SA: Brent
SO: Thea
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A frustrating night with quite a lot of tech problems. Otherwise managed to also do quite a bit of science despite thin-thick clouds at times. Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-030 P0 RSS (Measuring Redshifts from CHILES)
2016-1-MLT-005 P1 RSS (Multi-slit spectroscopy of edge-on galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x3) (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-058 P2 HRS (Testing the theoretical prediction about the spin of the most massive stars in a binary system.)
2016-1-SCI-021 P2 RSS (Measuring Galaxy Kinematics For Construction of the Velocity Function)
2016-1-SCI-060 P2 RSS (x3) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-025 P3 RSS (Spectral classification of rapidly pulsating stars)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x3) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-29
SA: Brent
SO: Thea
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Another long night science filled night, but slightly more tech downtime mostly due to payload. Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-030 P0 RSS (Measuring Redshifts from CHILES)
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-MLT-005 P1 RSS (Multi-slit spectroscopy of edge-on galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-002 P1 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in NGC 6681, NGC 6584 and NGC 7099)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x3) (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-015 P2 RSS (x2) (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-021 P2 RSS (x2) (Measuring Galaxy Kinematics For Construction of the Velocity Function)
2016-1-MLT-001 P3 RSS (Kinematics of Bulge Miras)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
SO: Thea
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Another long night science filled night, but slightly more tech downtime mostly due to payload. Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-030 P0 RSS (Measuring Redshifts from CHILES)
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-MLT-005 P1 RSS (Multi-slit spectroscopy of edge-on galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-002 P1 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in NGC 6681, NGC 6584 and NGC 7099)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x3) (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-015 P2 RSS (x2) (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-021 P2 RSS (x2) (Measuring Galaxy Kinematics For Construction of the Velocity Function)
2016-1-MLT-001 P3 RSS (Kinematics of Bulge Miras)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-28
SA: Brent
SO: Thea
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A long night with plenty of observations, but a few image quality issues perhaps due to stronger wind. Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-030 P0 RSS (Measuring Redshifts from CHILES)
2016-1-SCI-015 P1 RSS (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-021 P1 RSS (x2) (Measuring Galaxy Kinematics For Construction of the Velocity Function)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x4) (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-060 P2 RSS (x3) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P3 RSS (x2) (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x2) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
SO: Thea
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A long night with plenty of observations, but a few image quality issues perhaps due to stronger wind. Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-030 P0 RSS (Measuring Redshifts from CHILES)
2016-1-SCI-015 P1 RSS (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-021 P1 RSS (x2) (Measuring Galaxy Kinematics For Construction of the Velocity Function)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x4) (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-060 P2 RSS (x3) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P3 RSS (x2) (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x2) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-27
SA: Brent
SO: Thea
Others: Janus by phone
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A mostly clear night with a few technical problems, but otherwise usually good seeing. Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-030 P0 RSS (Measuring Redshifts from CHILES)
2016-1-SCI-021 P1 RSS (x3) (Measuring Galaxy Kinematics For Construction of the Velocity Function)
2016-1-SCI-015 P2 RSS (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (x3) (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-022 P2 RSS (x3) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-MLT-004 P3 HRS (HRS study of hydrogen deficient stars)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x2) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
SO: Thea
Others: Janus by phone
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A mostly clear night with a few technical problems, but otherwise usually good seeing. Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-030 P0 RSS (Measuring Redshifts from CHILES)
2016-1-SCI-021 P1 RSS (x3) (Measuring Galaxy Kinematics For Construction of the Velocity Function)
2016-1-SCI-015 P2 RSS (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (x3) (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-022 P2 RSS (x3) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-MLT-004 P3 HRS (HRS study of hydrogen deficient stars)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x2) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
Friday, May 27, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-26
SA: Brent
SO: Thea
Others: Lisa, Craig
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A productive night with stretches of very good 1.0-1.5 arcsec seeing. Data taken for:
2016-1-MLT-010 P0 RSS (Follow up observations of transient sources)
2016-1-SCI-030 P0 RSS (Measuring Redshifts from CHILES)
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-021 P1 RSS (Measuring Galaxy Kinematics For Construction of the Velocity Function)
2016-1-SCI-002 P1 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in NGC 6681, NGC 6584 and NGC 7099)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2015-1-MLT-004 P2 RSS (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-SCI-022 P2 RSS (x4) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-058 P2 HRS (Testing the theoretical prediction about the spin of the most massive stars in a binary system.)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-SCI-045 P3 HRS (Chemical analysis of very evolved helium-rich stars )
