From john.obyrne at sydney.edu.au Tue Sep 10 10:50:18 2013 From: john.obyrne at sydney.edu.au (John O'Byrne) Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 10:50:18 +1000 Subject: [ASA] The Mopra Southern Galactic Plane CO Survey Message-ID: <07F24E1C-CB60-4E14-858A-F8A2E9EC888F@sydney.edu.au> The Mopra Southern Galactic Plane CO Survey I am pleased to announce the first public data release from the Mopra Southern Galactic Plane Carbon Monoxide Survey. This is now available through the ATNF online data archive at atoa.atnf.csiro.au (note that you also need an ATNF OPAL account to access it). The Mopra CO survey is being conducted between l=305-345?, b=+/-0.5? of the principal isotopologues of the CO J=1-0 line, in particular 12CO 115 GHz and 13CO 110 GHz. The survey has 0.6 arcminute and 0.1 km/s resolution, representing an order of magnitude increase over previous CO surveys of this region. It provides the highest-resolution, wide-field view of the molecular medium of the fourth quadrant of the Galaxy now available. The first data release contains the data cubes from the first degree of the survey undertaken, of the G323 region. Further information is available from the project website, at www.phys.unsw.edu.au/mopraco and also in a recently published paper in PASA (Burton et al, 2013, "The Mopra Southern Galactic Plane CO Survey", PASA, v30, e044 doi:10.1017/pasa.2013.22). The survey itself is ongoing, with data from about 25 sq. deg of the Galactic plane obtained to date (l=317?-342?). The data cubes from this work will be made publicly available through subsequent data releases, as they are analysed and published. However, if you are interested in early access to the data set for a particular science project please contact the project PI. Thank-you. Michael Burton m.burton at unsw.edu.au www.phys.unsw.edu.au/mopraco From ausgo at aao.gov.au Tue Sep 10 19:53:07 2013 From: ausgo at aao.gov.au (Australian Gemini Office) Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 19:53:07 +1000 Subject: [ASA] Call for Gemini and Subaru Proposals in Semester 2014A Message-ID: <522EEC03.8000509@aao.gov.au> Proposals for Australian access to the Gemini and Subaru telescopes for Semester 2014A (1 Feb - 31 Jul 2014) are due by *5:00pm AEST, Tuesday 1 October 2013*. A separate call for Magellan proposals in Semester 2014A (with an 8 October 2013 deadline) will be issued shortly once the instrumentation on offer has been finalised. What's new for Semester 2014A? ------------------------------ * The 2014A PIT has been updated to improve the instrument configuration options, and provide better feedback if there are submission problems. New LaTeX and Word templates are available to create a PDF attachment which includes the science and technical cases. *For 2014A there are significant changes in the template, and PIs should download and use these new versions *. An additional page has been made available for applicants by adding an "Experimental Design" section, in which the PI should address how these observations contribute toward the accomplishment of the goals outlined in the science justification; information on the targets/sample size; data analysis; additional calibrations, etc. *Also the PI is now strongly encouraged to include the output from the instrument time calculators in the proposal*. The instructions for each section have been revised and investigators should read these notes carefully. * Applicants seeking time on both Gemini North and Gemini South instruments in the same proposal are required to state explicitly in the Technical Description the split of time between telescopes being sought. Similarly, joint proposals should make clear in the Band 3 section of the attachment the share of time between partners if the Band 3 total time differs from that required in Bands 1 or 2. * GMOS-South will likely not be available between March and April 2014, for an upgrade to the CCDs postponed from 2013B. The amount of time at RA 7h to 11h will therefore be limited, and investigators should state in the technical case of their proposal if alternate targets are available. Investigators should assume the performance of the current EEV detectors for planning purposes. * There will be a guaranteed minimum of 5 nights on the Subaru telescope available to the Gemini community, including shared risks use of the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) very wide field (1.5 degree field of view) optical to far-red imager using grizy filters only. * The Gemini Planet Imager will be undergoing on-sky commissioning in 2014A, but a call for "early science" with GPI is anticipated sometime during the semester. * The R600 grating in GMOS-North and GMOS-South will be available for classical programs only. This grating is used infrequently and is difficult to schedule in the queue. How to apply ------------ Gemini applications must be submitted using the 2014A release of the Phase I Tool (PIT) software. Subaru applications are also submitted using the PIT. For full details on instrument availability and application procedures, please see: http://ausgo.aao.gov.au/cfp.html as well as the official Gemini Observatory