Messenger No. 110 (December 2002)

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Telescopes and Instrumentation

1-9 (PDF)
L. Pasquini, G. Avila et al.
Installation and commissioning of FLAMES, the VLT Multifibre Facility

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110....1P
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pasquini, L.; Avila, G.; Blecha, A.; Cacciari, C.; Cayatte, V.; Colless, M.; Damiani, F.; de Propris, R.; Dekker, H.; di Marcantonio, P.; Farrell, T.; Gillingham, P.; Guinouard, I.; Hammer, F.; Kaufer, A.; Hill, V.; Marteaud, M.; Modigliani, A.; Mulas, G.; North, P.; Popovic, D.; Rossetti, E.; Royer, F.; Santin, P.; Schmutzer, R.; Simond, G.; Vola, P.; Waller, L.; Zoccali, M.
AA(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Germany) AB(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Germany) AC(Observatoire de Genève, Sauverny, Suisse) AD(INAF-OABo, Bologna, Italy) AE(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, Meudon, France) AF(Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia) AG(INAF-OAPa, Palermo, Italy) AH(Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia) AI(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Germany) AJ(INAF-OATs, Trieste, Italy) AK(Anglo Australian Observatory, Sydney, Australia) AL(Anglo Australian Observatory, Sydney, Australia) AM(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, Meudon, France) AN(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, Meudon, France) AO(European Southern Observatory, Chile) AP(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, Meudon, France) AQ(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, Meudon, France) AR(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Germany) AS(INAF-OACa, Capoterra, Cagliari, Italy) AT(Observatoire de Genève, Sauverny, Suisse) AU(Anglo Australian Observatory, Sydney, Australia) AV(INAF-OABo, Bologna, Italy) AW(Observatoire de Genève, Sauverny, Suisse) AX(INAF-OATs, Trieste, Italy) AY(European Southern Observatory, Chile) AZ(Observatoire de Genève, Sauverny, Suisse) BA(Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, Meudon, France) BB(Anglo Australian Observatory, Sydney, Australia) BC(European Southern Observatory, Garching, Germany)
Abstract:
FLAMES (Fibre Large Array Multi Element Spectrograph) is the VLT Fibre Facility, installed and commissioned at the Nasmyth A focus of UT2 (Kueyen Telescope). FLAMES was built and assembled in about four years through an international collaboration between ten institutes in six countries and three continents. It had first light with the fibre link to the red arm of UVES on April 1, and with the GIRAFFE spectrograph on July 3. We report here on the complex process of integration and commissioning, and we compare the expected and observed astronomical requirements.
References:
Avila, G. Guinouard, I., Jocou, L., Guillon, F.,
Balsamo, F. 2002, in Instrument Design
and Performance for Optical/Infrared
Ground-Based Telescopes Proc. SPIE
4841 (in press).
Blecha, A., North, P., Cayatte, V., Royer, F., Simond,
G. 2000, Proc. SPIE Vol. 4008, p. 467.
D’Odorico, S. et al. 2000, Proc. SPIE Vol.
4005, p. 121.
Gillingham, P., Miziarski, S., Klauser, U.
2000, Proc. SPIE Vol. 4008, p. 914.
Gillingham P.R., Popovic D., Waller L.G.,
Farrell T.J. 2002, in Instrument Design
and Performance for Optical / Infrared
Ground-Based Telescopes, Proc. SPIE
4841 (in press).
Hammer, F., Hill, V., Cayatte, V. 1999, Journal
des Astronomes Français, 60, 19.
Jocou, l. et al. 2000, Proc. SPIE Vol. 4008,
p. 475.
Mulas, G., Modigliani, A., Porceddu, I.,
Damiani, F. 2002, in Instrument Design
and Performances for Optical/Infrared
Ground-Based Telescopes, Proc. SPIE
4841 (in press).
Pancino, E. et al. 2002: ApJ 568, L101.
Pasquini, L. et al. 2000, Proc. SPIE Vol.
4008, p. 129.
Pasquini , L. et al. 2002, in Instrument
Design and Performances for Optical/
Infrared Ground-Based Telescopes, Proc.
SPIE 4841 (in press).
Royer, F., Blecha, A., North, P., Simond, G.,
Baratchart, S., Cayatte, V., Chemin, L.,
Palsa, R. 2002, in Astronomical Data
Analysis II, Proc SPIE 4847 (in press).
9-14 (PDF)
F. Pepe, M. Mayor et al.
HARPS: ESO's coming planet searcher. Chasing exoplanets with the La Silla 3.6-m telescope

