VIRAC
SAC meeting April 10-11, 2000
FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT:
Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center - VIRAC
Scientific Advisory Council - SAC
Third Meeting: April 10-11, 2000; Riga and Ventspils, Latvia
TIME:
This message is to
inform you that planning is underway for the Third Meeting of the VIRAC
SAC, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, April 10 and 11, 2000. Although
the exact schedule is not yet defined, it is expected that the meeting
will begin in Riga at 14:00 hours on April 10, (allowing for arrivals
in the morning); and will include a visit to the antenna site at Irbene,
near Ventspils (leaving Riga in the morning of April 11, and returning
to Riga in the morning of Wednesday, April 12).
COOPERATING
INSTITUTES:
The agreement on co-operation in VIRAC radio astronomy was signed in Stockholm
in February 1996, involving The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (KVA),
VIRAC (through the Latvian Academy of Sciences), Onsala Space Observatory
in Sweden, and Russian space science institutes, represented by the KOSMION
organization. That agreement also set up the
Scientific Advisory Council, for the task of establishing scientific programs
and priorities. The current chairperson is D.Dravins, and the scientific
secretary is J.Zagars – both elected until the end of February, 2001.
ATTENDANCE:
Similar to the previous meetings, an invitation to attend is being extended
not only to the individuals formally representing the
collaborating organizations, but also to other scientists, and at other
institutes, who might have a potential interest in VIRAC-related activities,
such as future VLBI programs.
GENERAL
VIRAC INFORMATION
The first meeting
of the VIRAC SAC was held on November 11-12, 1996, and the second on June
15-16, 1998.
The general VIRAC information (including minutes from the previous SAC
meetings) is available at http://www.astr.lu.lv/virac/virac.htm.
The Second Announcement,
to be circulated early next year, will contain more details about the
meeting. Your suggestions for items to be included on the agenda are very
welcome.
TRAVEL
INFORMATION:
For general travel and tourist information about Latvia and Riga, see,
e.g., http://www.latnet.lv/ or http://www.inyourpocket.com/Latvia/index.htm
. For Ventspils city and tourist information, go to http://www.ventspils.lv/index_e.htm
and http://www.inyourpocket.com/Latvia/Riga_ventspils.htm.
RECENT
AND CURRENT VIRAC ACTIVITIES:
Main progress since the previous VIRAC SAC meeting in June 1998 include:
* A new antenna feed was designed and built in Riga and successfully installed
on the 32-meter antenna in late 1998; increasing antenna efficiency at
11 GHz by an order of magnitude.
* Computerized data acquisition went into operation in late 1998.
* Work continues on the computerized pointing & tracking system.
* An issue of the "Latvian Journal of Physical and Technical Sciences"
(No.6, 1998) was largely devoted to papers about the RT-32 antenna.
* The *legal* infrastructure of the VIRAC observatory was completed in
September 1998. VIRAC is now the legal owner of the buildings and 50 hectares
of land.
* In mid-1999, a position was created as the director's deputy at the
antenna site.
* Regular solar observations were started with the 32-m antenna in mid-1999,
and the partial solar eclipse of August 11 was successfully observed (at
10.6 GHz).
* Preparations are in progress to participate in a 327 MHz Eurasian VLBI
campaign in late 1999. To avoid dismounting exisiting antenna components,
a simple crossed dipole will be placed in the secondary focus. The use
of Mark II receiver equipment is expected.
* Latvian funding has been obtained in 1999 to restore the operation of
also the smaller 16-meter antenna, and the work has started.
* However, a continued item of concern remains the *physical* infrastructure,
i.e. living and working conditions at the antenna site itself, for which
it has not yet been possbile to find adequate funding. For campaigns such
as the 327 MHz VLBI, it is expected that visitors will be housed at the
Liepene camping, some 10 km away.
* News items will be announced at the improved VIRAC web site: http://www.astr.lu.lv/virac/news.htm.
Lund
and Riga, September 6, 1999
Dainis Dravins, VIRAC SAC chairperson
Lund Observatory, Box 43, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
e-mail: dainis@astro.lu.se
Juris Zagars, VIRAC SAC scientific secretary
Institute of Astronomy, Raina Bulvaris 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
e-mail: yzh@acad.latnet.lv
SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT:
Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center - VIRAC
Scientific Advisory Council - SAC
Third Meeting: April 10-11, 2000; Riga and Ventspils, Latvia
TIME
AND LOCATION: This message is to confirm the information given
in
the First Announcement sent out last year,
that the
**********************************************************************
Third Meeting of the VIRAC SAC will take place
-- Monday April 10, 2000, starting at 14:00 hours
-- Tuesday April 11, ending at 13:00 hours,
in the building of the Latvian Academy of Sciences (Akademijas Laukums
1, Riga).
