The end of the ISO operations is soon coming, but for the SWS there is
life after helium exhaustion! Once helium exhaustion has been announced a
period of testing the satellite control systems begins (the Test & Technology
Phase, TTP), lasting approximately four weeks. Because it is probable the
SWS band 1 (2.4 to 4 micron) InSb detectors will operate at the elevated
temperatures expected during this period, the ISO Science Team (IST) has
approved an observing programme to make use of any vacant timeslots in the TTP
schedule. It is expected about 150 hours observing time will be made available
this way. Test observations using band 1 will go ahead straight after helium
exhaustion and, if successful, the programme will then begin.
The observing programme aimes at obtaining 2.4-4 micron scans at the
full grating resolution of all stars in the MK spectral classification
scheme, i.e. to extend this classification scheme to the infrared. In
addition, stars with cool dust shells, having an IRAS LRS
classification, will be added. These data will be very useful in
constructing templates for infrared spectra of unresolved clusters of
stars, for population synthesis work. The data will become public domain
as soon as data reduction is at a satisfactory level. An atlas of
stellar spectra will also be published.
For more information, please contact:
Rens Waters rensw@astro.uva.nl