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110....9P
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pepe, F.; Mayor, M.; Rupprecht, G.; Avila, G.; Ballester, P.; Beckers, J.-L.; Benz, W.; Bertaux, J.-L.; Bouchy, F.; Buzzoni, B.; Cavadore, C.; Deiries, S.; Dekker, H.; Delabre, B.; D'Odorico, S.; Eckert, W.; Fischer, J.; Fleury, M.; George, M.; Gilliotte, A.; Gojak, D.; Guzman, J.-C.; Koch, F.; Kohler, D.; Kotzlowski, H.; Lacroix, D.; Le Merrer, J.; Lizon, J.-L.; Lo Curto, G.; Longinotti, A.; Megevand, D.; Pasquini, L.; Petitpas, P.; Pichard, M.; Queloz, D.; Reyes, J.; Richaud, P.; Sivan, J.-P.; Sosnowska, D.; Soto, R.; Udry, S.; Ureta, E.; van Kesteren, A.; Weber, L.; Weilenmann, U.; Wicenec, A.; Wieland, G.; Christensen-Dalsgaard, J.; Dravins, D.; Hatzes, A.; Kürster, M.; Paresce, F.; Penny, A.
AA(Observatoire de Genève, Francesco.Pepe@obs.unige.ch) AB(Observatoire de Genève, Michel.Mayor@obs.unige.ch) AC(ESO, Garching, grupprec@eso.org) AD(ESO, Garching) AE(ESO, Garching) AF(ESO, Garching) AG(Physikalisches Institut, Bern) AH(Service d’Aéronomie du CNRS) AI(Observatoire de Genève) AJ(ESO, Garching) AK(ESO, Garching) AL(ESO, Garching) AM(ESO, Garching) AN(ESO, Garching) AO(ESO, Garching) AP(ESO, La Silla) AQ(Physikalisches Institut, Bern) AR(Observatoire de Genève) AS(Observatoire de Genève) AT(ESO, La Silla) AU(ESO, La Silla & ESO, Garching) AV(ESO, La Silla) AW(ESO, Garching) AX(Observatoire de Haute Provence) AY(ESO, Garching) AZ(ESO, Garching) BA(Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille) BB(ESO, Garching) BC(ESO, La Silla) BD(ESO, Garching) BE(Observatoire de Genève) BF(ESO, Garching) BG(Observatoire de Haute Provence) BH(Observatoire de Genève) BI(Observatoire de Genève) BJ(ESO, Garching) BK(Observatoire de Haute Provence) BL(Observatoire de Haute Provence) BM(Observatoire de Genève) BN(ESO, La Silla) BO(Observatoire de Genève) BP(ESO, La Silla) BQ(ESO, Garching) BR(Observatoire de Genève) BS(ESO, La Silla) BT(ESO, Garching) BU(ESO, Garching) BV(Aarhus University) BW(Lund Observatory) BX(Tautenburger Landessternwarte) BY(Tautenburger Landessternwarte) BZ(ESO, Garching) CA(Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)
Abstract:
An extensive review of past, present and future research on extrasolar planets is given in the article “Extrasolar Planets” by N. Santos et al. in the present issue of The Messenger. Here we want to mention only that the search for extrasolar planets and the interpretation of the scientific results have evolved in recent years into one of the most exciting and dynamic research topics in modern astronomy.
References:
Hatzes, A., Cochran, W. in Proceedings
ESO Workshop on High-Resolution
Spectroscopy with the VLT, M. Ulrich, ed.,
ESO, (ESO Garching), 1992
Santos, N. et al.: this Messenger.
Pepe, F. et al., “Performance Verification of
HARPS – First Laboratory Results”, in
Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation
2002: Ground-based Telescopes
and Instrumentation, Proc. SPIE Vol. 4841,
(2002, in print).
Queloz, D., Mayor, M. 2001, From CORALIE
to HARPS, The Messenger, 105, 1–7.
15-18 (PDF)
K. Kuijken, R. Bender et al.
OmegaCAM: the 16k×16k CCD camera for the VLT survey telescope