SO: Thea
Others: Lisa, Craig
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A productive night with stretches of very good 1.0-1.5 arcsec seeing. Data taken for:
2016-1-MLT-010 P0 RSS (Follow up observations of transient sources)
2016-1-SCI-030 P0 RSS (Measuring Redshifts from CHILES)
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-021 P1 RSS (Measuring Galaxy Kinematics For Construction of the Velocity Function)
2016-1-SCI-002 P1 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in NGC 6681, NGC 6584 and NGC 7099)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2015-1-MLT-004 P2 RSS (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-SCI-022 P2 RSS (x4) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-058 P2 HRS (Testing the theoretical prediction about the spin of the most massive stars in a binary system.)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-SCI-045 P3 HRS (Chemical analysis of very evolved helium-rich stars )
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-25
SA: Brent
SO: Thea
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
High humidity at the start of the night, but opened later to take data for:
2016-1-SCI-006 P1 HRS (Probing winds from the center of the Milky Way (@astrocrawford))
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (x2) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-045 P3 HRS (Chemical analysis of very evolved helium-rich stars )
SO: Thea
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
High humidity at the start of the night, but opened later to take data for:
2016-1-SCI-006 P1 HRS (Probing winds from the center of the Milky Way (@astrocrawford))
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (x2) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-045 P3 HRS (Chemical analysis of very evolved helium-rich stars )
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-24
SA: �ric
SO: Veronica
Others: Brent, David B for a visit
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Entire night lost to weather.
No data taken except some calibrations for HRS.
SO: Veronica
Others: Brent, David B for a visit
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Entire night lost to weather.
No data taken except some calibrations for HRS.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-23
SA: �ric
SO: Veronica
Others: Chris for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Entire night lost to weather.
No data taken apart from some calibrations for HRS.
SO: Veronica
Others: Chris for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Entire night lost to weather.
No data taken apart from some calibrations for HRS.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-22
SA: �ric
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A productive night, with moderately good weather.
We could obtain data for the following programs:
2015-1-MLT-004 P3 RSS (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x14) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-SCI-025 P3 RSS (Spectral classification of rapidly pulsating stars)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x4) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A productive night, with moderately good weather.
We could obtain data for the following programs:
2015-1-MLT-004 P3 RSS (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x14) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-SCI-025 P3 RSS (Spectral classification of rapidly pulsating stars)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x4) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-21
SA: �ric
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We had relatively good weather conditions for the first 5h of the night, and then, the clouds covered the whole sky and we closed for the rest of the night.
We obtained data for the following programs:
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x4) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-001 P3 RSS (Kinematics of Bulge Miras)
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We had relatively good weather conditions for the first 5h of the night, and then, the clouds covered the whole sky and we closed for the rest of the night.
We obtained data for the following programs:
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x4) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-001 P3 RSS (Kinematics of Bulge Miras)
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-20
SA: �ric
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A productive night, with moderate seeing and good weather conditions.
We could get data for the following programs:
2015-1-MLT-004 P2 RSS (x2) (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-SCI-015 P2 RSS (x2) (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-010 P2 HRS (Fundamental parameters of detatched eclipsing binaries)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x6) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A productive night, with moderate seeing and good weather conditions.
We could get data for the following programs:
2015-1-MLT-004 P2 RSS (x2) (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-SCI-015 P2 RSS (x2) (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-010 P2 HRS (Fundamental parameters of detatched eclipsing binaries)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x6) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
Friday, May 20, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-19
SA: �ric
SO: Veronica
Others: Keith, PaulR, Thabelo
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bad weather forced us to stay closed most of the night.
We could observe for one program
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
SO: Veronica
Others: Keith, PaulR, Thabelo
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bad weather forced us to stay closed most of the night.
We could observe for one program
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-18
SA: �ric
SO: Veronica
Others: Thabelo and Etienne to fix the slitmask magasine
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Whole night lost to weather. First wind, then humidity.
No data taken tonight, apart from some calibration data
SO: Veronica
Others: Thabelo and Etienne to fix the slitmask magasine
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Whole night lost to weather. First wind, then humidity.
