using small radio telescopes for vlbi interferometry · 2006-05-01 · august 11, 2005 evarts - reu...

Using Small Radio Using Small Radio Telescopes for VLBI Telescopes for VLBI

InterferometryInterferometryEric R. EvartsEric R. Evarts

Brandeis UniversityBrandeis University

Mentored by Alan E. E. RogersMentored by Alan E. E. RogersMIT Haystack ObservatoryMIT Haystack Observatory

August 11, 2005 2Evarts - REU Final Presentation

OverviewOverview

Introduction to the Small Radio TelescopesIntroduction to the Small Radio TelescopesSoftware DevelopmentSoftware DevelopmentHardware and Software Testing of a new unitHardware and Software Testing of a new unitResults from the Small Radio Telescope Results from the Small Radio Telescope InterferometerInterferometer


Aim of the SRT ProgramAim of the SRT Program

Development of Development of inexpensive Small Radio inexpensive Small Radio TelescopesTelescopesDetermination of what Determination of what these Telescopes are these Telescopes are capablecapableExpansion to using more Expansion to using more than one Telescopethan one Telescope


Software DevelopmentSoftware Development

VLBI Software for controlling multiple VLBI Software for controlling multiple SRTsSRTsInterface with the current systemInterface with the current systemUsing C to “remote control” the SRTUsing C to “remote control” the SRTKeeping network use for file transfers to a Keeping network use for file transfers to a minimumminimum


Observations OverviewObservations Overview

Two Major BaselinesTwo Major BaselinesThe SunThe Sun

Short BaselineShort BaselineLong BaselineLong Baseline

Cygnus ACygnus ALong BaselineLong Baseline


The Sun The Sun –– Short BaselineShort Baseline


The Sun The Sun –– Long BaselineLong Baseline


Cygnus ACygnus A


Cygnus ACygnus A

Simulation to find best fitSimulation to find best fitMonte Carlo Least Squares Monte Carlo Least Squares fitfit

RA = 8.7 secRA = 8.7 secApproximate Error:Approximate Error:

∆∆RA = RA = ±± 3 sec3 secEquivalently: Equivalently: ±± 34.5 34.5 arcsecarcsec

Dec = Dec = --0.0625 min0.0625 minApproximate Error:Approximate Error:

∆∆Dec = Dec = ±± 1 min1 minEquivalently: Equivalently: ±± 60 60 arcsecarcsec

Relative StrengthRelative Strength

2.7 GHz map of Cygnus A from Alexander et al. 1984


Conclusions from the SummerConclusions from the Summer

Accomplished GoalsAccomplished GoalsCygnus ACygnus ASunSun

Beyond ExpectationsBeyond Expectations3 element “array”3 element “array”Unexpected phenomenaUnexpected phenomena


Where do we go from here?Where do we go from here?

True 3 element arrayTrue 3 element arrayCygnus and other similar systems at various Cygnus and other similar systems at various baselinesbaselinesThe Sun at 1.4 GHzThe Sun at 1.4 GHz


Special ThanksSpecial Thanks

Special Thanks for Help Special Thanks for Help Throughout the SummerThroughout the Summer

Alan EE RogersAlan EE RogersPreethiPreethi PratapPratapMark Mark DeromeDeromePhil Phil ShuteShuteRich JacksonRich JacksonKevin Kevin DudevoirDudevoir

Richard CrowleyRichard CrowleyRyan PowersRyan PowersJason Jason SoohooSoohooMadeline NeedlesMadeline NeedlesThe other REU StudentsThe other REU StudentsThe Entire Staff at The Entire Staff at HaystackHaystack

Questions?Questions?

using small radio telescopes for vlbi interferometry · 2006-05-01 · august 11, 2005 evarts - reu...

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