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First results of the ISO-LWS parallel and serendipity observing modes

E. Caux  & F. Vivares 

Centre d'Etudes Spatiales des Rayonnements, BP 4346, F-31028 Toulouse cedex 4, France




The LWS Parallel Observing Mode (in use when another instrument than LWS is prime during routine pointed observations), and the LWS Serendipity Observing Mode (in use when the satellite is slewing from one source to another), allow to probe the Interstellar Medium, particularly along the galactic ridge. We present here some preliminary results of these observing modes and the calibration and data processing procedures. In these observing modes, all LWS mechanisms are frozen, and using part of the housekeeping telemetry, we transmit to the ground one information per detector and per second. This allows to obtain every second, during the whole orbit, a spectrum of the position aimed by ISO in ten narrow wavebands ( $\lambda~/~\Delta\lambda~\sim~250$), between 46$\mu$m and 178$\mu$m. The Parallel Observing Mode is optimum when the prime instrument is performing a raster observation, allowing LWS to map the sky emission in its ten narrow wavebands. In the Serendipity Observing Mode, the satellite velocity is $\leq~7^{\circ}$/minute, leading to a virtual field of view of about 70" x 490". The numerous slews of ISO during his life will allow to build a catalog of cold far infrared sources.


next up previous contents index
Next: Some peculiarities of the Up: Poster Session A Instruments Previous: Stratospheric observatory for infrared
"The Universe as seen by ISO", 20 - 23 October 1998, Paris: Abstract Book