X/Ka (8.4/32 GHz) Celestial Frame: Roadmap to the future
Abstract
The ICRF-3 as of 2019 Jan 01 is multi-wavelength consisting of components at S/X(2.3/8.4), K (24 GHz) and X/Ka (8.4/32 GHz). The X/Ka celestial reference frame was constructed using a combined NASA and ESA Deep Space Network from about 180 observing sessions over which 678 sources were detected. Observations at X/Ka-band are motivated by their ability to access more compact source morphology and reduced core shift relative to observations at the historically standard S/X-band. In addition, the factor of four increase in interferometer resolution at Ka-band should resolve out some types of astrophysical systematics.
Currently the XKa frame is limited by spatially correlated systematic errors vs. declination. We will discuss a four point plan to address theses errors: (1) Improve the sensitivity of the baselines from NASA stations to ESA's Argentina station (2) Improve data weighting using correlated noise (3) Add baselines from JAXA's 54-meter Misasa, Japan station (4) Develop a prototype broadband 8-35 GHz receiving system fo the VLBA- Publication:
-
Proc. Journeés 2019
- Pub Date:
- October 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019aerr.confE...1J
- Keywords:
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- ICRF;
- CRF;
- VLBI;
- quasar;
- AGN;
- Ka-band;
- 32-GHz;
- Astroetry