Messenger No. 130 (December 2007)

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The Organisation

2-4 (PDF)
G. Monnet, F. Molster et al.
A Science Vision for European Astronomyin the Next 20 Years

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130....2M
Section:
The Organisation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Monnet, G.; Molster, F.; Melnick, J.
AA(ESO) AB(Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), Den Haag, the Netherlands) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
By the end of the last century, European astronomers had secured large access to world-class facilities and produced cutting-edge science at all wavelengths, both from the ground and in space. To maintain that position and to ensure the necessary high level of international coordination and collaboration, it is essential to set up a European astrophysical strategic plan for the next two decades. This task is currently carried out by the ASTRONET network of funding Agencies, sponsored by the European Commission. A comprehensive Science Vision has now been produced. It will be followed in the autumn of 2008 by a prioritised roadmap of the facilities needed to implement this Vision.

Telescopes and Instrumentation

5-7 (PDF)
J. Vernet, H. Dekker et al.
Coming Soon on Stage: X-shooter

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130....5V
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Vernet, J.; Dekker, H.; D'Odorico, S.; Pallavicini, R.; Kjörgaard Rasmussen, P.; Kaper, L.; Hammer, F.; Groot, P.; The X-Shooter Team
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo, Italy) AE(Niels Bohr Institute for Astronomy, Physics and Geophysics/Astronomical Observatory, Denmark) AF(Sterrenkundig Instituut, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands) AG(Département Galaxies Etoiles Physique et Instrumentation (GEPI), Observatoire de Paris, France) AH(Department of Astrophysics, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands) AI(The X-Shooter Team)
Abstract:
X-shooter is a single-target, intermediate-resolution, wide-wavelength-range (UV- to K-band) spectrograph. It will be the first of the second-generation VLT instruments to go to the telescope. First light is planned in the second half of 2008. Here we give an update on the integration status and on the expected performance.
8-11 (PDF)
H. U. Käufl, D. Nürnberger et al.
Peering into the Dust: News from VISIR

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130....8K
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Käufl, H. U.; Nürnberger, D.; Vanzi, L.; Baksai, P.; Dobrzycka, D.; Jimenez, J.; Leiva, A.; Lundin, L.; Marchesi, M.; Mardones, P.; Mehrgan, L.; Pirard, J.-F.; Rojas, C.; Salazar, D.; Siebenmorgen, R.; Silber, A.; van den Ancker, M.; Weilenmann, U.; Durand, G.; Pantin, E.; Moerchen, M.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(ESO) AG(ESO) AH(ESO) AI(ESO) AJ(ESO) AK(ESO) AL(ESO) AM(ESO) AN(ESO) AO(ESO) AP(ESO) AQ(ESO) AR(ESO) AS(Service d’Astrophysique/DAPNIA/DSM, CEA Saclay, France) AT(Service d’Astrophysique/DAPNIA/DSM, CEA Saclay, France) AU(University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA)
Abstract:
VISIR - ESO's VLT Imager and Spectrometer for mid-InfraRed - is a combined imager and echelle spectrograph, providing access to the atmospheric N and Q-band windows (7.7-13.3 and 16-24 μm) with a great variety of observing modes. Starting in Period 81 a new set of filters is available to the users of VISIR, and the characteristics of the filters and their science verification are described. The installation of the filters is the most visible result of a technical intervention performed at Paranal between April 24 and May 8, 2007, however more upgrades were also performed.
References:
Lagage, P. O. et al. 2004, The Messenger, 117, 12
Müller, T. G. et al. 2007, in IAU Symposium 236.
Eds G.B. Valsecchi & D. Vokrouhlický. Cambridge
University Press, 261
Nielbock, M. et al 2007, ApJ, 656, L81
Pantin, E. et al 2005, The Messenger, 119, 25
Poncelet, A., et al 2007, A&A, 472, 823
12-14 (PDF)
J. Greiner, W. Bornemann et al.
GROND Commissioned at the 2.2-m MPI Telescopeon La Silla