No data taken tonight, apart from some calibration data
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-17
SA: Alexei
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara, Deon and Prof. Dr. Malkov for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> Stable night with bright moon, strong wind and moderate seeing. Many science block were done tonight.
=> Data were taken for the following science programs:
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-034 P1 RSS (Line profile variations in PKS 2135-14)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x2) (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-015 P2 RSS (x2) (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-006 P2 HRS (Probing winds from the center of the Milky Way (@astrocrawford))
2016-1-SCI-002 P2 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in NGC 6681, NGC 6584 and NGC 7099)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x10) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x3) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-SCI-025 P3 RSS (x6) (Spectral classification of rapidly pulsating stars)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x3) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara, Deon and Prof. Dr. Malkov for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> Stable night with bright moon, strong wind and moderate seeing. Many science block were done tonight.
=> Data were taken for the following science programs:
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-034 P1 RSS (Line profile variations in PKS 2135-14)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x2) (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-015 P2 RSS (x2) (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-006 P2 HRS (Probing winds from the center of the Milky Way (@astrocrawford))
2016-1-SCI-002 P2 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in NGC 6681, NGC 6584 and NGC 7099)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x10) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x3) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
2016-1-SCI-025 P3 RSS (x6) (Spectral classification of rapidly pulsating stars)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x3) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-16
SA: Alexei
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara and Deon for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> The second evening we did not align mirror because new SAMS is working. And mirror is in brilliant shape after it was aligned 48h ago!
=> And mirror is in brilliant shape in the morning - after it was aligned 58h ago!
=> The good night with high humidity, but very stable conditions and very good seeing during the whole night.
=> Data were taken for the following science programs:
2016-1-MLT-010 P0 RSS (Follow up observations of transient sources)
2016-1-COM-002 P1 RSS (Commissioning RSS-FP-HR on an old nova shell)
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (x2) (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-061 P2 RSS (x2) (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-006 P2 HRS (Probing winds from the center of the Milky Way (@astrocrawford))
2016-1-SCI-022 P2 RSS (x2) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-010 P2 HRS (Fundamental parameters of detatched eclipsing binaries)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x2) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara and Deon for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> The second evening we did not align mirror because new SAMS is working. And mirror is in brilliant shape after it was aligned 48h ago!
=> And mirror is in brilliant shape in the morning - after it was aligned 58h ago!
=> The good night with high humidity, but very stable conditions and very good seeing during the whole night.
=> Data were taken for the following science programs:
2016-1-MLT-010 P0 RSS (Follow up observations of transient sources)
2016-1-COM-002 P1 RSS (Commissioning RSS-FP-HR on an old nova shell)
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (x2) (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-061 P2 RSS (x2) (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-006 P2 HRS (Probing winds from the center of the Milky Way (@astrocrawford))
2016-1-SCI-022 P2 RSS (x2) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-010 P2 HRS (Fundamental parameters of detatched eclipsing binaries)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x2) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (x2) (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
Monday, May 16, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-15
SA: Alexei
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara for a while, Ted and Encarni by VNC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> The first time in SALT history we did not align mirror this evening because new SAMS (active mirror support system) is working! And mirror is in brilliant shape after it was aligned 24h ago!
=> And mirror is in brilliant shape in the morning - after it was aligned 34h ago!
=> Good night with high humidity, but very stable conditions and very good seeing during the whole night.
=> Data were taken for the following programs:
2016-1-COM-002 P1 RSS (x2) (Commissioning RSS-FP-HR on an old nova shell)
2016-1-SCI-015 P1 RSS (x2) (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-027 P1 RSS (The Formation of Compact Stellar Systems - The connection between NSCs, UCDs and cEs.)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-MLT-004 P2 HRS (HRS study of hydrogen deficient stars)
2016-1-SCI-061 P2 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x5) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara for a while, Ted and Encarni by VNC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> The first time in SALT history we did not align mirror this evening because new SAMS (active mirror support system) is working! And mirror is in brilliant shape after it was aligned 24h ago!
=> And mirror is in brilliant shape in the morning - after it was aligned 34h ago!
=> Good night with high humidity, but very stable conditions and very good seeing during the whole night.