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...15K
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Kuijken, K.; Bender, R.; Cappellaro, E.; Muschielok, B.; Baruffolo, A.; Cascone, E.; Iwert, O.; Mitsch, W.; Nicklas, H.; Valentijn, E. A.; Baade, D.; Begeman, K. G.; Bortolussi, A.; Boxhoorn, D.; Christen, F.; Deul, E. R.; Geimer, C.; Greggio, L.; Harke, R.; Häfner, R.; Hess, G.; Hess, H.-J.; Hopp, U.; Ilijevski, I.; Klink, G.; Kravcar, H.; Lizon, J. L.; Magagna, C. E.; Müller, Ph.; Niemeczek, R.; de Pizzol, L.; Poschmann, H.; Reif, K.; Rengelink, R.; Reyes, J.; Silber, A.; Wellem, W.
AA(Leiden Observatory & NOVA/Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, Groningen) AB(Universitäts-Sternwarte München) AC(INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Napoli) AD(Universitäts-Sternwarte München) AE(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova) AF(INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Napoli) AG(ESO, Garching) AH(Universitäts-Sternwarte München) AI(Universitäts-Sternwarte Göttingen) AJ(NOVA/Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, Groningen) AK(ESO, Garching) AL(NOVA/Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, Groningen) AM(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova) AN(NOVA/Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, Groningen) AO(NOVA/Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, Groningen & ESO, Garching) AP(Leiden Observatory & NOVA/Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, Groningen) AQ(ESO, Garching) AR(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova) AS(Universitäts-Sternwarte Göttingen) AT(Universitäts-Sternwarte München) AU(ESO, Garching) AV(Universitäts-Sternwarte München) AW(Universitäts-Sternwarte München) AX(Universitäts-Sternwarte München) AY(Sternwarte Bonn) AZ(Universitäts-Sternwarte München) BA(ESO, Garching) BB(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova) BC(Radioastronomisches Institut Bonn) BD(ESO, Garching) BE(INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova) BF(Sternwarte Bonn) BG(Sternwarte Bonn) BH(Leiden Observatory) BI(ESO, Garching) BJ(ESO, Garching) BK(Universitäts-Sternwarte Göttingen)
Abstract:
In 2004, OmegaCAM will start operations on Paranal as the sole instrument on the 2.6-m VLT Survey Telescope. OmegaCAM is a huge optical CCD imaging camera: its 16k × 16k CCD pixels cover the square degree field of view of the VST almost entirely. The primary function of the VST and its instrument is to provide surveys in support of VLT science, be it in the form of large homogeneous multi-colour imaging surveys which form the basis for largescale spectroscopic follow-up work, or in its ability to find rare or extreme astronomical objects for further study.
References:
Arnaboldi, M., Capaccioli, M., Mancini, D.,
Rafanelli, P., Scaranella, R., Sedmak, G.
and Vettolani, G. P., 1998. The Messenger
93, 30.
Baruffolo, A., Bortolussi, A., De Pizzol, L.
2002, Proc. SPIE 4848, in press.
Nicklas, H., Harke, R., Wellem, W., Reif, K.
2002, Proc. SPIE 4836-34, in press.
Reif, K., Klink, G., Müller, Ph. and Poschmann,
H. 2002 in Scientific Detectors for
Astronomy, Beletic, Amico eds., Astrophysics
and Space Sciences Library
(Kluwer: Dordrecht), in press.
Valentijn, E.A. & Kuijken, K. 2002 in Toward
an International Virtual Observatory,
Quinn, P., ed., ESO Astrophysics Symposia
Series (Springer-Verlag), in press.
18-21 (PDF)
A. Glindemann
The VLTI - 20 months after first fringes