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...12G
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Greiner, J.; Bornemann, W.; Clemens, C.; Deuter, M.; Hasinger, G.; Honsberg, M.; Huber, H.; Huber, S.; Krauss, M.; Krühler, T.; Küpcü Yoldas, A.; Mayer-Hasselwander, H.; Mican, B.; Primak, N.; Schrey, F.; Steiner, I.; Szokoly, G.; Thöne, C. C.; Yoldas, A.; Klose, S.; Laux, U.; Winkler, J.
AA(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AB(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AC(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AD(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AE(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AF(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AG(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AH(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AI(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AJ(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AK(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AL(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AM(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AN(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AO(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AP(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AQ(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AR(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AS(Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany) AT(Thüringer Landessternwarte, Tautenburg, Germany) AU(Thüringer Landessternwarte, Tautenburg, Germany) AV(Thüringer Landessternwarte, Tautenburg, Germany)
Abstract:
An imaging system capable of operating in seven colours simultaneously, has been designed, built, and recently commissioned at the 2.2-m MPI/ESO telescope on La Silla. This instrument is called GROND, for Gamma-Ray Burst Optical and Near-Infrared Detector. GROND has been designed for rapid observations of gamma-ray burst afterglows. The seven bands from Sloan griz to near-infrared JHK allow an immediate photometric redshift determination for bursts at z ≳ 3.5. In addition, the unique capability of simultaneous multi-band imaging allows for many other scientific applications.
References:
Greiner J. et al. 2008, PASP (in press)
15-22 (PDF)
S. Stanghellini
Status of the ALMA Antenna Production

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...15S
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Stanghellini, S.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The design of the ALMA antennas began in 1999 with a prototyping phase. Two antenna prototypes were built, extensively tested at the VLA site in New Mexico and evaluated in 2003. It was decided to proceed to procurement with two parallel calls for tenders based on the two prototypes. In 2005 contracts were placed with the US VertexRSI and the European AEM Consortium for 25 antennas each. An update on the two designs and the production progress is presented. The Japanese antennas (both 7 and 12 m) are being built by Mitsubishi, which also built an additional antenna prototype. The first antennas have recently arrived at the integration facility at the ALMA Operations Support Facility (OSF).

Astronomical Science

23-31 (PDF)
T. Encrenaz, G. S. Orton et al.
First Thermal IR Images of Neptune: Evidence forSouthern Polar Heating and Methane Escape

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...23E
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Encrenaz, T.; Orton, G. S.; Leyrat, C.; Puetter, R. C.; Friedson, A. J.; Pantin, E.
AA(Laboratoire d’Etudes Spatiales et d’Instrumentation pour l’Astrophysique (LESIA), Observatoire de Paris, Meudon, France) AB(Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology, USA) AC(Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology, USA) AD(Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences (CASS), University of San Diego, California, USA) AE(Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology, USA) AF(Service d’Astrophysique (SAp), Département d’Astrophysique, de Physique Nucléaire, de Physique des Particules et d’Instrumentation Associée (DAPNIA), Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA), Gif-sur-Yvette, France)
Abstract:
Images of Neptune have been obtained in the thermal range, in filters between 8 and 19 μm, using the VISIR mid-infrared imaging spectrometer at the VLT-UT3 (Melipal). They allow, for the first time, mapping of atmospheric temperatures at different altitude levels, rang-ing from the tropopause to the stratosphere. It was found that the south pole of Neptune, at the level of the tropopause, appears to be warmer than the rest of the planet by 6 to 8 K. This south-ern polar warming can be explained by its constant solar illumination over the past 40 years, as the southern summer solstice occurred in July 2005. The other unexpected discovery is the evidence for a stratospheric hot spot located at 65-70°S which rotates with the planet at the atmospheric rotation rate of about 12 hours.
References:
Bézard B. et al. 1999, ESA SP-427, 153
Conrath B. J. et al. 1998, Icarus 135, 501
Lagage P. O. et al. 2004, The Messenger 117, 12
Lagage P. O. 2006, Proc. SPIE 6269, 626913
Lellouch E. et al. 2005, A&A 430, L37
Limaye S. S. and Sromovsky L. A. 1991, Nature 354,
380
Orton G. S. et al. 1992, Icarus 100, 541
Orton G. S. et al. 2007, A&A 473, L5
Orton G. S. and Yanamandra-Fisher P. 2005,
Science 307, 696
Puetter R. C. and Yahil A. 1999, ASPCS 172, 307
Sromovsky L. A. et al. 1993, Icarus 105, 140
Zarka P. et al. 1995, in “Neptune and Titan”,
University of Arizona Press, 341
27-31 (PDF)
F. Joss, H. M. Schmid
Polarimetry of Solar System Gaseous Planets