=> Data were taken for the following programs:
2016-1-COM-002 P1 RSS (x2) (Commissioning RSS-FP-HR on an old nova shell)
2016-1-SCI-015 P1 RSS (x2) (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-027 P1 RSS (The Formation of Compact Stellar Systems - The connection between NSCs, UCDs and cEs.)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-MLT-004 P2 HRS (HRS study of hydrogen deficient stars)
2016-1-SCI-061 P2 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x5) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-14
SA: Alexei
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> Night with high but stable humidity and thin and thick clouds. Very nice and stable seeing otherwise.
=> Data were taken for the following science programs:
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-SCI-056 P1 HRS (Search for Remnant Exoplanetary Debris around White Dwarf Stars)
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-COM-003 P2 BVIT (x2) (BVIT observations of standard photometric stars)
2015-1-MLT-004 P2 RSS (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-022 P2 RSS (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x3) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-MLT-001 P3 RSS (Kinematics of Bulge Miras)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> Night with high but stable humidity and thin and thick clouds. Very nice and stable seeing otherwise.
=> Data were taken for the following science programs:
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-SCI-056 P1 HRS (Search for Remnant Exoplanetary Debris around White Dwarf Stars)
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-COM-003 P2 BVIT (x2) (BVIT observations of standard photometric stars)
2015-1-MLT-004 P2 RSS (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-022 P2 RSS (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x3) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-MLT-001 P3 RSS (Kinematics of Bulge Miras)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-13
SA: Alexei
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> High humidity and clouds kept us closed all night.
=> Weekly calibrations were done
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> High humidity and clouds kept us closed all night.
=> Weekly calibrations were done
Friday, May 13, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-12
SA: Alexei
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara, Dr.Berdnikov with his student for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> Some rain, high humidity and fog kept us closed all night.
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara, Dr.Berdnikov with his student for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> Some rain, high humidity and fog kept us closed all night.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-11
SA: Alexei
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> Night started with nice stable seeing, but clouds came during second half of the night.
=> Some data were taken for the following programs:
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (x7) (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-MLT-005 P1 RSS (x2) (Multi-slit spectroscopy of edge-on galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-060 P2 RSS (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-045 P2 HRS (Chemical analysis of very evolved helium-rich stars )
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x6) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
SO: Thea
Others: Tamara for a while
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
=> Night started with nice stable seeing, but clouds came during second half of the night.
=> Some data were taken for the following programs:
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (x7) (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-MLT-005 P1 RSS (x2) (Multi-slit spectroscopy of edge-on galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-060 P2 RSS (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-045 P2 HRS (Chemical analysis of very evolved helium-rich stars )
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (x6) (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-10
SA: Marissa
SO: Veronica
Others: Enrico, Alexei
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Humidity roller-coaster tonight, but the seeing was very good.
Data taken for:
2016-1-MLT-007 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far.)
2016-1-SCI-015 P1 RSS (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (x2) (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (x2) (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-033 P1 RSS (Investigating the activity state of the changing look AGN HE1136-2304)
2016-1-SCI-034 P1 RSS (Line profile variations in PKS 2135-14)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
SO: Veronica
Others: Enrico, Alexei
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Humidity roller-coaster tonight, but the seeing was very good.
Data taken for:
2016-1-MLT-007 P0 RSS (Observations of supernovae, near and far.)
2016-1-SCI-015 P1 RSS (Identifying new ultracompact binary star systems through their spectral characteristics)
2016-1-SCI-061 P1 RSS (x2) (Study of ionized gas in galaxies where the centers are obscured by dust.)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (x2) (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-033 P1 RSS (Investigating the activity state of the changing look AGN HE1136-2304)
2016-1-SCI-034 P1 RSS (Line profile variations in PKS 2135-14)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-09
SA: Marissa
SO: Veronica
Others: Enrico
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We lost most of the night in a game of cat and mouse with the humidity. Started a few blocks we've had to abort and reject because we had to close. But closed-dome time was put to good use for software testing and calibrations.
Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
SO: Veronica
Others: Enrico
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We lost most of the night in a game of cat and mouse with the humidity. Started a few blocks we've had to abort and reject because we had to close. But closed-dome time was put to good use for software testing and calibrations.
Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
Monday, May 9, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-08
SA: Marissa
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thunderstorms kept us closed. Considering our country is suffering the most severe drought in decades, we are very thankful for the rain.
No data taken.
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thunderstorms kept us closed. Considering our country is suffering the most severe drought in decades, we are very thankful for the rain.
