Setting Up Pointing Scans and Tipping Scans

Pointing scans are typically done at X band (8 GHz) on strong (> 300 mJy) continuum sources near your target source, i.e., within about 15 to 30 degrees. Most likely you will find such a source, e.g., in the VLA calibrator catalog; no new sources are needed. You may want to add the pointing source to your personal source catalog if it is not in there already. If you plan on doing secondary reference pointing scans (see next chapter) and your intended pointing source is not strong enough at the observing frequency you wish to use for the secondary reference pointing scan, you may need to add another pointing source that is strong enough at this frequency, or perhaps even revisit your first choice.

Tipping scans on the other hand are typically done independently of your sources. The only interest is the observing frequency and the direction, in Azimuth, of the main distribution of your sources. Tipping scans currently are set up in the OPT only; no extra sources are needed.

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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