**********************************************************************
The first half of the meeting will be at 14:00-18:00 hours on April 10,
(allowing for arrivals to Riga in the morning), continued by a joint dinner
at some central Riga restaurant in the evening. The SAC meeting will conclude
with its second session in Riga on April 11, at 09:00-13:00.
Afterwards, it will be possible to visit the VIRAC antenna site at Irbene,
near Ventspils. Transportation (car or minibus) will be
arranged to leave Riga around 15:00 on Tuesday afternoon, going to Ventspils
city (190 km) for first an overnight stay, and then an antenna visit until
noon of the next day, returning to Riga around 15:00 in the afternoon
of Wednesday, April 12.
ATTENDANCE:
Similar to the previous meetings, an invitation to attend is being extended
not only to the individuals formally representing the
collaborating organizations in Latvia, Sweden and Russia, but also to
other scientists, and at other institutes, who might have a potential
interest in VIRAC-related activities, such as future VLBI programs.
------------------------
PRELIMINARY AGENDA:
FIRST SESSION (April 10): The 32-meter antenna properties
and performance; developments since the previous SAC meeting.
* Antenna pointing & tracking; Experience from the first VLBI observations.
(Bezrukov, Sika)
* New feed for 11 GHz; Modifications for 327 MHz, CCD guiding system,
etc. (Abele, Balodis, Ozolins, Vilks)
* Test results of the new optical encoder system of RT-32 (Abele, Ozols,
Pavenis)
* Receiver development; Requirements for single-dish and VLBI observations
(Ozolins)
* Data acquisition; Computerized system; Experiences with Mark II; future
needs (Bezrukov)
* Ongoing restoration work of the 16-meter antenna (Bervalds, Ozolins,
Sika, Zagars)
* Fulfilment of the recomendations of the SAC-2 meeting. The antenna site
today: VIRAC is now the legal owner of 50 hectares of land; New position
as the director's deputy; Efforts to limit the electricity costs; Continued
problems with the physical infrastructure; etc. (Bervalds)
SECOND SESSION (April 11): First scientific single-dish
and interferometry observations with the 32-meter antenna; Future plans.
* Solar observations with the 32-m antenna; The partial solar eclipse
of August 11, 1999 (10.6 GHz); Solar VLBI (327 MHz); Future priorities.
(Ryabov)
* The first VLBI observations (327 MHz) at VIRAC in November 1999; Data
reduction, data bases, and future VLBI plans. (Molotov, Ozolins, Ryabov,
Shmeld)
* Potential for single-dish and interferometry observations of methanol
& OH masers. (Booth, Bervalds, Ozolins, Slysh, Bezrukov, Shmeld)
* Radio background noise at the Irbene site at 10,6 GHz and 312 MHz.(Ozolins)
* Collaboration between VIRAC and the Latvian Telecommunication State
Inspection. (Bogens, Postnieks)
* GPS, remote sensing & geophysics at Irbene. (Bervalds, Kaminskis,
Laposka, Zagars)
* Further international contacts: JIVE and other. (Berzins) Possibilities
for VIRAC to become [an associated?] member of the
European VLBI network. (Booth)
* Priorities and recommendations for future single-dish observing programs:
methanol masers, and other. (Booth)
* Plans for the Nordic-Baltic Summer School in Radio Astronomy, to be
held in Ventspils, July 2001. (Dravins)
* Possible coordinated grant applications. Consequences of Latvia now
joining various EU programs (5th Framework; INTAS, etc.). Possible applications
to private foundations (Ford, Wallenberg?) for a new laboratory building
(and/or other facilities) at the antenna site? (Dravins)
QUESTIONNAIRE
Please return this answer slip below as soon as practical, but *no later
than February 29* (to dainis@astro.lu.se), indicating your preferences,
and marking [X] the applicable options:
----------------------cut here------------------------
VIRAC Scientific Advisory Council - SAC
Third Meeting: April 10-11, 2000
NAME:.................
