ATNF synthesis imaging workshop 2003
The ATNF held its 6th synthesis imaging workshop from 12 - 16 May 2003 at the Compact Array near Narrabri. Although it's been less than two years since the last workshop, we felt it would be timely to better educate our users on the use of the new high-frequency capabilities at the Compact Array. We therefore placed greater stress on millimetre astronomy and techniques than in previous workshops, although we preserved most of the "traditional" material on synthesis imaging. In total there were 33 lectures, covering topics from interferometry theory and practice to some of the science drivers for the millimetre upgrade. We also conducted an afternoon tour of the observatory facilities, and held "practical sessions" where participants could get hands-on experience using the telescope or reducing data in small groups. Finally, Brian Schmidt (RSAA, ANU), current chair of the Time Assignment Committee, led a proposal-writing discussion and workshop that was perhaps the most "practical" session of all!
Figure 1: Ravi Subrahmanyan and Rick Forster
Figure 2: Students Ilana Klamer, Sebastian Gurovich, Antoine Bouchard and Kelly Kranz during morning tea.
Figure 3: Graeme Carrad demonstrating the principle of noise temperature.
The workshop was attended by about 70 participants, of whom about half were presenters. Among those invited to lecture on millimetre-wave astronomy were Rick Forster, research astronomer at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory in California (site of the BIMA array) and former Project Scientist for the Australia Telescope. Of the non-presenters, about two-thirds were postgraduate or undergraduate students, and roughly half had no previous experience with radio astronomy or reducing synthesis data. Attendees hailed from five states (NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, TAS) with some coming from as far away as Ireland and Chile. As in the past, we were able to subsidise travel and accommodation for many of the student participants thanks to financial support from the Donovan Astronomical Trust.
Indications from the post-workshop feedback are that the workshop went extremely well. We ended early on Friday so that many of the participants could enjoy some recreational activities, such as a bushwalk in Mt Kaputar National Park or joyriding in a small plane flown by David McConnell. Most participants seemed to endorse the idea of holding future workshops at the observatory, although the current lack of a proper lecture hall is a drawback.
All of the speakers and organisers, and especially the Narrabri staff, should be congratulated for pulling off a terrific workshop!
For further information about the workshop, including electronic copies of the presentation materials, see www.atnf.csiro.au/whats_on/workshops/synthesis2003 .
Tony Wong
(Tony.Wong@csiro.au)