Astronomical instrumentation

Abstract:

We constrain flat cosmological models with a joint likelihood analysis of a new compilation of data from the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and from the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey (2dFGRS). Fitting the CMB alone yields a known degeneracy between the Hubble constant h and the matter density Ωm, which arises mainly from preserving the location of the peaks in the angular power spectrum. This 'horizon-angle degeneracy' is considered in some detail and is shown to follow the simple relation Ωm h3.4 = constant. Adding the 2dF-GRS power spectrum constrains Ωm h and breaks the degeneracy. If tensor anisotropies are assumed to be negligible, we obtain values for the Hubble constant of h = 0.665±0.047, the matter density Ωm = 0.313±0.055, and the physical cold dark matter and baryon densities Ωm h2 = 0.115±0.009, Ωm h2 = 0.022±0.002 (standard rms errors). Including a possible tensor component causes very little change to these figures; we set an upper limit to the tensor-to-scalar ratio of r < 0.7 at a 95 per cent confidence level. We then show how these data can be used to constrain the equation of state of the vacuum, and find w < -0.52 at 95 per cent confidence. The preferred cosmological model is thus very well specified, and we discuss the precision with which future CMB data can be predicted, given the model assumptions. The 2dFGRS power-spectrum data and covariance matrix, and the CMB data compilation used here, are available from http://www.roe.ac.uk/~wjp/.

Abstract:

Using ISAAC on VLT-ANTU and UVES on VLT-KUEYEN we have begun a program to measure stellar velocity dispersions of young star clusters in merging and interacting galaxies. In this contribution, we present results for clusters in two interacting galaxies - NGC 4038/39 and NGC 1487. Combining the measured velocity dispersions with sizes of the clusters estimated from Hubble Space Telescope imaging data resulted in the first determinations of dynamical masses of stellar clusters in galaxy mergers. Due to the faintness of the clusters and the high spectral resolution required, these results could only be obtained in with 10m class telescopes. Our results suggest that masses, sizes and concentrations of the light distributions are comparable to those of globular clusters, supporting the idea that part of the globular cluster population in elliptical galaxies is formed as a result of a merger event between to gas-rich spiral galaxies. However, the initial mass function (IMF) of the stars in the clusters seems to vary with environment: In some regions (dust-rich?), the IMF is more biased towards low-mass stars than in other (dust-poor) regions. There is a long-standing and substantial controversy in the literature whether or not their exists a "universal IMF". Our results for clusters in merging galaxies support the notion that the IMF depends on the birth environment of the cluster or perhaps some other variable. The relative content of low mass stars also influences the survival probability of stellar clusters. For their masses and light concentrations, some of the clusters have sufficiently shallow IMFs that it is likely that they will dissolve within a Hubble time, while for others, the IMF is sufficiently steep that they are likely to survive but undergo significant mass loss during their evolution.

Abstract:

The Fibre Multi-Object Spectrograph (FMOS) is a second-generation common-use instrument of the Subaru telescope. Under an international collaboration scheme of Japan, UK, and Australia, a realistic design of FMOS has been already in completion, and the fabrications of hardware components have been in progress. We present the overall design details together with the special features of FMOS subsystems, such as the prime focus corrector, the prime focus mechanical unit including fibre positioners, and the near-infrared spectrograph, etc.

Abstract:

Echelle spectroscopy of [Si VI] 1.96 μm, [Mg VIII] 3.03 μm, and [Ar VI] 4.53 μm, using UKIRT+CGS4, shows the line pro les in PN NGC 6302 are singly peaked and unresolved even at R ∼ 20 000, with line widths less than 22 kms-1. A photoionized structure is evidenced by spatial and velocity stratification as a function of ionization potential. But a variety of models, with density and Te gradients, reproduce the spectrum equally well. Preliminary analysis of the 3000-10000 Å echellogram of NGC 6302, acquired at R ∼ 80 000 using VLT+UVES, confirms the stratified nebular structure, but yields intriguing results concerning the line profiles: [Ne V] 3426 Å is broader than [Ne IV] 4723 Å. These observations rule out the existence of an evacuated cavity, or hot bubble, at least on 1″ and 3 km s-1 scales. We do not confirm the broad wings in [Ne V] 3426 Å reported by Meaburn & Walsh (1980).

Abstract:

The first of two Gemini Multi Object Spectrographs (GMOS) has recently begun operation at the Gemini-North 8m telescope. In this presentation we give an overview of the instrument and describe the overall performance of GMOS-North both in the laboratory during integration, and at the telescope during commissioning. We describe the development process which led to meeting the demanding reliability and performance requirements on flexure, throughput and image quality. We then show examples of GMOS data and performance on the telescope in its imaging, long-slit and MOS modes. We also briefly highlight novel features in GMOS that are described in more detail in separate presentations, particularly the flexure compensation system and the on-instrument wavefront sensor. Finally we give an update of the current status of GMOS on Gemini-North and future plans.