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...27J
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Joss, F.; Schmid, H. M.
AA(Institute of Astronomy, ETH Zurich, Switzerland) AB(Institute of Astronomy, ETH Zurich, Switzerland)
Abstract:
With the ESO 3.6-m telescope and EFOSC2 we have observed Solar System planets to investigate limb polarisation in detail. Our observations were successful and we can report the detection of limb polarisation in Uranus and Neptune. In addition spatially resolved long-slit spectropolarimetry was obtained for the first time for all the gaseous planets. The observations reveal a decrease of limb polarisation with increasing wavelength and an enhanced polarisation in the methane bands against the adjacent continuum. We describe our measurements and also discuss the diagnostic potential of such data for the investigation of the atmospheric structure of giant planets and the properties of their scattering particles.
References:
Beuzit J. L. et al. 2006, The Messenger 125, 29
Braak C. J. et al. 2002, Icarus 157, 401
Dollfus A. and Coffeen D. L. 1970, A&A 8, 251
Joos F. and Schmid H. M. 2007, A&A 463, 1201
Lyot B. 1929, Ann. Observ. Meudon 8
Schempp W. V. and Smith W. H. 1984, Icarus 77, 228
Schmid H. M. et al. 2006, IAU Coll 200, 165
Tinbergen J. 1996, Astronomical polarimetry,
Cambridge University Press, 100
van de Hulst H. C. 1980, Multiple light scattering 2,
Academic Press
32-35 (PDF)
C. Sterken, A. van Genderen et al.
η Carinae 2009.0: One of the Most Remarkable Stars in the Sky

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...32S
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Sterken, C.; van Genderen, A.; Weigelt, G.; Kaufer, A.
AA(Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium) AB(Leiden University Observatory, Leiden, the Netherlands) AC(Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie, Bonn, Germany) AD(ESO)
Abstract:
η Carinae is one of the most luminous and massive stars in the Galaxy. The star underwent a major eruption in 1838, followed by a second maximum a few decades later and a low-gradient brightening to the present. The central source of η Car is a highly-eccentric binary with a period of 5.54 years. The photometric and interferometric monitoring programmes with ESO telescopes are summarised. On the occasion of the forthcoming periastron passage in 2009.0, the star will be the target of intensive photometric, spectroscopic and interferometric monitoring from Chile and other southern observatories.
References:
Akashi M. et al. 2006, MNRAS 368, 1706
Damineli A. et al. 2000, ApJ 528, L101
Frew D. J. 2004, JAD 10, 6
Hillier D. J. et al. 2006, ApJ 642, 1098
Iping R. C. et al. 2005, ApJ 633, L37
Malbet F. et al. 2007, The Messenger 127, 33
Martin J. C. et al. 2004, AJ 127, 2352
Morse J. A. et al. 1998, AJ 116, 2443
Richichi A. and Paresce F. 2003,
The Messenger 114, 26
Smith N. et al. 2004, ApJ 610, L105
Sterken C. et al. 2000, in “A Decade of HST
Science”, 89
van Genderen A. M. and Thé P. S. 1984,
Space Sc. Rev. 39, 317
van Genderen A. M. 2001, A&A 366, 508
van Genderen A. M. et al. 2006, JAD 12, 3
Weigelt G. et al. 2007, A&A 464, 87
Whitelock P. A. et al. 2004, MNRAS 352, 447
36-39 (PDF)
S. Aigrain, J. Irwin et al.
The Monitor Project: Tracking the Evolution of Low-Mass and Pre-Main-Sequence Stars

