Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jul 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002hst..prop.9694b&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #9694
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Hst Proposal Id #9694
Scientific paper
V838 Mon, which burst upon the astronomical scene in January 2002, is a completely unanticipated new kind of object: it has undergone an outburst somewhat similar to that of an extremely slow nova, but its spectrum is unique and totally unlike that of any type of nova. Knowledge of the distance and luminosity of this unexpected object is crucial to understanding its nature and origin. A rapidly evolving light echo around V838 Mon was detected from the ground by Henden in February, and provides us with the means to make a direct geometric determination of the distance through polarimetric imaging. We submitted a DD proposal to obtain polarimetry of the light echo with ACS, and the program was approved for 2 orbits {GO/DD-9587}. Our first one-orbit visit, on 2002 April 30, provided spectacular B-band images of the light echo, with at least 11 distinct rings {corresponding to sheets of interstellar material in the line of sight, and/or structures in circumstellar material}. On the basis of this initial image, we submitted a second DD proposal {``Part II''}, which was approved for one additional orbit {GO/DD-9588}. Our 2nd, two-orbit visit was on 2002 May 20, and consisted of polarimetric imaging in B and V, and direct imaging in I. These results were even more spectacular, and will be the basis for a forthcoming press release. The purpose of this supplemental request {``Part III''} is to ask for four more visits between now and the beginning of Cycle 12, for a total of 15 additional orbits. The urgency for obtaining the observations now arises from the expected fast decay of the surface brightness, which goes as t-1 for the ``superluminal'' material well away from the star, and as t-2 for circumstellar material. In addition to the distance determination, our observations will provide a 3-D map of the interstellar {or circumstellar} medium in the vicinity of V838 Mon. The approved program is for 2 visits, for a total of 9 orbits.
No associations
LandOfFree
HST Imaging Polarimetry of the Light Echo around V838 Monocerotis. Part III. does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with HST Imaging Polarimetry of the Light Echo around V838 Monocerotis. Part III., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and HST Imaging Polarimetry of the Light Echo around V838 Monocerotis. Part III. will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-733811