Messenger No. 15 (December 1978)
1-1 (PDF)
Ten Nights at the "Very Large Telescope" (VLT)!
2-3 (PDF)
Clouds in the halo.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15....2P
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Pecker, J.-C.
AA(College de Franee and Institut d'Astrophysique in Paris)
Abstract:
Weil, what ean be done with ten nights on a future 25 metre teleseope (the VL T)? The first to send in his artiele was Professor Jean-Claude Peeker from College de Franee and Institut d'Astrophysique in Paris. He feels that most of the time should be used to study the stars and the gas in the halo of the Mi/ky Way. Join him on the magie earpet . .. but remember to fasten the seatbelts!
4-5 (PDF)
Stars in other galaxies and protoplanets.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15....4A
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Appenzeller, I.
AA(Landessternwarte Heidelberg-Königstuhl)
Abstract:
Will the VLT find planets around other stars where there could be life? Dr. Immo Appenzeller from Landessternwarte Heidelberg-Königstuhl would like to try. He would also like to observe individual stars in other galaxies and to determine element abundances outside the Milky Way. Is the chemical composition the same everywhere in the Universe?
5-5 (PDF)
A new bipolar nebula in Centaurus.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15....5.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Looking through large Schmidt plates can be arewarding, but sometimes also a somewhat frustrating business. Depending on the colourof the plate and on the exposuretime, otherwise normal objects (galaxies, nebulae) may reveal features that make their classification difficult. A direct Schmidt plate says nothing about the spectrum of the objects, except when it is compared with other plates in other colours.
6-8 (PDF)
The chemical composition of stars in open clusters.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15....6N
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Nissen, P. E.
AA(Astronomicallnstitute in Aarhus, Denmark)
Abstract:
Until now few high-dispersion spectra have been obtained of stars in galactic star clusters and most of the spectra are of giant and supergiant stars that are very difficult to analyse. To reach fainter clusters and intrinsically fainter (main-sequence) stars in the nearer clusters, more photons are necessary. This is exactly the great advantage of the VL T, and Dr. Poul Erik Nissen of the Astronomicallnstitute in Aarhus, Denmark, explains how he would like to carry out such a programme.
9-10 (PDF)
Speckle interferometry.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15....9L
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Labeyrie, A.
AA(CERGA Observatory, near Nice in France)
Abstract:
Radio astronomers have for many years employed interferometric techniques to resolve the finest details in celestial radio sourees. One of the first to use similar methods in optical astronomy was Dr. Antoine Labeyrie who is now constructing an interferometric optical telescape at the CERGA Observatory, near Nice in France. He sees the VLT as an array of 2-4-metre telescapes which deliver coherent light beams to a central "cOUdf/' laboratory. With this instrument Dr. Labeyrie hopes to study the s urfa ces of individual stars and binary systems. It may even be possible to resolve optically the nearest quasars.
10-11 (PDF)
Instrumentation Schedule
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...10.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Following the proposal of the Users Committee, we shall start with this edition of the Messenger to publish regularly our time schedule for the major instruments which are being developed at ESO in Geneva. These instruments are constructed for use on the 3.6 m telescope. The target dates indicate the date of "first light". This means that the instruments will have passed at that date the test procedures in Geneva and on La Silla as far as optical-mechanical and electronical tests are concerned. "First light" is the date of the first trial on the sky. It should be understood that it will take half a year more before the instrument goes into regular use.
11-12 (PDF)
Planetary nebulae and comets.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...11K
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Kohoutek, L.
AA(Hamburg Observatory, FRG)
Abstract:
Dr. Lubos Kohoutek from the Hamburg Observatory, FRG, is weil known, both for his devotion to planetary nebulae and his many comet discoveries. Not quite unexpectedly, he decided to divide his ten nights on the VLT between these two types of objects, expecting to leam more about the processes that lead to the formation of planetary nebulae and the true nature of comet nuclei.
12-12 (PDF)
Observations of high redshift QSO's.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...12S
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Swings, J. P.; Surdej, J.
AA(Institut d'Astrophysique in Liege, Belgium) AB(ESO)
Abstract:
Time-consuming observations with existing large telescopes have shown that the spectra of quasistellar objects are exceedingly complex. A VLT is needed to obtain the highest spectral resolution and to study in detail the numerous absorption lines. Drs. Jean-Pierre Swings (Institut d'Astrophysique in Liege, Belgium) and Jean Surdej (ESO) would like to use their nights to investigate the nature ofsome of the most distant objects in the universe.
13-13 (PDF)
Comets galore!
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...13.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
A rarely seen burst in comet discoveries occurred between September 1 and October 11,1978. The final score Amateurs vrs. Professionals must have strengthened the morale of the former: 5 to 1!
14-16 (PDF)
A photometric study of the bright cloud B Sagittarius: first results.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...14T
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Terzan, A.; Bernard, A.
AA(Lyon Observatory, France) AB(Lyon Observatory, France)
Abstract:
During the past years, Ors. Agop Terzan and Alain Bernard of the Lyon Observatory, France, have been studying Schmidt plates of fjelds in the direction of the galactic centre. Most of the plates come from the ESO Schmidt telescope and a thorough intercomparison of plates in different colours and from different epochs have revealed a large number of new variable stars. Some stars have been found to possess large proper motions and some diffuse objects (galaxies, planetaries, nebulae?) were also discovered.
