Showing papers by "Joseph L. Hora published in 2003"

The Gemini Near‐Infrared Imager (NIRI)

Abstract: This paper presents the basic design of the Gemini Near‐Infrared Imager (NIRI) and discusses its capabilities. NIRI offers three different pixel scales to match different operating modes of the Gemini telescope and allows polarimetric and spectroscopic observations. It is equipped with an infrared on‐instrument wave‐front sensor (OIWFS) to allow tip‐tilt and focus correction even in highly obscured regions. The science detector array is an Aladdin II InSb \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} ewcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} ormalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $1024\times 1024$ ...

Mass and Kinetic Energy of the Homunculus Nebula around η Carinae

Abstract: We examine thermal infrared images of η Car at wavelengths from 4.8 to 25 μm obtained with the MIRAC3 camera system at the Magellan Observatory, and we conclude that η Car's circumstellar Homunculus Nebula contains much more mass (12 M⊙) and kinetic energy (1049.6–1050 ergs) than had previously been recognized. Excess far-infrared emission from a large mass of cold dust had been discovered recently by Morris et al., which they attributed to 110 K dust in a compact equatorial torus. Our images suggest, however, that roughly 10 M⊙ or more resides instead in the rapidly expanding polar lobes of the Homunculus, known to be ejected during η Car's "Great Eruption" in the 19th century. Combining this large mass with reliable expansion speeds for the polar lobes allows us to estimate the large kinetic energy and efficient momentum transfer associated with the eruption. Most mass resides in a cool outer layer of the lobes, with dust at ~140 K. This material is only revealed at 18–25 μm with high spatial resolution images that can separate adjacent dust components. Warmer dust at ~200 K that has been recognized for some time (responsible for previous mass estimates of 2–3 M⊙) blankets the inner surfaces of the mostly hollow polar lobes as they are irradiated more directly by the central engine.

A Resolved Circumstellar Disk around the Herbig Ae Star HD 100546 in the Thermal Infrared

Abstract: We present mid-infrared nulling interferometric and direct imaging observations of the Herbig Ae star HD 100546 obtained with the Magellan I (Baade) 6.5 m telescope. The observations show resolved circumstellar emission at 10.3, 11.7, 12.5, 18.0, and 24.5 ?m. Through the nulling observations (10.3, 11.7, and 12.5 ?m), we detect a circumstellar disk, with an inclination of 45? ? 15? with respect to a face-on disk, a semimajor axis position angle of 150? ? 10? (east of north), and a spatial extent of about 25 AU. The direct images (18.0 and 24.5 ?m) show evidence for cooler dust with a spatial extent of 30-40 AU from the star. The direct images also show evidence for an inclined disk with a similar position angle as the disk detected by nulling. This morphology is consistent with models in which a flared circumstellar disk dominates the emission. However, the similarity in relative disk size that we derive for different wavelengths suggests that the disk may have a large inner gap, possibly cleared out by the formation of a giant protoplanet. The existence of a protoplanet in the system also provides a natural explanation for the observed difference between HD 100546 and other Herbig Ae stars.

MIRSI: a Mid-InfraRed Spectrometer and Imager

Abstract: MIRSI (Mid-InfraRed Spectrometer and Imager) is a mid-infrared camera system recently completed at Boston University that has both spectroscopic and imaging capabilities. MIRSI is uniquely suited for studies of young stellar objects and star formation, planetary and protoplanetary nebulae, starburst galaxies, and solar system objects such as planets, asteroids, and comets. The camera utilizes a 320 x 240 Si:As Impurity Band Conduction (IBC) array developed for ground-based astronomy by Raytheon/SBRC. For observations at the Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF), MIRSI offers a large field of view (1.6 arcmin x 1.2 arcmin) with a pixel scale of 0.3 arcsec, diffraction-limited spatial resolution, complete spectral coverage over the 8-14 μm and 17-26 μm atmospheric windows for both imaging (discrete filters and circular variable filter) and spectroscopy (10 and 20 μm grisms), and high sensitivity (expected one-sigma point source sensitivities of 5 and 20 mJy at 10 and 20 μm, respectively, for on-source integration time of 30 seconds). MIRSI successfully achieved first light at the Mt. Lemmon Observing Facility (MLOF) in December 2001, and will have its first observing run at the IRTF in November 2002. We present details of the system hardware and software and results from first light observations.

