Daily Image
10-12-2010
First light for the French LOFAR station FR606 in Nançay
| Submitter: | Jean-Mathias Griessmeier |
| Description: | On 27 November 2010, after a long series of tests, the first astronomical observation of the Nançay LOFAR station was finally executed. It features the pulsar B1919+21, whose emission sweeps over the Earth once every 1.337 seconds. After dedispersion, integration of the signal between 42-53 MHz and accumulating data during 1 hour, the characteristic pulse profil is obtained (see image above). Even if the result will be improved by a precise station calibration (currently ongoing), the narrowness of the pulse is already impressive. In the future, the signal-to-noise ratio will be considerably improved by adding the observations of the Nançay LOFAR station coherently to those of the other 47 stations that are currently planned, under construction, or already operational! The first light of a telescope is always an important moment for the whole team, which is happy to have achieved this major step. Many people contributed to this effort, both in France and in the Netherlands. Thanks to all of them! From now on, we get ready... for more observations! |
| Copyright: | J.-M. Griessmeier, J. Hessels |
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