Low-frequency lessons from the 74-MHz Very Large Array

Wendy Lane; Aaron Cohen; William D. Cotton; James J. Condon; Richard A. Perley; Joseph Lazio; Namir Kassim; William C. Erickson

doi:10.1117/12.551644

28 September 2004 Low-frequency lessons from the 74-MHz Very Large Array

Wendy Lane, Aaron Cohen, William D. Cotton, James J. Condon, Richard A. Perley, Joseph Lazio, Namir Kassim, William C. Erickson

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5489, Ground-based Telescopes; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.551644
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

The 74 MHz system on the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Very Large Array (VLA) has opened a high-resolution, high-sensitivity window on the electromagnetic spectrum at low frequencies. It provides us with a unique glimpse into both the possibilities and challenges of planned low-frequency radio interferometers such as LOFAR, the LWA, and the SKA. Observations of bright, resolved radio sources at 74 MHz provide new scientific insights into the structure, history, and energy balances of these systems. However many of these scientifically motivated observations will also be critical to testing the scientific fidelity of new instruments, by providing a set of well-known standard sources. We are also using the 74 MHz system to conduct a sky survey, called the VLA Low-frequency Sky Survey (VLSS). When complete it will cover the entire sky above -30 degrees declination, at a 5σ sensitivity of 0.5 Jy/bm^-1, and a resolution of 80" (B-configuration). Among its various uses, this survey will provide an initial grid of calibrator sources at low frequency. Finally, practical experience with calibration and data reduction at 74 MHz has helped to direct and shape our understanding of the design needs of future instruments. In particular, we have begun experimenting with angle-variant calibration techniques which are essential to properly calibrate the wide field of view at low frequencies.

Citation Download Citation

Wendy Lane, Aaron Cohen, William D. Cotton, James J. Condon, Richard A. Perley, Joseph Lazio, Namir Kassim, and William C. Erickson "Low-frequency lessons from the 74-MHz Very Large Array", Proc. SPIE 5489, Ground-based Telescopes, (28 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.551644

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available