16-17 (PDF)
The peculiar galaxy NGC 4650 A.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...16.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
In the western part of the eonstellation Centaurus lies a speetaeular ehain of galaxies. Some of the members are elliptieal, others are spiral, and one is very peeuliar. Its name is NGC 4650 A and the integrated magnitude is about 14m. The galaxy chain is shown in Sersic's atlas Galaxias Australes and he also made a preliminary spectroscopic study (Astrophys. Space Seience, 1972, 19,387).
17-18 (PDF)
The story of minor planet (2100) Ra-Shalom.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...17.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The number of known Apollo-type minor planets has risen dramatically during the past years, mainly as a result of the great observational efforts by Californian astronomers. Two of these stand out as the discoverers of particularly interesting objects: Eleanor F. Helin and Charles T. Kowal of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Working with the 46 cm and 122 cm (48 inch) Schmidt telescopes on the Palomar mountain, they regularly find new, peculiar minor planets.
18-18 (PDF)
New Head of Scientific Group in Geneva
18-18 (PDF)
Personnel Movements
18-18 (PDF)
The ESO Finance Committee on La Silla
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15S..18.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
The ESO Finance Committee on La Silla
19-21 (PDF)
The image photon counting system and quasars at La Silla.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...19D
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Danziger, I. J.; de Jonge, M.
AA(ESO-Geneva) AB(Members of the Technical Support Group)
Abstract:
August 1978 was a very hectic month on La Silla. Members of the Technical Support Group, under the leadership of Dr. Marius de Jonge, worked around the clock to get everything ready at the 3.6 m Cassegrain focus for two weeks' observations with the Boksenberg Image Photon Counting System. The efforts of the ESO technicians and the visiting astronomers were brilliantly successful and many unique observations were made. Together with other colleagues, Dr. John Danziger (ESO-Geneva) observed an umber of faint galaxies and quasars. One of the aims was to study the detailed structure of absorption fines that are seen in many distant quasars and to throw some light on their origin. Are these lines formed in the immediate neighbourhood of the quasar or by intervening matter in intergalactic space?
21-21 (PDF)
Photographic Plate Service on La Silla
22-23 (PDF)
No New Hildas and Thules, but ...
22-22 (PDF)
H-alpha Photographs of Southern Galaxies
23-23 (PDF)
Confirmation of the possible 97-minute periodicity for the X-ray binary 4U 1700-37/HD 153919.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15R..23.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
In the last issue of the Messenger (No. 14, p.8), G. Hammerschlag- Hensberge and E. van den Heuvel (Astronomical Institute of the University of Amsterdam) discus'sed the possible 97minute periodicity discovered from X-ray pulsations in the X-ray binary 4U 1700-37/HO 153919 by T. Matilski (Rutgers University) and J. Jessen (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) on April 1978.
24-25 (PDF)
A supernova in the south.
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...24.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
Every year, several supernovae are discovered in the northern celestial hemisphere, mainly by astronomers at the Palomar and Asiago (Italy) observatories. These su pernovae normally reach magnitude 14-15 during the maximum before the slow decline in brightness sets in. They occur in relatively faint galaxies and it is important to discover them, not only because they represent rare events, but also because spectroscopic studies can reveal the composition of the material that is thrown out into interstellar space from the exploding star. The statistics show that in a medium-size galaxy like our own, the Milky Way, there is about one supernova per 10-30 years. See also the article about supernova remnants by M. Dennefeld in the Messenger No. 13, p.20.
25-25 (PDF)
Construction of ESO Headquarters Building Started
25-25 (PDF)
List of Preprints Published at ESO Scientific Group - September-November 1978
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15R..25.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
31. M. CASSE, D. KUNTH, J. M. SCALO: A Constraint on the Influence of Density Waves on the Rate of Star Formation. Submitted to Astronomy and Astrophysics.
26-27 (PDF)
HD 93250 - weight champion among the stars?
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...26K
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Kudritzki, R. P.
Abstract:
The earliest O-stars have masses around 100 Mo. Dr. Rolf-Peter Kudritzki trom the Institute tor Theoretical Physics in Kiel, FRG, now believes that one ot the stars he recently observed on La Silla may be even heavier.
27-31 (PDF)
The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE).
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...27H
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
Heck, A.; Beeckmans, F.; Benvenuti, P.; Cassatella, A.; Clavel, J.; Macchetto, F.; Penston, M. V.; Selvelli, P. L.; Stickland, D.
AA(VILSPA Observatory) AB(VILSPA Observatory) AC(VILSPA Observatory) AD(VILSPA Observatory) AE(VILSPA Observatory) AF(VILSPA Observatory) AG(VILSPA Observatory) AH(VILSPA Observatory) AI(VILSPA Observatory)
Abstract:
European and American astronomers received a beautiful new telescope when the International Ultraviolet Explorer was launched earlier this year in a collaboration between NASA, ESA and SRC. IUE is the first space telescope to be operated like a telescope on the ground, by "visiting" astronomers together with observatory statt members. Dr. Andre Heck, together with the VILSPA Observatory statt based at the ESA Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station, ESTEC and the UK IUE Project, informs us about the satellite and the fantastic observations that have been made with it. Ouring one session, simultaneous observations were made with the tuE and with three ESO telescopes at La Silla.
32-32 (PDF)
Algunos Resumenes
ADS BibCode:
1978Msngr..15...32.
Author(s)/Affiliation(s):
ESO
AA(ESO)
Abstract:
EI cuento dei Planeta Menor (2100) RA-SHALOM; Cometas y mas cometas; EI Explorador Ultravioleta Internacional (IUE)