No data taken.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-07
SA: Marissa
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Light rain kept us closed tonight. Made productive use of the night by completing weekly calibrations and testing new software.
No data taken.
SO: Veronica
Others:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Light rain kept us closed tonight. Made productive use of the night by completing weekly calibrations and testing new software.
No data taken.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-06
SA: Marissa
SO: Veronica
Others: Enrico
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
High humidity and fog kept us closed all night, but we managed to get one block before we had to close.
Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-060 P2 RSS (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
SO: Veronica
Others: Enrico
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
High humidity and fog kept us closed all night, but we managed to get one block before we had to close.
Data taken for:
2016-1-SCI-060 P2 RSS (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
Friday, May 6, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-05
SA: Marissa
SO: Veronica
Others: Hitesh (remotely)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thin clouds on this dark night with good seeing. Stable mirror tonight thanks to SAMS!
Data taken for:
2015-1-MLT-004 P0 RSS (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-SCI-010 P1 HRS (Fundamental parameters of detatched eclipsing binaries)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x2) (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (x2) (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-025 P2 RSS (Spectral classification of rapidly pulsating stars)
2016-1-SCI-019 P2 HRS (Spectroscopic Evolution of the Young Planetary Nebula Hen 3�1357 and Its Central Star SAO 244567)
2016-1-SCI-060 P2 RSS (x2) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
SO: Veronica
Others: Hitesh (remotely)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thin clouds on this dark night with good seeing. Stable mirror tonight thanks to SAMS!
Data taken for:
2015-1-MLT-004 P0 RSS (Deriving the mass of the black holes in the core of active galaxies @romeroencarni1 @sand_dave)
2016-1-SCI-010 P1 HRS (Fundamental parameters of detatched eclipsing binaries)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-SCI-038 P2 RSS (x2) (Spectra of all variable White Dwarfs observed in the Kelpler K2 survey)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (x2) (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-025 P2 RSS (Spectral classification of rapidly pulsating stars)
2016-1-SCI-019 P2 HRS (Spectroscopic Evolution of the Young Planetary Nebula Hen 3�1357 and Its Central Star SAO 244567)
2016-1-SCI-060 P2 RSS (x2) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (x2) (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-04
SA: Marissa
SO: Veronica
Others: Eben, Keith & Thabelo
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Clear night with decent seeing.
Data taken for:
2015-2-DDT-004 P0 SCAM (Looking for retrograde TNOs)
2016-1-SCI-047 P0 HRS (x3) (Confirmation of exoplanet candidates)
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-010 P1 HRS (Fundamental parameters of detatched eclipsing binaries)
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (x4) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2015-2-MLT-002 P2 RSS (Study of the evolution of lenticular galaxies.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-025 P2 RSS (Spectral classification of rapidly pulsating stars)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
SO: Veronica
Others: Eben, Keith & Thabelo
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Clear night with decent seeing.
Data taken for:
2015-2-DDT-004 P0 SCAM (Looking for retrograde TNOs)
2016-1-SCI-047 P0 HRS (x3) (Confirmation of exoplanet candidates)
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-010 P1 HRS (Fundamental parameters of detatched eclipsing binaries)
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (x4) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2015-2-MLT-002 P2 RSS (Study of the evolution of lenticular galaxies.)
2016-1-SCI-012 P2 HRS (Revealing evolved massive stars with Spitzer, WISE and SALT)
2016-1-SCI-025 P2 RSS (Spectral classification of rapidly pulsating stars)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-03
SA: Petri
SO: Fred
Others: Marissa, Enrico, Lisa, and an LFC tour from hostel & telescopes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Another good night, though not quite as good seeing as previously in
the week, and had to close some 1.5h before the end due to humidity.
Started the night couple of hours of active mirror alignment testing,
after which gathered science data for a number of programs:
2015-2-DDT-004 P0 SCAM (Looking for retrograde TNOs)
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (x3) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-027 P1 RSS (The Formation of Compact Stellar Systems - The connection between NSCs, UCDs and cEs.)
2015-2-MLT-006 P2 RSS (Characterising Strong Gravitational Lensing systems)
2016-1-MLT-004 P2 HRS (HRS study of hydrogen deficient stars)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
SO: Fred
Others: Marissa, Enrico, Lisa, and an LFC tour from hostel & telescopes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Another good night, though not quite as good seeing as previously in
the week, and had to close some 1.5h before the end due to humidity.