I expect to be able to attend the following meeting parts:
[ ] First session, Monday April 10, 14:00-18:00
[ ] Dinner on April 10, 19:00-21:00 (cost about LVL 4)
[ ] Second session, Tuesday April 11, 09:00-13:00
[ ] Trip to Ventspils and the antenna site: from Riga on Tuesday April
11, at 15:00, returning on Wednesday afternoon April 12
[ ] I will require accomodation in Ventspils on Tuesday night April 11
[ ] Other - please specify
----------------------cut here------------------------
Lund
and Riga, February 9, 2000
Dainis Dravins, VIRAC SAC chairperson
Lund Observatory, Box 43, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
e-mail: dainis@astro.lu.se
Juris Zagars, VIRAC SAC scientific secretary
Institute of Astronomy, Raina Bulvaris 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
e-mail: yzh@acad.latnet.lv
Ventspils International
Radio Astronomy CenterScientific
Advisory Council - SAC
MINUTES
from the third meeting of the VIRAC SAC April 10-11, 2000; Riga, Latvia
Organizations
represented:
Estonia:
Tartu Observatory
Latvia:
Daugavpils Pedagogical University Institute for Geodesy and Geoinformation,
University of Latvia Institute of Astronomy, University of Latvia Institute
of Physical Energetics Institute of Radioelectronics, Riga Technical University
Latvian Academy of Sciences VIRAC
The
Netherlands: Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe, Dwingeloo
Russia:
Astro Space Center, Lebedev Physical Institute, Moscow
Sweden:
Lund Observatory Onsala Space Observatory, Chalmers University of Technology
Total
number of participants: 38
FIRST
SESSION: Monday April 10, 2000, 14:00-18:15
Main
topics: The 32-meter antenna properties and performance; Activities at
the Irbene site; Developments since the previous SAC meeting; Outlook
to activities elsewhere.
Opening
of the meeting: 14:00 D.Dravins opens the meeting.
Welcome:
14:05 On behalf of Latvian Academy of Sciences, Prof. J.Stradins, its
president, welcomes the participants and guests of the meeting.
Appointment
of functionaries for the meeting, and other formalities:
14:15 Chairperson - D.Dravins; Meeting Secretaries I.Vilks and J.Zagars;
Two persons to check the written minutes- L.Zacs and K.Berzins. No changes
or additions are made to the agenda. The minutes of the previous SAC meeting
are unanimously confirmed. Greetings are forwarded from Tonu Viik (Tartu
Observatory), Leonid Matveenko (Moscow) and Kees van’t Klooster (ESA-ESTEC,
Netherlands).
Antenna
pointing & tracking:
14:20 D.Bezrukov reports on antenna pointing and tracking and experience
from the first VLBI observations. R. Booth discusses with D.Bezrukov the
influence of the wind to the pointing and tracking of the antenna.
Receiver
developments; Requirements for single-dish and VLBI observations:
14:32 G.Ozolins reports on the new feed for 11 GHz and modifications for
327 MHz. D.Dravins acknowledges the significant effort that has been done
to build new feedhorns. R.Booth discusses with G.Ozolins and D.Bezrukov
the effects produced by feedhorn offset, and the use of 327 MHz frequency.
15:03 G.Balodis reports on receiver development and requirements for single-dish
and VLBI observations. R.Booth discusses with G.Balodis what would be
the better solution for future feedhorns and the possibility of removing
the secondary mirror for some types of observations. M.Abele comments
on the technological possibilities to build the proposed feedhorns. D.Dravins
discusses with G.Ozolins about the lowered antenna efficiency at some
wavelengths and configurations.
Test
results of the new optical encoder and CCD guiding systems of RT-32: 15:20
M.Abele reports on the test results of the new optical encoders. A.Pavenis
comments on the accuracy of the new and old encoders. 15:28 I.Vilks reports
on CCD guiding system of RT-32. D.Dravins discusses with I.Vilks the possibility
to eliminate the positioning errors of a few arcseconds. R.Booth suggests
to use methanol masers to control the shift of the radio-telescope dish.
Data
acquisition; Computerized system; Experiences with Mark II; future needs:
15:34 D.Bezrukov reports on data acquisition with the computerized control
system and about experiences with Mark II and future needs. R.Booth,
G.Balodis and B.Ryabov discuss the possible influence of beam-diagram
sidelobes and refraction. L.Gurvits suggests to use the standard astronomical
data acquisition and processing system AIPS (or AIPS++).
GPS,
remote sensing & geophysics: 15: 45 J.Zagars reports on GPS, remote
sensing and geophysics at Irbene. R.Booth discusses with J.Zagars about
the possibility to use GPS data to investigate tropospheric disturbances.
16:03
– 16:25 Coffee break. An exhibition of publications from VIRAC, including
the recently started preprint series, is shown. At the end of the break,
D.Dravins scratches the microphone asking participants to take their seats.
Radio
background noise at the Irbene site: 16:28 G.Ozolins reports on radio
background noise at the Irbene site at 10.6 GHz and 312 MHz. R.Booth discusses
with L.Gurvits the role of VIRAC in EVN, the European VLBI Network.
