Optimized Mapping Modes and Algorithms for ALFA
Abstract
The task of mapping the Galactic Arecibo sky with ALFA presents some interesting and formidable challenges. As with all radio telescopes, the issues of variable gain and system temperature make creating viable, systematic-free maps difficult. In addition to these typical problems, each of the seven ALFA beams are non-gaussian and have strong first sidelobes that vary dramatically from beam to beam in orientation. I will describe the optimal observing methods for reducing systematics, and what techniques can be used to robustly transform the acquired time-ordered data into an optimum map.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004AAS...205.7808G