Computer Science – Performance
Scientific paper
May 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010aas...21620001g&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #216, #200.01; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.843
Computer Science
Performance
Scientific paper
In this talk I review the characteristics of the Herschel Space Observatory, and briefly summarize the capabilities of its three science instruments. Herschel is a cornerstone mission of the European Space Agency (ESA), with major involvement from NASA. The PACS and SPIRE instruments are moderate resolution imaging spectrometers and photometers that together cover the decade in wavelength from 600 to 60 microns, with spectral resolution as high as 2000. HIFI is a single pixel dual-polarization heterodyne spectrometer that covers frequencies between 470 GHz and 1950 GHz (600 microns to 150 microns wavelength) with a maximum spectral resolution in excess of 1 million. Following launch (together with the Planck cosmology mission) on May 16, 2009, Herschel entered its L2 halo orbit, and once the telescope had cooled down, commissioning observations began. These tests were followed by a performance verification phase, and finally by the start of normal science observations in Fall 2009. The PACS and SPIRE instruments were brought into routine operation relatively smoothly, but HIFI suffered problems with a power supply, which delayed the start of science observations until February 2010. At the present time, instrumental performance is close to or better than that expected before launch. A science lifetime of 3 years in anticipated, limited by the liquid helium supply. The next call for general observing proposals closes on 22 July 2010.
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