Fulfillment
of the recommendations of the SAC-2 meeting; the antenna site today:
16:40 E.Bervalds reports on fulfillment of the recommendations of the
SAC-2 meeting and the development of the antenna site. He also reports
on ongoing restoration work of the 16-meter antenna. D.Dravins comments
on the suggested bank loan possibility and risks connected with it. R.Booth
stresses that the attempt to apply for money is a positive step.
The
European VLBI Network: A user-oriented facility:
17:00 L.Gurvits reports on the European VLBI Network. D.Dravins discusses
with L.Gurvits about the advantages and price of a Mark IV recorder.
European
VLBI: Studies of spectral lines:
17:39 R.Booth reports on studies of spectral lines with European VLBI.
D.Dravins comments on the availability of VLBI data to a broad audience.
VIRAC
international contacts:
18:00 K.Berzins reports on VIRAC's international contacts. D.Dravins discusses
with K.Berzins the factors limiting the development of radio astronomy
in Latvia.
Nordic-Baltic
Summer School in Radio Astronomy, to be held in Ventspils, July 2001:
18:06 D.Dravins reports on plans for the Nordic-Baltic Summer School in
Radio Astronomy, planned to be held in Ventspils, July 2001. R.Booth suggests
to use all possibilities to join different international radio astronomy
schools.
18:15
The first session of the meeting is closed. Many of the participants take
part in the joint dinner afterwards.
SECOND
SESSION: Tuesday April 11, 2000, 09:00-13:00
Main
topics: First scientific single-dish and interferometry observations with
the 32-meter antenna; Activities elsewhere; Future plans.
Solar
observations with the 32-m antenna:
9:05 B.Ryabov reports about the series of solar observations that are
being carried out with the 32-m antenna. These include observations during
the partial solar eclipse of August 11, 1999 (at 10.6 GHz, 2.8 cm), and
the mapping of solar active regions. Low values of radio flux seem to
coincide with filament regions of horizontal magnetic fields. Solar observations
were also made during the low-frequency VLBI run last November. The discussion
includes R.Booth (on antenna diffraction patterns) and D.Dravins (on the
potential of solar observations during the planned Nordic-Baltic summer
school).
The
first VLBI observations (327 MHz) at VIRAC in November 1999;
Data reduction, data bases, and future plans in the LFVN [Low-Frequency
VLBI Network] 9:30 I.Molotov presents results from low-frequency VLBI
observations, carried out within the framework of an INTAS programme.
Radar techniques have been used to study planetary-system objects. Data
reduction from Mk-II systems are carried out in Nyzhnij Novgorod.
I.Shmeld
presents the VIRAC contributions during the recent VLBI run, using Mk-II
equipment. The antenna pointing and tracking performed without any problems
throughout the campaign, and a noise temperature of 80 K was obtained.
Although RT-32 is not optimized for low frequencies, for future runs,
extra dipoles should increase its effective area from 70 to 200 m2.
The discussions includes R.Booth (on antenna calibrations and registration),
L.Gurvits (on the number of baselines covered); and D.Dravins (on the
use of radar techniques).
Potential
for single-dish and interferometry observations of methanol & OH masers:
10:00 I.Shmeld discusses observations of hydroxyl masers around supergiant
and Mira-type stars, as well as methanol masers. There are common interests
with astronomers at Sternberg Institute in Moscow; and also with Torun,
from where some advice on the design of the secondary-focus horn is being
obtained.
10:15 G.Ozolins continues to discuss possibilities for methanol maser
observations with the RT-32 antenna. A main current limitation is the
lack of suitable spectral backends. The discussion includes R.Booth (stressing
need for a coherent program: the RT-32, a Cassegrain antenna, is much
better suited to methanol observations than to low-frequency work. What
is needed are spectrometers and other electronics. Onsala will try to
help in these matters)
VLBI
multi-frequency receiving system on RT-64; results from observations with
the VLBI Space Observatory [HALCA]
10:35 B.Kanevsky tells about the Kalyazin RT-64 antenna (some 200 km north
from Moscow), and its multi-frequency VLBI receiver. For joint observations
with VIRAC, 18 cm and 6 cm would be the most suitable. Receiving equipment
could be made available from Kalyazin. The discussion includes B.Ryabov
(on the practical issues of obtaining such equipment), E.Bervalds (confirming
that the secondary does not have to be dismounted for long-wavelength
observations) and G.Ozolins (on electronics).