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...36A
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Aigrain, S.; Irwin, J.; Hebb, L.; Hodgkin, S.; Miller, A.; Moraux, E.; Stassun, K.
AA(School of Physics, University of Exeter, United Kingdom) AB(Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA) AC(School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom) AD(Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom) AE(Astronomy Department, University of California at Berkeley, California, USA) AF(Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Grenoble, France) AG(Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA)
Abstract:
The Monitor project is a large-scale programme of photometric and spectroscopic monitoring of young open clusters using telescopes at ESO and other observatories. Its primary goal is to detect and characterise new low-mass eclipsing binaries, and the first three detected systems are discussed here. We derive the masses and radii of the components of each system directly from the light and radial velocity curves, and compare them to the predictions of commonly used theoretical evolutionary models of low-mass stars.
References:
Aigrain S. et al. 2007, MNRAS 375, 29
Chabrier G., Gallardo J. and Baraffe I. 2007, A&A
472, L17
Bouvier J. 2007, in IAUS 243: Star-Disk interaction in
young stars, eds. J. B. and L. Appenzeller, 231
Irwin J. et al. 2007a, MNRAS 375, 1449
Irwin J. et al. 2007b, MNRAS 380, 541
Pont F., Zucker S. and Mazeh T. 2006, MNRAS 373,
231
Stassun K. G., Mathieu R. D. and Valenti J. A. 2007,
ApJ 664, 1154
40-42 (PDF)
J. Falcón-Barroso, T. Böker et al.
Star-Forming Nuclear Rings in Spiral Galaxies

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...40F
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Falcón-Barroso, J.; Böker, T.; Schinnerer, E.; Knapen, J. H.; Ryder, S.
AA(European Space Agency, Noordwijk, the Netherlands) AB(European Space Agency, Noordwijk, the Netherlands) AC(Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany) AD(Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain) AE(Anglo-Australian Observatory, Epping, Australia)
Abstract:
The study of gas transport to the inner regions of galaxies is a fundamental aspect in our understanding of the way galaxies evolve. In this context, star-forming nuclear rings are key features as they contain large amounts of gas and are the sites where a significant fraction of the current star formation is taking place in their host galaxies. Here we present some results from a study of how star formation progresses along nuclear star-forming rings in five spiral galaxies, based on near-infrared SINFONI integral-field observations at the VLT.
References:
Böker T. et al. 2007, AJ, in press
Buta R. and Combes F. 1996, Fund. Cosmic Physics
17, 95
Hummel E. et al. 1987, A&A 172, 51
Knapen J. et al. 2006, A&A 448, 489
Rossa J. et al. 2006, AJ 132, 1074
43-47 (PDF)
J. Fynbo, P. Vreeswijk et al.
Gamma-Ray Bursts as Cosmological Probes: from Concept to Reality

