86-GHz Blazar Imaging on ARISE-VLBA Baselines VLBA Scientific Memo No. 19

next up previous
Next: Introduction

86-GHz Blazar Imaging on ARISE-VLBA Baselines
VLBA Scientific Memo No. 19

Jim Ulvestad

January 29, 1999

Abstract:

The detection threshold between ARISE and a single VLBA telescope is expected to be tex2html_wrap_inline344 mJy at 86 GHz, given nominal mission parameters of a 25-meter orbiting telescope with 8% aperture efficiency and a data rate of 8 Gbit sectex2html_wrap_inline346. This detection threshold corresponds to the inverse Compton limit of tex2html_wrap_inline348 K for a baseline length of 50,000 km, and at least 200 sources should be detectable on such a baseline. The number of detectable sources will drop somewhat below 100 for a data rate of 2 Gbit sectex2html_wrap_inline346, or for a typical brightness temperature of tex2html_wrap_inline352 K. For a baseline length of 100,000 km, the observed brightness temperature would need to be tex2html_wrap_inline354 K for a detection using a VLBA antenna; very few sources would then be detected on an ARISE-VLBA baseline unless the ARISE aperture efficiency is near 30%. Assuming the successful launch of GLAST in 2005, the nominal ARISE mission, working with the VLBA, will be able to image at least 60 gamma-ray blazars with resolution better than 100 light days, or tex2html_wrap_inline356 blazars if a large ground telescope is used to anchor the array.



Connect with NRAO

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

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on 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. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.