Continuum Resources

Continuum observations are generally performed using the maximum available bandwidth to obtain the best signal to noise ratio for a signal that is (mostly) independent on frequency.. Of the OSRO resources, this would be OSRO1: 256 MHz total bandwidth, delivered in two 128 MHz chunks. As an example of a continuum OSRO1 resource, click on the (\includegraphics[height=3mm]{psimg/source.png.ps}) edit icon (with fly-over help tool-tip Show/Edit properties for this catalog entry) in front of the C band resource to see the user selectable hardware and instrument options used in this resource. To get to C band when NRAO defaults is highlighted, navigate through the table, or select group 2x 128 MHz Full pol (OSRO1) in the left hand side column to remove clutter from pointing setups first.

The information displayed (figure 2.3) is the receiver selection in the table on the top (C band; 4.0 to 8.0 GHz), followed by the OSRO mode (here OSRO1; Full polarization, two subbands, 64 frequency channels). Next follows a table with the center frequency setting for two output pairs2.1(centered on a sky frequency of 4896 and 5024 MHz, where a pair consists of RCP and LCP signals). Finally, information on the correlator integration time (3 seconds), the subband observing bandwidth (128 MHz per output pair) and the frequency channel width (2.0 MHz, which is 128 MHz divided in 64 frequency channels each).

Navigate back to the NRAO defaults catalog either by clicking NRAO defaults in the catalog column tree, or by clicking Return to NRAO defaults (or 2x 128 MHz Full pol (OSRO1), depending on how you got there) at the top of the page. Please allow the web application to finish its operation and do not use the browser Back button.

OPT figure 2.3

Figure 2.3: Web browser screen shot of the OSRO1, full polarization C band resource.

Connect with NRAO

The NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory and NSF Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NSF NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NSF NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NSF NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NSF NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

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