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...43F
Section:
Astronomical Science
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Fynbo, J.; Vreeswijk, P.; Jakobsson, P.; Jaunsen, A.; Ledoux, C.; Malesani, D.; Thöne, C.; Ellison, S.; Gorosabel, J.; Hjorth, J.; Jensen, B.; Kouveliotou, C.; Levan, A.; Møller, P.; Rol, E.; Smette, A.; Sollerman, J.; Starling, R.; Tanvir, N.; Watson, D.; Wiersema, K.; Wijers, R.; Xu, D.
AA(Dark Cosmology Centre, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark) AB(Dark Cosmology Centre, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark) AC(Centre for Astrophysics Research, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom) AD(Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, Norway) AE(ESO) AF(Dark Cosmology Centre, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark) AG(Dark Cosmology Centre, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark) AH(Department Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, Canada) AI(Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, Granada, Spain) AJ(Dark Cosmology Centre, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark) AK(Dark Cosmology Centre, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark) AL(ASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, USA) AM(Department of Physics, University of Warwick, United Kingdom) AN(ESO) AO(Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester, United Kingdom) AP(ESO) AQ(Dark Cosmology Centre, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark & Stockholm Observatory, University of Stockholm, Sweden) AR(Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester, United Kingdom) AS(Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester, United Kingdom) AT(Dark Cosmology Centre, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark) AU(Astronomical Institute, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands) AV(Astronomical Institute, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands) AW(Dark Cosmology Centre, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark)
Abstract:
We describe the current status and recent results from our ongoing programme at the VLT aimed at performing target-of-opportunity follow-up spectroscopy of gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows. Our primary goal is to secure redshifts for a complete sample of GRBs, thereby allowing the use of GRBs as probes of the cosmic star-formation history, chemical evolution and the luminosity functions of the GRBs themselves as well as their host galaxies. Contrary to earlier expectations, most optical afterglows are already faint a few hours after the bursts and 8-10-m telescopes are therefore crucial to determine redshifts for most GRBs.
References:
Fiore F. et al. 2007, A&A 470, 515
Fynbo J. P. U. et al. 2006, A&A Letters 451, L47
Gehrels N. et al. 2004, ApJ 611, 1005
Ghirlanda G. et al. 2004, ApJ Letters 613, L13
Jakobsson P. et al. 2006, A&A 447, 987
Kawai N. et al. 2006, Nature 440, 184
Pettini M. et al. 2001, ApJ 554, 981
Prochaska J. X. et al. 2003, ApJ Letters 595, 9
Prochter G. E. et al. 2006, ApJ Letters 648, L93
Ruiz-Velasco et al. 2007, ApJ 669, 1
Vreeswijk P. M. et al. 2003, A&A 419, 927
Vreeswijk P. M. et al. 2007, A&A 468, 83
Wijers R. A. M. J. et al. 1998, MNRAS 294, L13

Astronomical News

48-51 (PDF)
A. Moorwood
Report on the Conference Science with the VLT in the ELT Era

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...48M
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Moorwood, A.
AA(ESO - on behalf of the SOC)
Abstract:
The workshop 'Science with the VLT in the ELT Era' was organised by ESO to provide a forum for its community to debate the likely evolution in the scientific use of the VLT over the next 10-20 years and to propose concepts for new instrumentation. Sessions were devoted to VLT and VLTI science highlights; future science priorities; VLT and VLTI synergy with ELTs, ALMA and JWST; second-generation VLT and VLTI instrumentation; new instrument concepts and VLT/I operating modes. Ample time was also made available for some very lively discussion sessions. This retrospective aims to summarise very briefly what was presented and to convey some feeling of the expectations and wishes of the community raised in the discussion sessions.
51-52 (PDF)
L. Testi, C. De Breuck
Report on ALMA Community Days

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...51T
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Testi, L.; De Breuck, C.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
The third of the ALMA Community Days was held at ESO Garching in September 2007. Prospective ALMA users were updated on the progress of the ALMA project, the plans for operations and for the ALMA Regional Centres (ARCs). The meeting was a lively forum for the discussion of the detailed organisation of the network structure for the European ARC.
53-53 (PDF)
L. Testi, C. De Breuck
Report on the Workshop Surveys for ALMA

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130R..53T
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Testi, L.; De Breuck, C.
AA(ESO), AB(ESO)
Abstract:
Current plans for surveys with existing, or soon to be operational, space and ground-based facilities relevant for ALMA science were presented and discussed. Special attention was given to the survey plans with the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) and early results from pilot surveys were presented. The goal of the meeting was to ensure that optimal use can be made of ALMA as soon as operations begin. The role of surveys and large programmes in the early years of ALMA was also discussed.
54-54 (PDF)
Lowell E. Tacconi-Garman
Announcement of The Launch of the New ESO User Portal

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130Q..54T
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Tacconi-Garman, Lowell E.
AA(ESO - on behalf of the User Portal Project Team)
Abstract:
A unified interface connecting ESO with its community, the User Portal, has been introduced. The motivation for the new interface, and its implications for users, are briefly outlined.
55-55 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of A Practical Workshop on IFU Observations and Data Reduction

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130Q..55.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The NEON consortium (Network of European Observatories in the North) announces a workshop on Integral Field Unit observations and data reduction, to be held at AIP-Potsdam, Germany, from Monday to Friday, 19–24 May 2008.
55-55 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the ESO workshop on Star Formation across the Milky Way Galaxy