Hubble space telescope/NICMOS near-infrared imaging of the proto-planetary nebula OH 231.8+4.2

Abstract: We present observations of the bipolar nebula OH 231.8+4.2, made with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) NICMOS camera, in three wide filter bands (F205W, F160W, and F110W). The images have excellent dynamic range after removal of low-level instrumental artifacts. In the F205W filter (λ ≈ 2.04 μm), we achieve a peak/rms of greater than 8000 with an angular resolution of 020 (FWHM). The combination of high dynamic range and angular resolution confirms previous observations but also reveals new features in the near-IR morphology of the nebula, which at these wavelengths is dominated by scattered light. The northern (approaching) lobe shows well-defined, limb-brightened edges. The central jet splits into two filaments and exhibits some curvature between the center of the nebula and the end of the northern lobe. The southern (receding) lobe has a diffuse, flocculent appearance without a sharply defined central jet, in contrast to the northern lobe. A sharpened version of the F205W image shows indications of turbulent structures both in the northern lobe and jet and in the southern lobe. A faint cylindrical halo of scattered light shows a sharp increase in surface brightness inside a radius of ~4'' from the center, possibly resulting from a transition from a spherical wind to a disk- or torus-like mass ejection, on the same timescale as the formation of the collimated fast wind seen in CO and HCO+ images. We calculate the extinction through the nebula from the measured near-IR colors and a silicate grain model. For a simple geometric model of a dense central disk, we estimate a disk mass (gas and dust) in the range 0.03-0.06 M☉, relatively insensitive to grain size. The circumstance of an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star with a massive, highly collimated, high-velocity bipolar flow may be understood in terms of the model of Soker & Rappaport if the central star underwent a change in mass-loss properties from a (roughly) spherical AGB wind to equatorially enhanced mass loss beginning ~ × 103 yr ago. Supposing the presence of a dwarf companion in a suitable orbit, the bipolar nebula then is a consequence of a strong increase in mass loss as the central star evolves close to the tip of the AGB and will soon evolve to higher Teff and appear as a more typical proto-planetary nebula.

Five Star-forming Cores in the Galactic Ring Survey: A Mid-Infrared Study

Abstract: We have imaged five dense molecular cores, selected from the Galactic Ring Survey (GRS), in the mid-infrared with the MIRAC3 instrument. We obtained high spatial resolution (~1'') images through narrowband filters at 12.5 and 20.6 μm. Four of the five cores show multiple compact sources, extended structure, or both. Lower resolution observations by the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) and the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) suggest that the fifth core is also surrounded by extended emission on large scales (2'). The extended mid-infrared structure is well-correlated with the radio continuum morphology in each of the five cores. This similarity suggests that the hot dust traced by the mid-infrared is located within the H II region, traced by the radio continuum, and not merely in a surrounding photodissociation region or molecular cloud. If a single exciting source is assumed for each core, estimates of the zero-age main-sequence spectral types based on the infrared luminosities are typically 1-2 spectral types earlier than those based on the radio free-free emission. However, allowing for multiple exciting sources and apportioning the far-infrared and radio fluxes to the component sources according to the mid-infrared flux distribution produces better agreement between the derived spectral types, with an average difference of less than half a spectral type.