Started the night couple of hours of active mirror alignment testing,
after which gathered science data for a number of programs:
2015-2-DDT-004 P0 SCAM (Looking for retrograde TNOs)
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (x3) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-027 P1 RSS (The Formation of Compact Stellar Systems - The connection between NSCs, UCDs and cEs.)
2015-2-MLT-006 P2 RSS (Characterising Strong Gravitational Lensing systems)
2016-1-MLT-004 P2 HRS (HRS study of hydrogen deficient stars)
2016-1-MLT-002 P3 HRS (Analysis of metallicity gradient and local chemical composition heterogeneity in the Galactic disk)
2016-1-MLT-003 P3 RSS (Spectroscopic observations of bright RR Lyrae variables)
2016-1-SCI-036 P3 HRS (Study of the evolution of massive stars in our Galaxy.)
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-02
SA: Petri
SO: Fred
Others: very quiet
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Another very productive night. Excellent seeing throughout, though
cirrus starting coming on during latter part. Not a single problem, took
science data, many long observations, for:
2016-1-SCI-020 P0 RSS (x3) (Warm gas kinematics in CHILES pilot detection galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-056 P1 HRS (Search for Remnant Exoplanetary Debris around White Dwarf Stars)
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (x5) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-027 P1 RSS (x3) (The Formation of Compact Stellar Systems - The connection between NSCs, UCDs and cEs.)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-SCI-017 P2 SCAM (Measuring pulsations in a white dwarf with a millisecond pulsar companion)
SO: Fred
Others: very quiet
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Another very productive night. Excellent seeing throughout, though
cirrus starting coming on during latter part. Not a single problem, took
science data, many long observations, for:
2016-1-SCI-020 P0 RSS (x3) (Warm gas kinematics in CHILES pilot detection galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-056 P1 HRS (Search for Remnant Exoplanetary Debris around White Dwarf Stars)
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (x5) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-027 P1 RSS (x3) (The Formation of Compact Stellar Systems - The connection between NSCs, UCDs and cEs.)
2016-1-SCI-044 P1 RSS (Search for symbiotic stars in a dwarf galaxy NGC6822.)
2016-1-SCI-017 P2 SCAM (Measuring pulsations in a white dwarf with a millisecond pulsar companion)
Monday, May 2, 2016
Night Log 2016-05-01
SA: Petri
SO: Fred
Others: Lisa, Vaisanen family, Timmy to check compressor
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to the new 2016-1 Semester. A perfect start, with a
beautiful stable night full of high priority science from exoplanets, to
galaxies to quasars via massive stars, planetary nebulae and globular
clusters. Really cool stuff, while the seeing stayed at around 1 arcsec
aaaaalll night. Used the laser frequency comb for science
observations as well. Data gathered for:
2016-1-SCI-020 P0 RSS (x3) (Warm gas kinematics in CHILES pilot detection galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-047 P0 HRS (x4) (Confirmation of exoplanet candidates)
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (x5) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-002 P1 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in Globular Clusters)
2016-1-SCI-058 P1 HRS (Testing the theoretical prediction about the spin of the most massive stars in a binary system.)
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (x2) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-019 P2 RSS (Spectroscopic Evolution of the Young Planetary Nebula Hen 31357 and Its Central Star SAO 244567)
SO: Fred
Others: Lisa, Vaisanen family, Timmy to check compressor
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to the new 2016-1 Semester. A perfect start, with a
beautiful stable night full of high priority science from exoplanets, to
galaxies to quasars via massive stars, planetary nebulae and globular
clusters. Really cool stuff, while the seeing stayed at around 1 arcsec
aaaaalll night. Used the laser frequency comb for science
observations as well. Data gathered for:
2016-1-SCI-020 P0 RSS (x3) (Warm gas kinematics in CHILES pilot detection galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-047 P0 HRS (x4) (Confirmation of exoplanet candidates)
2016-1-SCI-060 P1 RSS (x5) (Connecting timescales of star formation and AGN activity in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-062 P1 RSS (Study of the kinematic connection between halo and disc gas in galaxies)
2016-1-SCI-002 P1 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in Globular Clusters)
2016-1-SCI-058 P1 HRS (Testing the theoretical prediction about the spin of the most massive stars in a binary system.)
