Observations Of Faint Objects Research Articles

High-Time-Resolution Astrophysics using the Thai 2.4-m Telescope with Ultraspec

AbstractThe Thai National Observatory (TNO) is equipped with a 2.4-m Ritchey-Chretien telescope and the high-speed versatile Ultraspec camera. The instrument employs a low-noise frame-transfer EMCCD, suitable for the observation of faint objects and for high-time-resolution astrophysics. We present some of the results obtained in the first four years of operation, focusing particularly on fast photometry of lunar and stellar occultations, and follow-up efforts on a few white-dwarf binaries. Among the latter is the polar cataclysmic variable UZ For. This system displays period changes and is suspected of hosting circumbinary planets. Our high-speed photometry data show a decreasing trend in the O–C diagram of UZ For. Using our new data set, we will investigate whether the period change in this binary is due to a possible third body, or to other mechanism(s).

Study of distortions in statistics of counts in CCD observations using the fano factor

Factors distorting the statistics of photocounts when acquiring objects with low fluxes were considered here. Measurements of the Fano factor for existing CCD systems were conducted. The study allows one to conclude on the quality of the CCD video signal processing channel. The optimal strategy for faint object observations was suggested.

Mykerinos: Preparing Long Baseline Interferometry at Dome C

Site studies have proved Dome C to be an excellent site for optical interferometry, maybe the only possible site on Earth for the deployement of a large post-VLTI interferometric facility, like KEOPS. Indeed, recent studies have shown the possiblity of interferometric observations of faint objects, high sensitivity and high precision observations, direct imaging and nulling interferometry. However the achievement of this ambitious project assumes the pavement of a roadmap, including different steps. The first one should be a demonstrator, called Mykerinos. Mykerinos is a diluted aperture interferometer composed of at least two light collecting units with a baseline between 40 to 100 m (or more) consisting of 50 cm diameter telescopes. The telescope design is directly derived from our Laboratory's experience in the ASTEP experiment. Mykerinos will be equipped with a dual field focal instrument which is a pre-requisite for its site testing, as well as for its science demonstration purposes.

Spectrograph for faint objects: The device and the main results of observations

The original slit spectrograph intended for observations of faint objects is described. The main results obtained with this device are briefly discussed.

Echelle Spectroscopy by a CCD at Low Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The measurement of some physical parameters of astronomical objects can only be carried out with high resolution spectra. Unfortunately the high dispersion of the light on the detector restricts such observations to relatively bright sources. However, some spectral information can be concentrated into a single spectral “line” by a cross-correlation algorithm, allowing the observation of fainter objects. Such a technique, taken from the CORAVEL optical correlation, is presented. A complete description of the errors of the correlation function parameters is given and the minimum signal-to-noise ratio is also discussed. Finally, a short investigation of the best resolution needed to observe efficiently radial velocities and velocity broadenings is made.

Arome, a balloon-borne instrument for astronomical near-infrared spectrophotometry

We present here the French balloon-borne experiment named AROME. This astronomical instrument is specifically designed for the detection of near infrared emission bands (λ=3–12μm) from extended sources of low surface brightness with an angular resolution of 0.5°. The rms sensitivity achieved is of the order of 10-8 Wm-2sr-1, in terms of the power radiated in the 3.3μm band. We recall that this program led to the first detection of the 3.3μm feature in the spectrum of the diffuse galactic emission. The scientific results were presented and interpreted in Paper I, Giard et al., 1989. Future work will include both the observation of fainter objects at 3.3μm and the detection of other emission bands at 6.2 and 11.3μm.

Saturn's ring and nearby faint satellites

Observations of Saturn's rings during passage of the Earth through the ring plane, coupled with those of others, suggest a ring thickness of 1.3 ± 0.3 km. The wide disparity in the optical depth of Cassini's division found by other investigators is resolved, and for conservative isotropic single scattering, a normal optical depth for Cassini's division of 0.060 ± 0.006 is obtained. We find the mean normal optical depth of ring C to be 0.074 ± 0.007. Analysis of all available observations of faint objects near Saturn indicates the presence of at least one previously undiscovered satellite of Saturn. The orbit for Janus determined by Dollfus is supported. These satellites may be major members of an extended ring.

A New Satellite of Saturn?

Analysis of all available observations of faint objects near Saturn during the 1966 passage of the earth through the plane of Saturn's rings suggests the existence of at least one previously undiscovered satellite of Saturn. The data support the previously published orbit for Janus. These satellites may be major members of an extended ring.