent preference for nearly equal mass
binaries,
and a strong increase in the number of binaries at small
separations.
We propose to continue this successful program in Cycle 16;
we
expect to discover at least 13 new binary systems, targeted to
subgroups
where these discoveries can have the greatest impact.
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.
WFPC2
11027
Visible
Earth Flats
This
proposal monitors flatfield stability. This proposal obtains
sequences
of Earth streak flats to construct high quality flat fields
for
the WFPC2 filter set. These flat fields will allow mapping of the
OTA
illumination pattern and will be used in conjunction with previous
internal
and external flats to generate new pipeline superflats. These
Earth
flats will complement the Earth flat data obtained during cycles
4-14.
NIC2
10603
Multiwavelength
Imaging of Edge-on Protoplanetary Disks: Quantifying the
Growth
of Circumstellar Dust
Young,
edge-on circumstellar disks are uniquely valuable laboratories
for
the study of planet formation. In these objects, the central star is
occulted
from direct view, significant PSF artifacts are absent, and the
disk
is clearly seen as a central dust lane flanked by faint disk
reflected
light. The detailed morphology of these nebulae and its
variation
with wavelength provide crucial information on the disk
internal
structure and the properties of its constituent dust grains. A
key
observable is the slope defining the wavelength dependence of the
dust
scattering opacity, which becomes shallower when grain growth has
taken
place; multiwavelength resolved disk images are the key dataset
enabling
such measurements. Recent analyses of three different edge-on
disks
have revealed a diversity in their dust properties that is
indicative
of different degrees of dust grain evolution having taken
place
in each system. This characterization of disk grain growth, when
applied
comparatively to a larger sample of these objects, would enable
the
construction of an evolutionary sequence of young disks at
successive
stages on the road to planet formation. In pursuit of this
goal,
we have identified a sample of 15 edge-on disks previously
discovered
by HST or groundbased telescopes, but for which high
fidelity,
high spatial resolution images do not yet exist in both the
optical
and near-infrared. We propose broad-band multicolor imaging with
NICMOS
of all these targets, and ACS imaging of nine of these targets In
combination
with existing data, the proposed images will form a complete
database
of high resolution optical/near-IR images for these 15 disk
systems.
Scattered light modeling will be used to derive the disk
structure
and dust properties, yielding results that will be of
fundamental
importance for our understanding of grain properties during
protoplanetary
disk evolution.
NIC2
10487
A
Search for Debris Disks in the Coeval Beta Pictoris Moving Group
Resolved
observations of debris disks present us with the opportunity of
studying
planetary evolution in other solar systems. We propose to
search
for debris disks in the Beta Pictoris moving group {8-20 Myrs,
10-50
pc away} , which provides a coeval sample of multiple spectral
types,
and it has already produced two magnificent resolved debris
disks:
AU Mic and Beta Pic. Such coeval sample will provide us with a
snapshot
of the crucial time in disk evolution in which the disk makes
the
transition from optically thick to optically thin, and it will be
useful
to study the stellar mass dependence of the disk evolution.
FLIGHT
OPERATIONS SUMMARY:
Significant
Spacecraft Anomalies: (The following are preliminary reports
of
potential non-nominal performance that will be investigated.)
HSTARS:
11325
- GSAcq(1,2,1) failed to RGA Hold (Gyro Control) @ 153/19:24:05
COMPLETED
OPS REQUEST: (None)
COMPLETED
OPS NOTES: (None)
SCHEDULED
SUCCESSFUL
FGS
GSacq
31
30
FGS
REacq
08
08
OBAD
with Maneuver 78
78
SIGNIFICANT
EVENTS: (None)