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (x2) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2016-1-SCI-019 P2 RSS (Spectroscopic Evolution of the Young Planetary Nebula Hen 31357 and Its Central Star SAO 244567)
Sunday, May 1, 2016
First Light & on-sky observations with the LFC
After getting everything working in the HRS electronics room, it was time to route the fibre to the high stability bench & figure out how to inject the light into the instrument. Thanks to Keith for getting the fibre routed safely, & then to Eben for making us a cool hinge for the bench cover! The hinge makes it much safer for the fibres when we work on the bench :)
 |
| Éric trying out the new hinge on the high stability bench cover |
Calculations to estimate the intensity of the comb light relative to typical astronomical sources were incredibly sobering, so we were sure to go completely overboard in terms of attenuating the beam emerging from the delivery fibre. A series of 5 Fabry-Perot mirrors, each only transmitting 2% of the light incident on them, were stacked in front of an iris that we also stopped down as much as possible. The comb light was visibly vastly fainter than the ThAr lamp, but we were taking no chances with the precious HRS CCDs!
 |
| Our ultra-conservative approach to injecting comb light into HRS |
Clicking the expose button for a 1s frame was nerve-wracking none the less & we were delighted to see what looked like bias frames for the first several attempts. We would step up the exposure times until 120s, then remove one of the F-P mirrors & start back at 1s. After removing a couple of the mirrors, a 120s exposure eventually yielded a small patch of comb lines in one of the reddest orders!! More perfect & beautiful than we could've anticipated :D & hugely impressive to reach this milestone just 5 days after Derryck & Richard arrived in the country & dashed straight up to Sutherland from the airport!
 |
| First LFC lines on the HRS red detector! |
With that, it was declared celebration time... Nothing less than a stealthily imported traditional Scottish beverage: Irn-Bru - a carbonated soft drink that's also known as "Scotland's other national drink". The colour & sugar content are both quite startling, but it's neat that all of us got to try it!
 |
| Celebrating first-light with a traditional Scottish beverage - but not the one you might expect! |
Soon it was back to the business of steadily increasing the exposure time & removing the attenuating mirrors, one by one, to get well-exposed comb lines to fill the entire red channel. This eventually required all of the mirrors to be removed, since we had deliberately been very inefficient in coupling the comb light into the fibre. & also in conveying that light into the high stability mode's calibration fibre. It was possible to reach an intensity level that would easily allow 10 minute exposures without any risk of saturating the comb lines.
 |
| After more tweaking & a longer exposure - we got comb lines Everywhere :) |
By this point Rudi - who's a planet hunter by trade, & who's suffered mightily in pursuit of good ThAr wavelength solutions - was *absolutely* beside himself about the incredible possibilities that this calibration device presents.
 |
| An exceeeedingly happy Dr Kuhn! |
An extraction of the échelle order that contains our navigational beacon & new favourite spectral feature, the 780.246 nm rubidium line (the tall, sharp spike), along with all the other comb lines in a small section of the red channel image.
 |
| A dense thicket of comb lines, + the reassuring rubidium spike at 780.246 nm |
Rudi's code does a fine job of identifying all of the comb peaks in a given order.
 |
| The dashed lines show all the peaks that were successfully identified by Rudi's software |
The next image provides a compelling demonstration of why the comb is SO much better than a ThAr lamp. The individual bright lines from the ThAr lamp are irregularly spaced & often quite sparsely distributed, certain bright lines saturate badly even in the shortest exposures possible, some lines are faint, others are blended - none of which is conducive to good wavelength calibration. The comb on the other hand provides about 50x as many lines, without any blends or saturation, their frequency spacing is fixed & traceable, & each one can be referenced to the 780.246 nm rubidium line simply by counting the number of comb teeth & multiplying that number by the fixed repetition frequency that sets the comb spacing.
 |
| Comparison between comb light down the calibration fibre (upper track) & calsys ThAr light down the star fibre (lower track) |
Seeing this sort of data coming in was incredibly exciting & gave everyone plenty to think & talk about. Soon it was clear that late submissions to major upcoming laser physics (CLEO) & astronomical instrumentation (SPIE) conferences would be in order!
 |
| Much new information to process |
Then it was time to prevail upon Encarni & Veronica - the SA/SO pair on duty - to point to a standard star so that we could obtain a stellar spectrum with the simultaneous injection of light from the laser comb!
 |
| Time to persuade Encarni & Veronica to let us observe a star with the comb |
Here's the SALTICAM acquisition image - the spectrophotometric standard is the bright star near the centre of the frame, just to the left of the chip gap. The pink outline represents the position of the HRS guide probe, which was used to ensure that the star remained well positioned on the HRS high stability mode's object fibre throughout the 10 minute integration.
 |
| SALTICAM acquisition image of our first star to be observed with the comb |
While waiting for the first star + comb readout, our visiting scientists were each required to don The Astronomer's Hat to lend credibility to the proceedings...