Simfit and Focus Diversity: methods for determining the focus of the SIRTF telescope in space without a focus slew

Abstract: Because of concern over possible failure of the SIRTF cryogenic focus mechanism in space, the SIRTF Project Office has directed that the focus should be set before launch so that the telescope arrives in orbit as close to optimum focus as possible. Then focus evaluation and determination of any required focus change to achieve best focus must be carried out without the conventional approach of a focus slew. For these tasks we have created two methods: Simfit and Focus Diversity. Simfit is a procedure for comparing an observed stellar image with a family of simulated point-source images with a range of focus settings. With a sufficiently accurate as-built telescope model for creating the simulated images, the focus offset and direction can be accurately and unambiguously determined because of the change in image appearance with defocus. Focus diversity takes advantage of the variation of best-focus setting over the instrument's focal plane due to focal plane curvature and tilt and offsets between different instrument channels. By plotting an image quality parameter, such as noise-pixels, for observed stars at several positions on the focal plane versus a defocus variable, the focus error and direction can be determined. We have developed an efficient program for carrying out these procedures. The validity of this program has been successfully confirmed using point-source images observed with three bands of the IRAC camera during a double-pass optical test of SIRTF in a Ball Aerospace cryogenic test chamber. The two procedures are described and are illustrated with these results

Spatially Resolved Circumnuclear Dust in Centaurus A

Abstract: In this Letter, we present results from our exploratory mid-IR study of Centaurus A circumnuclear environment using high angular resolution imaging at the Magellan 6.5 m telescope with the MIRAC/BLINC camera. We detected emission from a compact region surrounding the nuclear source and obtained photometry at 8.8 μm and in the N band. Our analysis suggests that the nuclear region is resolved with a size of ≈3 pc. The mid-IR emission from this region is likely associated with cool dust with an estimated temperature of ~160 K, surrounding the central "hidden" active galactic nucleus (AGN). We discuss the characteristics of this emission in relation to other mid-IR observations and the implications on models of dust formation in AGNs.

SIRTF-CTA optical performance test results

Abstract: This paper describes the principal optical results of the "End to End" test conducted on the SIRTF Cryogenic Telescope Assembly. Test system focus was located using images from the shortest wavelength science instrument, IRAC, much as it will be on-orbit. Deep out-of-focus images were used to determine the system wavefront by Phase Retrieval methods with heritage to Hubble Space Telescope work. This work has been used to update the SIRTF optical models and aid in predicting the on-orbit performance of the observatory. Images made with other assemblies able to observe in the test (IRS, PCRS) were used to verify their function and co-focus to the IRAC established position. Image jitter was analyzed warm and cold, with visible images captured by the PCRS instrument and cold, with images captured by the IRAC instrument.

SIRTF-CTA optical performance test

Abstract: This paper describes the "End to End" optical test conducted on the Space InfraRed Telescope Facility (SIRTF) Cryogenic Telescope Assembly (CTA) in 2001. It was critical to verify SIRTF's optical functionality and quality under optical and thermal conditions that as much as possible simulated the flight environment. The Liquid Nitrogen cooled "Brutus" chamber at Ball Aerospace was the test facility. Flight-like self cooling, thermal blanketing, and auxiliary cooling loops allowed the assembly to reach temperatures close to orbital conditions. (25-5K) Introducing optical sources at the SIRTF focal plane allowed the telescope to perform as the collimating source. A motorized and cryogenically characterized reflection flat was used to direct the refocused images of test sources to visible and IR focal planes in SIRTF's Multi-Instrument Chamber. A sequence of tests was performed to gather data on system focus position, image stability, telescope wavefront and instrument assembly confocality.

Spatially Resolved Circumnuclear Dust in Centaurus A

Abstract: In this paper we present results from our exploratory mid-IR study of Centaurus A circumnuclear environment using high-angular resolution imaging at the Magellan 6.5m telescope with the MIRAC/BLINC camera. We detected emission from a compact region surrounding the nuclear source, and obtained photometry at 8.8 microns and in the N band. Our analysis suggests that the nuclear region is resolved with a size of approximately 3 pc. The mid-IR emission from this region is likely associated with cool dust with an estimated temperature of \~160 K, surrounding the central ``hidden'' AGN. We discuss the characteristics of this emission in relation to other mid-IR observations and the implications on models of dust formation in AGNs.

