Primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset optics
IntroductionAccurate primary beam calibration is essential for precise brightness measurements in radio astronomy. The VLA Low-band Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE) faces challenges in calibration due to the offset Cassegrain optics used in its commensal observing system. This study aims...
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| Format: | Article |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspas.2024.1497375/full |
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| author | Emil Polisensky Tracy E. Clarke Simona Giacintucci Wendy Peters |
| author_facet | Emil Polisensky Tracy E. Clarke Simona Giacintucci Wendy Peters |
| author_sort | Emil Polisensky |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionAccurate primary beam calibration is essential for precise brightness measurements in radio astronomy. The VLA Low-band Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE) faces challenges in calibration due to the offset Cassegrain optics used in its commensal observing system. This study aims to develop a novel calibration method to improve accuracy with no impact on the Very Large Array (VLA) primary science observations.MethodsWe used the apparent brightness of standard candles identified in VLITE’s commensal data to develop 1D and 2D primary beam response models. These models accounted for operational changes and asymmetries caused by the subreflector and were validated against holographic methods and compact source light curves.ResultsThe models achieved calibration accuracy within 3% across the field of view, significantly improving the precision of brightness measurements. The results were consistent with holography-derived solutions and performed reliably under different operational conditions.DiscussionThis improved calibration technique expands VLITE’s capabilities for studying active galactic nuclei, transients, and pulsars. It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional holographic methods, facilitating broader use in commensal observing systems. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c4e87cb08d3c4bbdaf2d7d121e5241fc |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2296-987X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-c4e87cb08d3c4bbdaf2d7d121e5241fc2024-12-18T06:44:09ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences2296-987X2024-12-011110.3389/fspas.2024.14973751497375Primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset opticsEmil PolisenskyTracy E. ClarkeSimona GiacintucciWendy PetersIntroductionAccurate primary beam calibration is essential for precise brightness measurements in radio astronomy. The VLA Low-band Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE) faces challenges in calibration due to the offset Cassegrain optics used in its commensal observing system. This study aims to develop a novel calibration method to improve accuracy with no impact on the Very Large Array (VLA) primary science observations.MethodsWe used the apparent brightness of standard candles identified in VLITE’s commensal data to develop 1D and 2D primary beam response models. These models accounted for operational changes and asymmetries caused by the subreflector and were validated against holographic methods and compact source light curves.ResultsThe models achieved calibration accuracy within 3% across the field of view, significantly improving the precision of brightness measurements. The results were consistent with holography-derived solutions and performed reliably under different operational conditions.DiscussionThis improved calibration technique expands VLITE’s capabilities for studying active galactic nuclei, transients, and pulsars. It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional holographic methods, facilitating broader use in commensal observing systems.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspas.2024.1497375/fullcalibrationastronomical opticsastronomical techniquesflux calibrationradio telescopesradio interferometry |
| spellingShingle | Emil Polisensky Tracy E. Clarke Simona Giacintucci Wendy Peters Primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset optics Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences calibration astronomical optics astronomical techniques flux calibration radio telescopes radio interferometry |
| title | Primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset optics |
| title_full | Primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset optics |
| title_fullStr | Primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset optics |
| title_full_unstemmed | Primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset optics |
| title_short | Primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset optics |
| title_sort | primary beam calibration for commensal telescopes utilizing offset optics |
| topic | calibration astronomical optics astronomical techniques flux calibration radio telescopes radio interferometry |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspas.2024.1497375/full |
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