Coffee
break
Possible
ways for VIRAC to become a member of the European VLBI network:
11:35 R.Booth discusses various possibilities for VIRAC to become more
closely involved with EVN, the European VLBI network. The VIRAC director
will be invited to the forthcoming meeting of EVN directors in Helsinki.
VLBI is a very promising area of astrophysics. There exists a lot of used,
but still very useful equipment in western radio observatories, that might
be made available to VIRAC.
L.Gurvits continues the presentation, agreeing with R.Booth. For VIRAC,
an upgrade of the equipment for shorter wavelengths, and compatability
with Mark-IV is highly recommended. A data recording capability with Mk-IV
is of strategic importance in order for VIRAC to become a full partner
of EVN, and to utilize the European correlator facility in the Netherlands.
Although Mk-IV equipment is expensive (perhaps 0.5 M EUR), funding could
be sought internationally. However, it is important that astronomers associated
with VIRAC propose VLBI programmes irrespective of the status of RT-32:
EVN would welcome such applications.
Recommendations
for future single-dish observing programs: methanol masers, and other:
11:56 R.Booth welcomes solar observations, not least because the solar-cycle
rise in activity fosters the interest. Spectral-line observations are
also recommended: the best would be to have a digital spectrometer. It
may even be possible to have students building one (by modifying a sufficiently
fast personal computer). One could search for new maser sources, and study
their variability, perhaps at 6.7 GHz. Receivers are offered from Westerbork
(Netherlands) for 6 cm: such offers should be followed up. It is, however,
frustrating that VIRAC observes at the long wavelength of 92 cm with the
high-quality and precise RT-32 antenna. Shorter wavelengths would be better,
in order to do more competitive science (also in view of the fact that,
in practice, the secondary subreflector cannot be removed). The problems
with equipment are real, but are to be solved. The discussion includes
D.Dravins (to identify the general priorities), B.Kanevsky (proposing
to create a committee for various technical issues), B.Ryabov, and others.
Possible
coordinated grant applications.
Effects of Latvia now having joined various EU programs (5:th Framework;
INTAS, etc.)
12:26 D.Dravins discusses funding possibilities, in particular from EU
programmes, and from private foundations. Latvia joined INTAS as of March
15, 2000, becoming a full funding member on the same level as e.g. Sweden
or the Netherlands. For grant programmes at the Swedish Academy of Sciences,
it is important that there is a well-defined scientific aim, and a scientific
collaborator in Sweden. The discussion includes J.Zagars, I.Molotov, L.Gurvits
and B.Ryabov.
The
next SAC meeting, and terms of office for the SAC chairperson and scientific
secretary:
Current terms of office for the SAC chairperson (D.Dravins) and the SAC
scientific secretary (J.Zagars) run until February 2001. Since the next
SAC meeting is expected to be held only later in 2001, these terms were
extended up to, and including that next SAC meeting, when a new election
will be held.
----------------------------------------------------------
Resolutions
and recommendations
The
following statements and resolutions were discussed and unanimously adopted
at the Third Meeting of the VIRAC Scientific Advisory Council:
*
The SAC notes, with satisfaction, the considerable progress in antenna
technology that has been made, and in the scientific programmes that have
now begun. In the near future, one may expect the first publication in
a major journal, of scientific results obtained with the RT-32 antenna.
* However, the SAC also regrets to note that, because of funding shortage,
it has not yet been possible to significantly improve the local physical
infrastructure, i.e. the living and working conditions at the Irbene antenna
site.
As
priorities for the near future, the SAC recommends:
A.
Instrumentation: (1) Utilize radio astronomy equipment made available
by different international partners.
(2) Coordinate and submit funding applications for key components not
otherwise available, in particular for Mk-IV electronics, which will be
required for VIRAC to become a full member of the European VLBI network.
B.
Scientific Programme:
(1) SAC supports the continuation of the single-dish and interferometric
scientific programmes already started at VIRAC.
(2) SAC encourages the scientific participation in international VLBI
programmes by scientists associated with VIRAC and other institutes.
C.
Infrastructure:
(1) It remains of high priority to improve the local and technical infrastructure
at the antenna site.
(2) SAC expresses the need for a high-speed Internet connection to the
antenna site, in view of foreseen joint observing programmes, the foreseen
international summer school, and other activities.
----------------------------------------------------------
Close
of meeting:
13:00 D.Dravins closed the meeting.
Some
participants take part in a study visit to the antenna site, continuing
until the next day.
Minutes
signed:
SAC
chairman: D.Dravins
Meeting secretaries: I.Vilks (First session), J.Zagars (Second session)
The minutes checked: K.Berzins, L. Zac |