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...18G
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Glindemann, A.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
In 2002, the second year of fringes at Paranal, the VLTI has made substantial progress. The highlight was the completion of the combination in pairs of all four Unit Telescopes on September 15/16 and 16/17 using a total of five different baselines. Only the combination MELIPAL – YEPUN could not be provided due to the current configuration of delay lines in the interferometric tunnel.
References:
[1] Kervella, P., et al. 2002, in Exotic Stars
as Challenges to Evolution, IAU Symposium
187, in press.
[2] Wittkowski, M. and Hummel, Ch. 2002, in
Interferometry for Optical Astronomy II,
ed. Traub, W., Proc. SPIE 4838, in press.
[3] Richichi, A. and Wittkowski, M. 2002, in
The VLTI: Challenges for the Future, eds.
Garcia P.J.V., Glindemann A., Henning
T., Malbet F., JENAM Workshop, in press.
[4] Segransan, D., et al. 2003, A&A Letters,
in press.
[5] Paresce, F., et al. 2002a, in Interferometry
for Optical Astronomy II, ed.
Traub, W., Proc. SPIE 4838, in press.
[6] Percheron, I., et al. 2002, in The VLTI:
Challenges for the Future, eds. Garcia P.
J. V., Glindemann A., Henning T., Malbet
F., JENAM Workshop, in press.
[7] Koehler, B., et al. 2002, The Messenger,
this volume.
[8] Kern, P., et al. 2002, in Interferometry for
Optical Astronomy II, ed. Traub, W.,
Proc. SPIE 4838, in press.
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Optical System Technologies II, eds.
Bonaccini, D., Wizinowich, P., Proc.
SPIE 4839, in press.
[10] Paresce, F., et al. 2002b, in Interferometry
for Optical Astronomy II, ed. Traub,
W., Proc. SPIE 4838, in press.
21-28 (PDF)
B. Koehler, C. Flebus et al.
The auxiliary telescopes for the VLTI: a status report

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...21K
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Koehler, B.; Flebus, C.; Dierickx, P.; Dimmler, M.; Duchateau, M.; Duhoux, P.; Ehrenfeld, G.; Gabriel, E.; Gloesener, P.; Heinz, V.; Karban, R.; Kraus, M.; Moresmau, J. M.; Ninane, N.; Pirnay, O.; Quertemont, E.; Strasser, J.; Wirenstrand, K.
AA(ESO, Garching, Germany) AB(AMOS, Liège, Belgium) AC(ESO, Garching, Germany) AD(ESO, Garching, Germany) AE(ESO, Garching, Germany) AF(ESO, Garching, Germany) AG(ESO, Paranal, Chile) AH(AMOS, Liège, Belgium) AI(AMOS, Liège, Belgium) AJ(ESO, Paranal, Chile) AK(ESO, Garching, Germany) AL(ESO, Garching, Germany) AM(ESO, Garching, Germany) AN(AMOS, Liège, Belgium) AO(AMOS, Liège, Belgium) AP(AMOS, Liège, Belgium) AQ(ESO, Garching, Germany) AR(ESO, Garching, Germany)
Abstract:
In June 1998, ESO signed a contract with the company AMOS (Belgium) for the supply of the Auxiliary Telescope System (ATS) for the VLTI. The original scope covered two movable Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs), as shown in Figure 1, as well as their associated site equipment including rails and interface devices for each observing station. An amendment was signed in September 1999 for the supply of a third AT and, last September, a fourth AT was ordered.
28-30 (PDF)
R. Gilmozzi, J. Spyromilio
Paranal Observatory - 2002

