Arthur J. Bradley

Astrometry with the Hubble Space Telescope: A Parallax of the Fundamental Distance Calibrator RR Lyrae*

We present an absolute parallax and relative proper motion for the fundamental distance scale calibrator � Cep. We obtain these with astrometric data from FGS 3, a white-light interferometer on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Utilizing spectrophotometric estimates of the absolute parallaxes of our astrometric reference stars and constrainingCep and reference star HD 213307 to belong to the same association (Cep OB6), we findabs = 3.66 � 0.15 mas. The larger than typical astrometric residuals for the nearby astrome- tric reference star HD 213307 are found to satisfy Keplerian motion with P = 1.07 � 0.02 yr, a perturbation and period that could be due to an F0 V companion � 7 mas distant from and � 4 mag fainter than the pri- mary. Spectral classifications and VRIJHKT2M and DDO51 photometry of the astrometric reference frame surroundingCep indicate that field extinction is high and variable along this line of sight. However the extinction suffered by the reference star nearest (in angular separation and distance) toCep, HD 213307, is lower and nearly the same as forCep. Correcting for color differences, we find hAVi = 0.23 � 0.03 for � Cep and hence an absolute magnitude MV = � 3.47 � 0.10. Adopting an average V magnitude, hVi = 15.03 � 0.03, for Cepheids with log P = 0.73 in the large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) from Udalski et al., we find a V-band distance modulus for the LMC, mM = 18.50 � 0.13, or 18.58 � 0.15, where the lat- ter value results from a highly uncertain metallicity correction. These agree with our previous RR Lyr HST parallax-based determination of the distance modulus of the LMC.

Precise masses for wolf 1062 AB from hubble space telescope interferometric astrometry and Mcdonald observatory radial velocities

We present an analysis of astrometric data from Fine Guidance Sensor 3 (FGS 3), a white-light interferometer on HST , and of radial velocity data from two ground-based campaigns. We model the astrometric and radial velocity measurements simultaneously to obtain parallax, proper motion, and component masses for Wolf 1062 (Gl 748; M3.5 V). To derive the mass fraction, we relate FGS 3 fringe scanning observations of the science target to a reference frame provided by fringe tracking observations of a surrounding star —eld. We obtain an absolute parallax mas) yielding (n abs \ 98.0 ^ 0.4 M A \ 0.379 and high-quality component masses with errors of only 1.5%. ^ 0.005 M _ M B \ 0.192 ^ 0.003 M _ ,

Astrometry with The Hubble Space Telescope: A Parallax of the Central Star of the Planetary Nebula NGC 6853

We present an absolute parallax and relative proper motion for the central star of the planetary nebula NGC 6853 (the Dumbbell). We obtain these with astrometric data from the Fine Guidance Sensor 3, a white-light interferometer on the Hubble Space Telescope. Spectral classifications and VRIJHKT2M and DDO51 photometry of the stars making up the astrometric reference frame provide spectrophotometric estimates of their absolute parallaxes. Introducing these into our model as observations with error, we find πabs = 2.10 ± 0.48 mas for the DAO central star of NGC 6853. A weighted average with a previous ground-based USNO determination yields πabs = 2.40 ± 0.32. We assume that the extinction suffered by the reference stars nearest (in angular separation and distance) to the central star is the same as for the central star. Correcting for color differences, we find AV = 0.30 ± 0.06 for the central star, hence, an absolute magnitude MV = 5.48. A recent determination of the central star effective temperature aided in estimating the central star radius, R* = 0.055 ± 0.02 R⊙, a star that may be descending to the white dwarf cooling track.

Interferometric Astrometry of the Detached White Dwarf-M Dwarf Binary Feige 24 Using HST Fine Guidance Sensor 3: White Dwarf Radius and Component Mass Estimates*

With Hubble Space Telescope Fine Guidance Sensor 3 we have determined a parallax for the white dwarf–M dwarf interacting binary, Feige 24. The white dwarf (DA) component has an effective temperature Teff ~ 56,000 K. A weighted average with past parallax determinations (πabs = 14.6 ± 0.4 mas) narrows the range of possible radius values, compared with past estimates. We obtain RDA = 0.0185 ± 0.0008 R⊙ with uncertainty in the temperature and bolometric correction the dominant contributors to the error. Fine Guidance Sensor 3 photometry provides a light curve entirely consistent with reflection effects. A recently refined model mass-luminosity relation for low-mass stars provides a mass estimate for the M dwarf companion, MdM = 0.37 ± 0.20 M⊙, where the mass range is due to metallicity and age uncertainties. Radial velocities from Vennes and Thorstensen provide a mass ratio from which we obtain MDA = 0.49 M⊙. Independently, our radius and recent log g determinations yield 0.44 M⊙ < MDA < 0.47 M⊙. In each case, the minimum DA mass is that derived by Vennes & Thorstensen from their radial velocities and Keplerian circular orbits with i ≤ 90°. Locating Feige 24 on an (M, R)-plane suggests a carbon core. Our radius and these mass estimates yield a value of γgrav inconsistent with that derived by Vennes & Thorstensen. We speculate on the nature of a third component whose existence would resolve the discrepancy.