Dr's McCracken (left) & Reid (right) - geared up for science!
A couple of minutes of engineering time very well spent! Our first stellar spectrum + simultaneous astrocomb calibration :D Note the prominent H-alpha absorption feature (dark vertical band) near the centre of the image.
 |
| Simultaneous star + comb observation of a specphot standard star LTT7379 |
That excitement got us through to well after 2am on Tuesday morning - a long but fantastic Monday! Since Nic & Rudi would be heading back to Cape Town at 10am on the Wednesday, we took a break on Tuesday night & went down to Sutherland for a lovely dinner at Cluster d' Hote.
 |
| A well-deserved dinner out in Sutherland to celebrate a brilliant week! |
Having trained the 4 of us (Éric, Rudi, Nic & Lisa) to run the comb, Richard & Derryck returned to Edinburgh on Saturday night. The comb will remain at SALT until mid July, so during these next couple of months we'll aim to extract as much information about HRS & do as much science with the system as possible. We have 20 hours of engineering time set aside for on-sky observations, but an essentially unlimited amount of off-sky time with which to monitor & characterise the HRS. This is a truly amazing opportunity & hopefully the start of a long & productive collaboration with the Heriot-Watt team!
Night Log 2016-04-30
SA: Petri
SO: Fred
Others: Vaisanen family, Lisa
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night of the six month SALT observing semester 2015-2 went like
most of the semester: very well. We've beaten all sorts of records,
one of the most important one being that we completed nearly 90%
of all allocated time in this semester - this is significantly more than
ever before. Thanks everyone!
Tonight was clear with great seeing throughout. Temperature swings
in the beginning caused some difficulties, but focus and mirror
alignment stabilized later. Bit of tech.issues over the very last section
of the night, but overall very productive. Took science data for:
2015-2-DDT-004 P0 SCAM (x4) (Looking for retrograde TNOs)
2016-1-SCI-058 P1 HRS (Testing the theoretical prediction about the spin of the most massive stars in a binary system.)
2016-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (x2) (Laser Frequency Comb commissionning)
2015-2-SCI-028 P1 RSS (Confirmation and redshift determination of galaxy clusters)
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (x2) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2015-2-SCI-021 P2 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in NGC 6584)
2015-2-SCI-028 P3 SCAM (x2) (Confirmation and redshift determination of galaxy clusters)
2015-2-SCI-029 P3 RSS (Spectroscopy of Kepler K2 White Dwarfs)
SO: Fred
Others: Vaisanen family, Lisa
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Summary
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Last night of the six month SALT observing semester 2015-2 went like
most of the semester: very well. We've beaten all sorts of records,
one of the most important one being that we completed nearly 90%
of all allocated time in this semester - this is significantly more than
ever before. Thanks everyone!
Tonight was clear with great seeing throughout. Temperature swings
in the beginning caused some difficulties, but focus and mirror
alignment stabilized later. Bit of tech.issues over the very last section
of the night, but overall very productive. Took science data for:
2015-2-DDT-004 P0 SCAM (x4) (Looking for retrograde TNOs)
2016-1-SCI-058 P1 HRS (Testing the theoretical prediction about the spin of the most massive stars in a binary system.)
2016-1-COM-001 P1 HRS (x2) (Laser Frequency Comb commissionning)
2015-2-SCI-028 P1 RSS (Confirmation and redshift determination of galaxy clusters)
2016-1-SCI-022 P1 RSS (x2) (Searching for high redshift quasars for the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS))
2015-2-SCI-021 P2 HRS (x2) (High resolution spectroscopic abundance measurements of RGBs in NGC 6584)
2015-2-SCI-028 P3 SCAM (x2) (Confirmation and redshift determination of galaxy clusters)
2015-2-SCI-029 P3 RSS (Spectroscopy of Kepler K2 White Dwarfs)
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