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...28G
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Gilmozzi, R.; Spyromilio, J.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
We live in interesting times. Last year was our first with all four 8-m telescopes in operation. We had only one instrument per telescope but we were kept busy with UVES and ISAAC working round the clock and commissioning and installations during bright time when FORS1 and FORS2 were taking a breather. Now at the end of 2002 we look at Paranal and a very different picture appears in front of us.
30-31 (PDF)
O. Hainaut
News from La Silla: Science Operations Department

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...30H
Section:
Telescopes and Instrumentation
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hainaut, O.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
This year has seen a major restructuring of the internal workings of La Silla observatory. While this is not immediately obvious to the visiting astronomer, it prepares the observatory for the future and decreasing staffing levels. In particular, the engineering and telescope teams have been reorganized and now constitute two departments: (1) La Silla Engineering Department (LED). This is a merger of the previous Mechanics, Electronics and Instrumentation teams. This department is responsible for the maintenance of the telescopes and projects taking place at La Silla. (2) La Silla Science Operations (SciOp). This team actually operates the telescopes. The Infrastructure Support Group (ISG), Software and Communications (SWC), Logistics, and Management departments all keep the same structure as before.

Reports from Observers

32-38 (PDF)
N. C. Santos, M. Mayor et al.
Extra-solar planets

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...32S
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Santos, N. C.; Mayor, M.; Queloz, D.; Udry, S.
AA(Observatoire de Genève, Sauverny, Switzerland) AB(Observatoire de Genève, Sauverny, Switzerland) AC(Observatoire de Genève, Sauverny, Switzerland) AD(Observatoire de Genève, Sauverny, Switzerland)
Abstract:
The widely accepted picture of stellar formation tells us that a planetary system is a simple by-product of the stellar formation process. When a cloud of gas and dust contracts to form a star, conservation of angular momentum induces the formation of a flat disk around the central newborn “sun”. By a process still not fully understood, this disk is believed to be the stage for the planetary formation. According to the traditional paradigm, dust particles and ice grains in the disk are gathered to form the first planetary seeds (e.g. Pollack et al. 1996). In the “outer” regions of the disk, where ices can condensate, these “planetesimals” are thought to grow in a few million years. When such a “planetesimal” achieves enough mass (about 10 times the mass of the Earth), its gravitational pull is sufficiently strong for it to start accreting gas in a runaway process that gives origin to a giant gaseous planet similar to the outer planets in our own Solar System. Later on, in the inner part of the disk, where temperatures are too high and volatiles cannot condensate, silicate particles are gathered to form the telluric planets like our Earth.
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379, 992.
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Pollack J.B., Hubickyj O., Bodenheimer P.,
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38-42 (PDF)
I. Labbé, M. Franx et al.
FIRES: Ultradeep near-infrared imaging with ISAAC of the Hubble Deep Field South

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...38L
Section:
Reports from Observers
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Labbé, I.; Franx, M.; Daddi, E.; Rudnick, G.; van Dokkum, P. G.; Moorwood, A.; Förster Schreiber, N. M.; Rix, H.-W.; van der Werf, P.; Röttgering, H.; van Starkenburg, L.; van de Wel, A.; Trujillo, I.; Kuijken, K.
AA(Leiden Observatory, Leiden, The Netherlands) AB(Leiden Observatory, Leiden, The Netherlands) AC(ESO, Garching, Germany) AD(MPA, Garching, Germany) AE(Caltech, Pasadena (CA), USA) AF(ESO, Garching, Germany) AG(Leiden Observatory, Leiden, The Netherlands) AH(MPIA, Heidelberg, Germany) AI(Leiden Observatory, Leiden, The Netherlands) AJ(Leiden Observatory, Leiden, The Netherlands) AK(Leiden Observatory, Leiden, The Netherlands) AL(Leiden Observatory, Leiden, The Netherlands) AM(MPIA, Heidelberg, Germany) AN(Leiden Observatory, Leiden, The Netherlands)
Abstract:
Between October 1999 and October 2000 an undistinguished high-galactic latitude patch of sky, the Hubble Deep Field South (HDF-S), was observed with the VLT for more than 100 hours under the best seeing conditions. Using the near-infrared (NIR) imaging mode of the Infrared Spectrometer and Array Camera (ISAAC, Moorwood 1997), we obtained ultradeep images in the Js (1.24 μm), H (1.65 μm) and Ks (2.16 μm) bands. The combined power of an 8-metre-class telescope and the highquality wide-field imaging capabilities of ISAAC resulted in the deepest groundbased NIR observations to date, and the deepest Ks-band in any field. The first results are spectacular, demonstrating the necessity of this deep NIR imaging, and having direct consequences for our understanding of galaxy formation.
References:
Moorwood, A.F.M., “ISAAC: a 1-5 μm imager/
spectrometer for the VLT”, in Optical
telescopes of today and tomorrow. A.L.
Ardeberg ed., proc. SPIE 2871, pp.
1146–1151, 1997.
Steidel, C.C., Giavalisco, M., Dickinson, M., &
Adelberger, K.L., AJ 112, pp. 352-358, 1996.
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462, L17, 1996.
Rudnick, G. et al., AJ 122, pp. 2205–2221,
2001.
Labbé, I.F.L. et al., AJ accepted, 2002.
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2002.
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Franx, M. et al., “FIRES at the VLT: the Faint
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Other Astronomical News

42-44 (PDF)
M. Kissler-Patig
Summary of the Workshop on Extragalactic Globular Cluster Systems hosted by the European Southern Observatory in Garching on August 27-30, 2002

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...42K
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Kissler-Patig, M.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Globular cluster systems were established in the last decade as powerful tools for the study of galaxy formation and evolution. For this purpose they are used in nearby galaxies with as much success as the diffuse stellar populations and complement the latter studies by being superior in several practical aspects. For instance, globular clusters are better chronometers than the diffuse stellar population since each globular cluster can be identified as a single- age population. The age determination of the major globular cluster subpopulations allows one to precisely date the star formation events in the host galaxy.
44-44 (PDF)
P. Shaver, E. van Dishoeck
Summary of a Meeting on Science Operations with ALMA, held on Friday, 8 November 2002

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...44S
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Shaver, P.; van Dishoeck, E.
AA(ESO) AB(Leiden)
Abstract:
With the recent approvals by the ESO Council and the US National Science Board for the construction of the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), it was thought timely to update the European astronomical community on the project and to solicit input on the plans for science operations and user support. To this end, a one-day meeting was held at ESO Headquarters in Garching on Friday, 8 November. It was very well attended; the auditorium was filled to capacity with some 100 participants from all over Europe.
44-44 (PDF)
A. Glindemann
The VLTI: challenges for the future. Workshop at JENAM 2002 in Porto

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...44G
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Glindemann, A.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
On the verge of becoming a major science facility, the VLTI was the subject of one of the workshops at this year’s Joint European and National Astronomical Meeting in Porto (Portugal) in September. The two and a half day workshop had the aim of introducing interferometry and the VLTI to the non-expert. About 65 participants, many of them young and from outside the interferometric community (the two essentials for success) showed the large interest in interferometry.
45-46 (PDF)
C. Madsen
Celebrating ESO's 40th anniversary

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...45M
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Madsen, C.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
ESO has always been a forwardlooking organization, focussed on present and future programmes and projects. In its 40th year, this is as true as ever, as ESO keeps its eyes on implementing the VLTI, initiating the development of the second-generation instrumentation for the VLT and, of course, embarking on Phase II of the ALMA project, for which the ESO Council gave the green light at its midyear meeting in London. Still, a 40th anniversary warrants a look at the decades passed and a reflection on the role and achievements of the organization during a period of time in which our science has progressed tremendously. That ESO has achieved its goals is undisputed, providing evidence of the wisdom of those astronomers who gathered in Leiden in early 1954 to formulate the need for this organization and justifying the trust displayed by the five countries, which were the original signatories to the 1962 convention that formed the legal base for ESO.
46-47 (PDF)
C. Madsen
Breaking the ground for the European research area - The conference 'European research 2002'

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...46M
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Madsen, C.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
In the days November 11–13, about 9000 scientists, science administrators and policy makers gathered in Brussels to attend the Launch Conference for the ‘6th Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities’ – or for short, ‘FP-6’. While most participants came from the member states of the European Union, candidate countries and associated states, the meeting was in fact attended by people from 65 countries, demonstrating the wide scope and the importance of the process set in motion to create the European Research Area. Some 50 TV teams and 230 journalists from the print media covered the event, which El País, the leading Spanish newspaper, described as ‘The Science Summit in Brussels’. The strong media interest bears witness to the fact that science and technology (and with them, also education) are playing an increasingly important and visible role in the public sphere and that the organization and execution of research, as well as the exploitation of scientific results, are assuming importance in the mainstream political debate.
47-47 (PDF)
ESO
A nobel prize for Riccardo Giacconi

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...47.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
48-49 (PDF)
S. Ellison
Eighty nights up a mountain

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...48E
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Ellison, S.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
A version of this article first appeared in August 2002 in the online publication Next Wave (www.nextwave.org), published by Science Magazine on the occasion of the UK joining ESO. As Sara Ellison describes, she has been a Paranal Fellow for the past two years and is currently in her third year at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in Santiago.
48-48 (PDF)
ESO
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Chile and ESO for establishing a new centre for observation in Chile - ALMA

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...48.
Section:
Other Astronomical News
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
On October 21, 2002, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile, Mrs. María Soledad Alvear, and the ESO Director General, Dr. Catherine Cesarsky, signed an Agreement that authorizes ESO to establish a new centre for astronomical observation in Chile.

Announcements

50-50 (PDF)
ESO
Personnel Movements

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110Q..50.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
50-50 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Workshop on Large Programmes and Public Surveys

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110R..50.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
ESO Workshop on Large Programmes and Public Surveys
50-50 (PDF)
ESO
First Announcement - ESO Workshop on High Resolution Infrared Spectroscopy in Astronomy

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110S..50.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
ESO Workshop on Large Programmes and Public Surveys
51-52 (PDF)
ESO
ESO Workshop Proceedings Still Available

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110Q..51.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Many ESO Conference and Workshop Proceedings are still available and may be ordered at the European Southern Observatory. Some of the more recent ones are listed below.
51-51 (PDF)
ESO
New ESO Proceedings

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110R..51.
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The Proceedings of the Topical Meeting, held in Venice from 7 to 10 May 2001 Beyond Conventional Adaptive Optics (ESO Conference and Workshop Proceedings No. 58)
51-51 (PDF)
J. Breysacher
Thirty-Seven Years of Service with ESO!

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110S..51B
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Breysacher, J.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
On December 1st, 2002, after thirty- seven years of service, first in Chile and then in Garching, Ms. Christa Euler will leave ESO to enjoy a welldeserved retirement. Among the current staff, she is probably the only person who started her career at ESO just four years after the Organization was founded.
51-51 (PDF)
D. Hofstadt
Manfred Ziebell Retires

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110T..51H
Section:
Announcements
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Hofstadt, D.
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
On December 1st, 2002, after thirty- seven years of service, first in Chile and then in Garching, Ms. Christa Euler will leave ESO to enjoy a welldeserved retirement. Among the current staff, she is probably the only person who started her career at ESO just four years after the Organization was founded.

52-52 (PDF)
ESO
Contents

ADS BibCode:
2002Msngr.110...52.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)