The first definitive binary orbit determined with the Hubble Space Telescope fine guidance sensors: Wolf 1062 (Gliese 748)

The M dwarf binary, Wolf 1062 (Gliese 748), has been observed with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Fine Guidance Sensor 3 in the transfer function scan mode to determine the apparent orbit. This is the first orbit defined fully and exclusively with HST, and is the most accurate definitive orbit for any resolved, noneclipsing system. The orbital period is 2.4490 ± 0.0119 yr and the semimajor axis is 01470 ± 00007—both quantities are now known to better than 1%. Using the weighted mean of seven parallax measurements and these HST data, we find the system mass to be 0.543 ± 0.031 M⊙, where the error of 6% is due almost entirely to the parallax error. An estimated fractional mass from the infrared brightness ratio and infrared mass-luminosity relation yields a mass for the primary of 0.37 M⊙, and the secondary falls in the regime of very low mass stars, with a mass of only 0.17 M⊙.

The Distance to the Hyades Cluster Based on Hubble Space Telescope Fine Guidance Sensor Parallaxes

Trigonometric parallax observations made with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) 3 of seven Hyades members in six fields of view have been analyzed along with their proper motions to determine the distance to the cluster. Knowledge of the convergent point and mean proper motion of the Hyades is critical to the derivation of the distance to the center of the cluster. Depending on the choice of the proper-motion system, the derived cluster center distance varies by 9%. Adopting a reference distance of 46.1 pc or m - M = 3.32, which is derived from the ground-based parallaxes in the General Catalogue of Trigonometric Stellar Parallaxes (1995 edition), the FK5/PPM proper-motion system yields a distance 4% larger, while the Hanson system yields a distance 2% smaller. The HST FGS parallaxes reported here yield either a 14% or 5% larger distance, depending on the choice of the proper-motion system. Orbital parallaxes (Torres et al.) yield an average distance 4% larger than the reference distance. The variation in the distance derived from the HST data illustrates the importance of the proper-motion system and the individual proper motions to the derivation of the distance to the Hyades center; therefore, a full utilization of the HST FGS parallaxes awaits the establishment of an accurate and consistent proper-motion system.

Astrometric performance characteristics of the Hubble Space Telescope fine guidance sensors

Each of the three Fine Guidance Sensors for the Hubble Space Telescope constitutes a sixth science instrument to be used for astrometry. We detail the tests and results used in choosing one of the three sensors to be the prime astrometer. The Astrometry Science team has chosen Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) 3. FGS 3 produces position measurements on a star with V=17 with a per-axis precision of 0.003 arcsec. The interferometer response function should permit double-star astrometry at least down to V=16 for the central region of FGS 3. In a ten-hour test of the stability of POS-mode astrometric measurements made in FGS 3, we found no scale or orientation variations greater than two parts in 105. During this same time period, we found no statistically significant systematic guide star radial separation changes. Spacecraft jitter is found to be the prime determinant of astrometry success or failure.

Working with a space-based optical interferometer: HST Fine Guidance Sensor 3 small-field astrometry

Space-based interferometry already exists. We describe our experiences with on-orbit calibration and scientific observations with Fine Guidance Sensor 3 (FGS 3), a white- light interferometer aboard Hubble Space Telescope. Our goal, 1 millisecond of arc precision small-field astrometry, has been achieved, but not without significant challenges. These included a mechanically noisy on-orbit environment, the self-calibration of FGS 3, and significant temporal changes in our instrument. Solutions included a denser set of drift check stars for each science observation, fine- tuning exposure times, overlapping field observations and analyses for calibration, and a continuing series of trend- monitoring observations. HST FGS 3 will remain a competitive astrometric tool for faint targets in crowded fields and for faint small-separation binaries until the advent of large- aperture, ground-based and longer-baseline space-based interferometers.

Post-launch experience of the Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is an orbiting astronomical observatory, designed to operate as close as possible to ground based instrumentation, given the limitation of operating in a low earth orbit. The spacecraft design had to accommodate an absolute pointing accuracy of 0.01 arc seconds, a relative pointing stability of 0.007 arc seconds rms, the capability to maneuver 90 degrees in 18 minutes, and operate autonomously in a safemode control scheme for up to 72 hours. Furthermore, the design had to provide for a flexible, stored command methodology, and real-time command capability. This paper briefly reviews the spacecraft engineering hardware and software design. A detailed critique of the on-orbit performance of the spacecraft is provided. Enhancements and work-around, which have enabled HST to continue implementation of a successful science plan, are explained.

HST: Pre-Servicing Mission Overview and Servicing Mission Results

Abstract The first Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing mission was successfully completed on December 10, 1993. Because HST was designed from the start to allow servicing, the servicing mission was the culmination of many years of planning. The mission validated the servicing concept and confirmed the procedures developed by ground system personnel during exhaustive mission preparation. This paper describes the HST Pointing Control System and the work-arounds to on-orbit hardware problems encountered before the servicing mission, summarizes the servicing mission training and procedures, and examines post-mission performance.