Performance of the infrared array camera (IRAC) for SIRTF during instrument integration and test

Abstract: The Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) is one of three focal plane instruments in the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). IRAC is a four-channel camera that obtains simultaneous images at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8 microns. Two adjacent 5.12x5.12 arcmin fields of view in the SIRTF focal plane are viewed by the four channels in pairs (3.6 and 5.8 microns; 4.5 and 8 microns). All four detector arrays in the camera are 256x256 pixels in size, with the two shorter wavelength channels using InSb and the two longer wavelength channels using Si:As IBC detectors. We describe here the results of the instrument functional and calibration tests completed at Ball Aerospace during the integration with the cryogenic telescope assembly, and provide updated estimates of the in-flight sensitivity and performance of IRAC in SIRTF.

Realistic science data simulator for the IRAC instrument on SIRTF

Abstract: The Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) is one of three major scientific instruments to be launched aboard the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). This document briefly describes the features, usage, and limitations of the IRAC Science Data Simulator (ISDS) that can be used to generate simulated data to anticipate data quality and reduction issues for mission operations. The software is a combination of C++ and IRAF SPP routines that implement the features already characterized during the integration and test phase of IRAC's development. While no guarantee of accuracy is made, the intention is to replicate as faithfully as possible known characteristics and artifacts of the IRAC instrument. The many beneficial applications of the ISDS include facilitating planning of the IRAC pipeline by the SIRTF Science Center (SSC), and validating observing strategies for SIRTF Guaranteed Time Observers and Legacy teams. The simulator has already been used by mission planners to demonstrate the relative effectiveness of different approaches to data reduction. It will also be of great value in demonstrating IRAC's capabilities for mapping and source detection, and in testing post-pipeline software currently being developed for these purposes.

A Resolved Circumstellar Disk around the Herbig Ae Star HD 100546 in the Thermal Infrared

Abstract: We present mid-infrared nulling interferometric and direct imaging observations of the Herbig Ae star HD 100546 obtained with the Magellan I (Baade) 6.5 m telescope. The observations show resolved circumstellar emission at 10.3, 11.7, 12.5, 18.0, and 24.5 microns. Through the nulling observations (10.3, 11.7 and 12.5 microns), we detect a circumstellar disk, with an inclination of 45 +- 15 degrees with respect to a face-on disk, a semimajor axis position angle of 150 +- 10 degrees (E of N), and a spatial extent of about 25 AU. The direct images (18.0 and 24.5 microns) show evidence for cooler dust with a spatial extent of 30-40 AU from the star. The direct images also show evidence for an inclined disk with a similar position angle as the disk detected by nulling. This morphology is consistent with models in which a flared circumstellar disk dominates the emission. However, the similarity in relative disk size we derive for different wavelengths suggests that the disk may have a large inner gap, possibly cleared out by the formation of a giant protoplanet. The existence of a protoplanet in the system also provides a natural explanation for the observed difference between HD 100546 and other Herbig Ae stars.

The Ground Based Identification and Characterization of IRAC Celestial Calibrators

Abstract: We describe an ongoing campaign to identify and characterize celestial standards for the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) which will be deployed on the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). These standards must extend to much fainter magnitudes than calibrator sources used for previous IR space missions, and thus, need to be identiied and characterized through ground based observations. The method we have chosen is to use a combination of empirical templates of cool stars and Kurucz models of hot stars to extrapolate BVRIJHK photometry of known K giants and A dwarfs to the IRAC bands. There will be two sets of calibrators: one set near the north ecliptic pole which can be observed continuously throughout the SIRTF mission , and a second set distributed along the ecliptic plane which will be used to monitor the calibration on a day to day basis. We overview the entire selection, identiication, and characterization process. The K giants and A dwarfs are being selected from existing catalogs of stars. To verify the spectral types of these stars, we have undertaken observations of the candidates with the FAST spectrometer on the 1.5 meter Tillinghast telescope at Mt. Hopkins. By comparing the spectra of these stars with MK standards, we are able to establish the spectral type with an uncertainty of one subclass, and in the case of K giants, identify K dwarfs contaminating our sample. We are now beginning CCD camera observations to obtain accurate BVRI photometry for the selected stars. 1. INTRODUCTION IRAC, the InfraRed Array Camera, is one of three instruments to be launched on NASA's SIRTF mission (also see Hora et al., these proceedings). IRAC is designed for wide