2005A&A...443..703S -
Astronomy and Astrophysics, volume 443, 703-707 (2005/11-4)
Optimal slit orientation for long multi-object spectroscopic exposures.
SZOKOLY G.P.
Abstract (from CDS):
Historically, long-slit spectroscopic observations were carried out using the parallactic angle for the slit orientation if slit loss was an important consideration (either to maximize the signal-to-noise or to do spectrophotometry). This requires periodic realignment of the slit position angle as the parallactic angle changes. This is not possible for multi-slit observations where one slit position angle must be chosen for the entire exposure. Common wisdom suggests using the parallactic angle at the meridian (HA=0). In this paper, I examine what the best strategy is for long, multi-slit exposures. I find that in extreme cases (very long exposure time) the best choice is to orient the slit perpendicular to the parallactic angle at the meridian. There are two effects to consider: the increasing dispersion with increasing airmass and the changing angle between the parallactic angle and the slit. In the case of traditional slit orientation, the two effects amplify each other, thus rendering a significant fraction of the observation useless. Using the perpendicular orientation, the two processes work against each other, thus most of the observation remains useful. I will use, as an example, our 8 h Lockman Hole observations using the Keck telescope, but generic methods are given to evaluate a particular observation. I also make the tools available to the community.
(Ref) Object type as listed in the reference "Ref"
(acronym) Object type linked to the acronym according to the original reference
() Anterior to 2007, before we can link the objet type to a reference, or given by the CDS team in some particular cases
Other object types:
reg
([SFD98])
Syntax of coordinates is : "ra dec (wtype) [error ellipse] quality bibcode" :
ra dec : right ascension and declination (unit and frame defined according to your Output Options)
Grey values are increasing the original precision due to the computation of frame transformations
(wtype) : wavelength class for the origin of the coordinates (Rad, mm, IR, Optical, UV, Xray, Gam)
[error ellipse] : measurement uncertainty, on (ra,dec) if the positional angle is 90 degrees, on (majaxis,minaxis) otherwise (in mas at defined epoch in the original catalogue),
position angle (in degrees North celestial pole to East)
Syntax of coordinates is : "ra dec (wtype) [error ellipse] quality bibcode" :
ra dec : right ascension and declination (unit and frame defined according to your Output Options)
Grey values are increasing the original precision due to the computation of frame transformations
(wtype) : wavelength class for the origin of the coordinates (Rad, mm, IR, Optical, UV, Xray, Gam)
[error ellipse] : measurement uncertainty, on (ra,dec) if the positional angle is 90 degrees, on (majaxis,minaxis) otherwise (in mas at defined epoch in the original catalogue),
position angle (in degrees North celestial pole to East)
quality : flag of quality
E ≥ 10"
D : 1-10" (and some old data)
C : 0.1-1"
B : 0.01-0.1" + 2MASS, Tyc
A : VLBI, Hipparcos
bibcode : bibcode of the coordinates reference
FK4
coord.
(ep=B1950 eq=1950) :
10 41 51.0 +58 15 47
[
]
Syntax of coordinates is : "ra dec (wtype) [error ellipse] quality bibcode" :
ra dec : right ascension and declination (unit and frame defined according to your Output Options)
Grey values are increasing the original precision due to the computation of frame transformations
(wtype) : wavelength class for the origin of the coordinates (Rad, mm, IR, Optical, UV, Xray, Gam)
[error ellipse] : measurement uncertainty, on (ra,dec) if the positional angle is 90 degrees, on (majaxis,minaxis) otherwise (in mas at defined epoch in the original catalogue),
position angle (in degrees North celestial pole to East)
References (758 between 1850 and 2021) (Total 758)
Simbad bibliographic survey began in 1850 for stars (at least bright stars) and in 1983 for all other objects (outside the solar system).
Follow
new references on this object
Annotations :
Annotations allow a user to add a note or report an error concerning the astronomical object and its data. It requires registration to post a note. See description . Please, have a look at Best practices. The list of all annotations to SIMBAD objects can be found here .
To bookmark this query, right click on this link: simbad:objects in 2005A&A...443..703S and select 'bookmark this link' or equivalent in the popup menu
Follow
new references on this object
