MIRC Observing Run 2011Dec

(STILL IN PREPARATION)

Observing Strategy 2011 Dec 2-7:
We would like to observe AB Aurigae (V=7.1, H=5.1) using MIRC-6T. The target is very high priority, so we should record data even if we have only some of the baselines or low SNR. Beyond 100m, the fringe contrast will likely be quite low (<0.2, see Tannirkulam et al. 2008). I propose the following setup, which would require POP changes around LST 03:43 and LST 06:39 (times computed with ASPRO2 for 2011/12/02). The time of dust and dawn are approximately LST 23:00 and 11:00:

=== POPs S1-S2-W1-W2-E1-E2 = 2-3-1-5-5-5:
S1-S2-W1-W2-E1-E2: LST 23:35-03:43

change POPs W1, E1, E2 (this will give another 2.5 hours of 6T-time; if the POP changes produce too much overhead, then you can also switch directly to the final POP-setup for the night which gives 5T coverage already starting at LST 02:07):

=== POPs S1-S2-W1-W2-E1-E2 = 2-3-3-5-1-3:
S1-S2-W1-W2-E1-E2: LST 03:48-06:17 (zenith transit between 04:41-05:13)
S1-S2-W1-W2-E2: LST 03:48-06:39

change POP S1, S2, W1, W2:

=== POPs S1-S2-W1-W2-E1-E2 = 1-2-5-5-1-2:
S1-S2-W2-E1-E2: LST 02:07-06:17 (zenith transit between 04:41-05:13)
S1-S2-W1-E1-E2: LST 05:42-08:00
S1-S2-E2-W1: LST 05:43-09:35
S1-S2-E1-E2: LST 01:48-10:08 (zenith transit between 04:41-05:13)

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Backup Strategy using CLIMB:

In case of poor conditions (or if it gets clear that AB Aurigae is absolutely not feasible with MIRC), we plan to switch to CLIMB to observe AB Aur and various others YSOs. For this case, I have listed different sequences below. We can access primary targets during any time of the night with any subtriplet (see possible observing sequence and triplet priorities below). In order observe the faint objects (V=10..12), we should try turning up the gain on the telescopes. Another trick is to acquire a bright, nearby star and to switch then to the target star.

If possible, obtain 3 CAL-SCI-CAL sequences on a given array configuration before moving to the next target star.

Possible observing sequence for three configuations: Media:ObsPlan.2011Dec.txt
For the priority of the different triplets, I would suggest E1-W1-W2 (priority 1), E1-E2-W2 (priority 2), and E2-W1-W2 (priority 3).

mircplan file:
Media:mircplan.CLIMB.2011Dec.txt

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Calibrator List
Media:Cal.2011Dec.txt
(contains also some VLTI calibrators with rather large diameter, so please be careful when selecting a calibrator)

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Observing Logs:
please put in here:
Media:CHARA_MIRC_2011Dec2.txt
Media:CHARA_MIRC_2011Dec3.txt
Media:CHARA_MIRC_2011Dec4.txt
Media:CHARA_MIRC_2011Dec5.txt
Media:CHARA_MIRC_2011Dec6.txt
Media:CHARA_MIRC_2011Dec7.txt

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CHARA-ID numbers for YSOs:

MWC 297 = CHARA 320030
MWC 340 = CHARA 320079
MWC 342 = CHARA 320106
MWC 300 = CHARA 320108
V1057 Cyg = CHARA 320109
V1977 Cyg = CHARA 320107
VV Ser = CHARA 320105
Lkha234 = CHARA 320080
MWC1080 = CHARA 320081
AS205A = CHARA 320093
MWC863 = CHARA 187041
HD141569 = CHARA 178551

command to search for CHARA-ID number on terminal window is: dbadd MWC863