Pushing the limits of COS: Working towards an optimized background correction
Abstract
Observations utilizing the ultraviolet capabilities of COS onboard Hubble are of unique value to the astronomy community. Spectroscopy down to 900 Angstrom with COS has enabled new science areas. However, contrary to the situation at longer wavelengths, these observations are limited by the detector background noise. Currently the standard COS pipeline is not optimized for the background subtraction and the full scientific value of many datasets is not exploited. We propose to develop a dedicated pipeline to perform an optimal background correction based on statistical methods relying on the characterization of the dark rate of the COS FUV detector. We will develop, test and deliver software suitable for all COS Far UV (FUV) observations irrespective of their mode, with particular emphasis on data limited by Poisson noise.
- Publication:
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HST Proposal
- Pub Date:
- June 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019hst..prop15799H