Subject: CFHT_Observing_Report
From: Web User (www@cfht.hawaii.edu)
Date: Sun Jun 15 2003 - 15:08:06 HST
CFHT OBSERVING REPORT
RunID: 03AC8
Name: Gordon Walker
Email Address: walker@astro.ubc.ca
Support Astronomer: Manset
Observing Assistant #1: Wells
Observing Assistant #2: Woodworth
Instrument: GECKO
Detector: EEV1
Number of nights: 6
# of hours lost to weather: 0
# of hours lost to CFHT: 0
# of hours lost to setup: 0
# of hours lost to other reasons: 0
Results obtained: together with John Maier and David Bohlender, I was looking for bands of interstellar C4 and C5 chain molecules at 3789 and 5109A, respectively. Models suggest that we were close to detecting both in 2001. We obtained spectra with S/N >5000 for zeta Oph but still no C5 evident. The status for C4 is more complex and we shall have to take some care in the reductions to separate instrumental artifacts, complexities of the stellar spectra and possible intrstellar C4. I believe we have enough data and calibrations in hand assuming we can work around the lack of a flat field on the first night.
Scientific Success: good
Recommendations: some things make it difficult to assess the value of our data. The flat field lamp failed on the first night - we used Vega as a work around calibration but cannot be sure if that was adequate. The exposure meter rate meter suffers pile-up for the brightest sources leading to erroneous guiding registration. This problem is insidious as it is not obvious when it has set in. An optional neutral density filter would easliy solve the problem (and protect the PM).
The flat field lamp has failed on two of my runs now. There should be spares readily to hand and clear instructions for replacement [Lisa handled the problem very well on both occasions]. Checking that the FF lamp is working and properly aligned should be part of the set up routine - maybe it already is.
The printer at HP does not respond - this made data assessment difficult between summit and HP. This was compounded by the toner giving out on the summit printer and no new cartridge available.
Gecko continues to work superbly and support, as always, was first class.
I cannot understand why observers must continue to travel to the summit rather than work from Kamuela. There were in fact two CFH staff in the dome for the first three nights so safety was not an issue.
Anyway, after some 24 years of travelling to the summit I am calling it quits until remote observing is available.
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