Scientist report - astronomy

Radiotelescope

The software recorded all the night long yesterday, and we have some
beautifull results. Jupiter appears clearly in the reception lobe from
15:50 (UT) till 17:45 (UT). We also noticed the presence of the Sun in
the reception lobe from 19:15 (UT) till 23:00 (UT), and a peak at 18:15
(UT), which may be a solar burst.

I sent e-mails to the Belgian National Observatory, asking for precise
ephemeris for Jupiter and the Sun, and daily data over the Sun's
activity (the Belgian National Observatory has a permanent Sun
observation program). We will then be able to compare what we recorded
with what was happening in the sky, on a more professional way than
just with a sky simulation software, and verify if the peak is a solar
burst.

Next step : define the angular resolution. It is already given in the
operation manual, but it may be wrong because the distance between the
antennas is not exactly the same as the ideal distance. I found some
theory about interferometers, and I should be able to calculate the
theorical angular resolution. With the comparaison between the object's
position in the sky and the intensity of the radio signal, I will
define the real size of the reception lobe.

Note : EVA 2 was a test for the radio range, and it didn't influence
the radiotelescope.

Visual telescope

Elnaz, Boris and I replaced succesfully the rope of the dome.
If the weather is nice, Elnaz and I will do some visual astronomy
tonight -- mainly Saturn, since Elnaz is part of NASA's Saturn
Observation Campaign. Once we are used to visual astronomy, we will try
to use the STV.