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130R..55.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Star formation in the Milky Way is a ubiquitous phenomenon. It occurs on many different scales and in diverse environments ranging from isolated cores, to small groups and modest associations, up to massive clusters and super star clusters. Our knowledge about the onset, dominant modes and typical outcomes of star formation is, however, in general biased by the limited observational accessibility of star-formation sites at their various distances and locations within the Galaxy.
56-56 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of ONTHEFRINGE: the Very Large Telescope Interferometer Training Schools

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130Q..56.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Optical interferometry is a new technology enabling observations with an angular resolution an order of magnitude larger than that of the largest single telescopes available at visible and infrared wavelengths. Europe has achieved world leadership with the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). This science machine will play a central role in understanding the life cycles of stars in the Milky Way, in the discovery and characterisation of planets orbiting stars in the Solar Neighbourhood, and the understanding of the energy conversion mechanisms in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN).
56-56 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of the workshop on Gas and Stars in Galaxies – a Multi-Wavelength 3D Perspective

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130R..56.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
This workshop aims to bring together the optical/near-IR and submm/radio communities working on 3-dimensional extragalactic data. The aim is to have a mainly science-driven conference, centred on both gas and stars in and around galaxies in all stages of their evolution.
57-57 (PDF)
ESO
Personnel Movements

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130R..57.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
57-57 (PDF)
ESO
Announcement of The NEON Observing Schools

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130Q..57.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The Network of European Observatories in the North (NEON) is pleased to announce the NEON Observing Schools for 2008. The schools are sponsored by the European Community, Marie Curie Actions and supported by OPTICON and by the European Astronomical Society (EAS).
58-58 (PDF)
ESO
Fellows at ESO

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...58.
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Gaël James; Lorenzo Monaco
59-59 (PDF)
H. Boffin, C. Madsen
A Long Night for ESO

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...59B
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Boffin, H.; Madsen, C.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
Home, sweet home! In October, the Garching campus, that is home to the ESO headquarters in Germany, celebrated its golden anniversary. The campus has indeed existed since 1957, when the ‘Garching Atom-egg’ was inaugurated. It was the first nuclear installation in Germany and a pioneer in nuclear research.
60-60 (PDF)
D. Pierce-Price, R. M. Ros et al.
Report on the First ESO-EAAE Astronomy Summer School

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...60P
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pierce-Price, D.; Ros, R. M.; Madsen, C.
AA(ESO) AB(EAAE) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
The 1st ESO-EAAE Astronomy Summer School for teachers took place in the ESO Headquarters in Garching from 19th to 23rd July 2007. This summer school was based on ten years of successful schools organised around Europe by the EAAE (European Association for Astronomy Education), but 2007 marked increased involvement by ESO. In addition, the summer school was recognised as a Socrates course, allowing teachers to apply for funding through the Socrates programme, while some additional support for delegates was made available through ESO.
61-62 (PDF)
E. Janssen, L. Calñada et al.
A String of Exhibitions

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...61J
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Janssen, E.; Calñada, L.; Heyer, H. H.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO)
Abstract:
As part of its remit, ESO shares its endeavours and the discoveries made by its telescopes with as many of the general public as possible, particularly in the ESO member states. Press releases and publications are part of this communication, but as often as possible we try to take the message more directly to the public. For many years ESO has participated in exhibitions geared both to the general public and professional scientists. This year was no exception and ESO participated in a string of exhibitions in many countries.
62-63 (PDF)
H. Boffin, C. Madsen
Distinguished Visitors to Paranal

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...62B
Section:
Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Boffin, H.; Madsen, C.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
As part of his first official trip to Brazil and Chile, the European Science and Research Commissioner, Janez Potocnik, visited the ESO Paranal Observatory on 27 November. The Commissioner was accompanied by, among others, Jaime Pérez Vidal, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission (EC) to Chile, Mary Minch and Cornelia Nauen, respectively Director and Principal Administrator of International Scientific Cooperation for the EC, and Hervé Peró, Head of EC Unit Research Infrastructures.

64-64 (PDF)
ESO
Contents

ADS BibCode:
2007Msngr.130...64.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)