Call for Proposals: http://www.gemini.edu/sciops/observing-gemini/2014a-call-proposals Need help? ---------- For general enquiries about Australian usage of Gemini or Subaru, please contact the Australian Gemini Office (ausgo at aao.gov.au). For technical queries about a Gemini Phase I proposal, please use the Gemini Helpdesk: http://www.gemini.edu/sciops/helpdesk/ Stuart Ryder Australian Gemini Scientist ausgo at aao.gov.au -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From andrew.green at aao.gov.au Thu Sep 12 11:36:14 2013 From: andrew.green at aao.gov.au (Andy Green) Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 11:36:14 +1000 Subject: [ASA] AAO Observer August 2013 Message-ID: <66EA9D4B-AB51-4641-B44C-966AC01B6EC8@aao.gov.au> In this Issue HERMES goes to the AAT: Results of the pre-shipment tests The middle age growth spurts of brightest cluster galaxies Compact Galaxy Groups, their Star Clusters and Dwarf Galaxies Ten Years of RAVE Observatory news AAO Welcomes New Director Gemini School Astronomy Contest Improving 2dfdr A mountain of fire Before and After August 2013, Edition #124 In this edition, we have exciting new science, instrument and observatory news as well as all our usual features like the Director's Message, AusGO corner, North Ryde News and a Letter from Coona. All available as a PDF file at www.aao.gov.au/library/news.html . You're receiving this newsletter because you're on the ASA mailing list. Having trouble reading this? View it in your browser. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From smaddison at swin.edu.au Thu Sep 12 12:50:12 2013 From: smaddison at swin.edu.au (Sarah Maddison) Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 12:50:12 +1000 Subject: [ASA] 3rd Australian Exoplanet Workshop Message-ID: *3rd Australian Exoplanet Workshop* *5-6 December 2013 * *Swinburne University, Melbourne* * * *http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/planets/ThirdWorkshop2013/* * * We invite you to attend the 3rd Australian Exoplanet Workshop held 5-6 December 2013, hosted by the Swinburne Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing. The meeting aims to bring together Australian researchers working on exoplanets, from both observational and theoretical perspectives. The workshop will cover exoplanet surveys, characterisation and theoretical modelling of planet formation and evolution - anything related to the science of planets orbiting other stars. Participants are encouraged to give a short presentation on a specific research issue, or to brief the workshop on the current research capabilities in exoplanetary science in their departments. There will also be an opportunity to discuss important questions, and strategies for increasing linkages and collaborations as a means to expanding this critical research area into the future. There is no registration fee to attend the workshop. However, please indicate your attendance via the registration page which includes the option to submit a title and abstract of the talk. Registration deadline is 22 November 2013. *http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/planets/ThirdWorkshop2013/registration.html* Kind regards, Sarah Maddison (Swinburne) (chair) Daniel Bayliss (ANU) Charley Lineweaver (ANU) Elodie Thilliez (Swinburne) Mark Hutchison (Swinburne) -- A/Prof Sarah Maddison Associate Professor of Astrophysics and Deputy Director http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/ Guest Editor Special Issue of *Life* "Planet Formation and the Rise of Life" http://www.mdpi.com/journal/**life/special_issues/planet Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing Swinburne University of Technology H30, PO BOX 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, AUSTRALIA t: 61-3-9214 5971 f: 61-3-9214 8797 e: smaddison at swin.edu.au w: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/maddison/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carterb at usq.edu.au Thu Sep 12 15:33:36 2013 From: carterb at usq.edu.au (Brad Carter) Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 15:33:36 +1000 Subject: [ASA] 2014 Australian Postgraduate Awards at USQ in Stellar Astronomy & Planetary Systems Message-ID: The University of Southern Queensland is offering two Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) in astrophysics for students commencing their PhD studies in 2014. Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) scholarships are awarded to students of exceptional research potential undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (Doctor of Philosophy). Priorities will be given to those students undertaking the following astrophysics research projects: The Activity of Planet-Hosting Stars The Winds of Planet-Hosting Stars Recipients of these awards will receive a stipend and will be allocated a place funded by the Research Training Scheme (RTS). Australian Postgraduate Awards carry a yearly stipend of $24 653 (2013 rate) per annum to the successful applicants however USQ will supplement this payment to a total yearly per annum amount of $30 000. In addition the successful applicants will have access to funds for relevant conference attendances. * Applications close 5pm Monday 30 September* Important information for applicants can be obtained from the following web page: http://www.usq.edu.au/scholarships/usq/australian-postgraduate-award * *General enquiries can be sent to the USQ Office of Research and Higher Degrees at orhd at usq.edu.au. Enquiries regarding the research projects should be sent to A/Prof Brad Carter by emailing Brad.Carter at usq.edu.au or by phoning (07) 4631 2801. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rob at phys.unsw.edu.au Fri Sep 13 16:42:03 2013 From: rob at phys.unsw.edu.au (Rob Wittenmyer) Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:42:03 +1000 Subject: [ASA] AST3 Exoplanets Workshop, 10-11 October, Nanjing Message-ID: <014323A0-64B6-4B8E-89AB-E3F9830C5184@phys.unsw.edu.au> We invite you to attend a workshop at Nanjing University to further explore the performance of AST3 from the 2011 over-winter data returned earlier this year, as well as discussing plans for exploitation of future data from the coming 2014 winter. We will have a 2-day workshop, on Thursday/Friday 10-11 October at Nanjing University, so we can all get together and get up to speed on the status of the data analysis. We invite anyone to come and give a presentation on exoplanet-related science that can be done with the AST3 data set; please send title and abstract directly to me. Further details can be found here: http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~rob/AST3/AST3_Workshop/Welcome.html Thanks, Rob Wittenmyer (UNSW) Chris Tinney (UNSW) Ji-Lin Zhou (Nanjing) Hui Zhang (Nanjing) From john.obyrne at sydney.edu.au Fri Sep 13 22:50:45 2013 From: john.obyrne at sydney.edu.au (John O'Byrne) Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 22:50:45 +1000 Subject: [ASA] =?windows-1252?q?Postdoctoral_Fellow_In_Galaxy_Evolution_us?= =?windows-1252?q?ing_Adaptive_Optics_=96_ANU?= In-Reply-To: <4297C0E4DB783245A81E5D86E3FC5E000C676506@UDSEXGC01.UDS.anu.edu.au> References: <4297C0E4DB783245A81E5D86E3FC5E000C676506@UDSEXGC01.UDS.anu.edu.au> Message-ID: <85369F63-9988-48D7-B753-44713244007F@sydney.edu.au> Postdoctoral Fellow In Galaxy Evolution using Adaptive Optics ? The Australian National University Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the morphological and structural evolution of galaxies in clusters with Profs. Peter McGregor (ANU), Karl Glazebrook (Swinburne) and Bob Abraham (UToronto). The project uses Guaranteed Time observations with the Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager, built by The Australian National University, and the GeMS Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics system on the Gemini South telescope. The appointee will lead observations at the Gemini South telescope in Chile, optimise existing data reduction systems, and undertake morphological analysis of cluster galaxies over the redshift range 0.8 < z < 2.5. Applicants must have completed/submitted a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics, and preferably will have a background in galaxy morphological analysis using contemporary tools such as GALFIT and experience in reduction of near-IR imaging data. The position will be held at The Australian National University, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics in Canberra, Australia. The appointment at Academic Level A is available for 2 years with a minimum full-time starting salary of $73,379 pa plus generous superannuation entitlements. The vibrant and diverse astronomical research community at the ANU has access to a broad array of facilities including the Magellan, Gemini and twin Keck telescopes. The School hosts an active instrumentation group, with a strong focus on Adaptive Optics. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to contribute to the evolving science case for instrumentation under development at the ANU for the 25 m Giant Magellan Telescope. Applications should be submitted through the ANU Website before 30 November 2013, Reference Number A393-13TM. For further information on the position including application procedures see http://jobs.anu.edu.au/PositionDetail.aspx?p=3549 or contact Professor Peter McGregor, Email: Peter.McGregor at anu.edu.au ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOHN O?BYRNE Associate Head (Teaching & Learning) Chair, School Teaching & Learning Committee Secretary, Astronomical Society of Australia Inc. Sydney Institute for Astronomy School of Physics | Faculty of Science THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY Rm 222, 44-70 Rosehill St Redfern H90 (see map) | (alternate: Rm 205, Physics Building A28) Postal address: School of Physics | The University of Sydney | NSW | Australia | 2006 T +61 2 9351 3184 | F +61 2 9351 7726 E john.obyrne at sydney.edu.au | W http://sydney.edu.au/science/physics/~obyrne CRICOS 00026A This email plus any attachments to it are confidential. Any unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and any attachments. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This email uses 100% recycled words and ideas. Do you really need to print it? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: