Comments on: Well, That was Fun. http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/ Random samplings from a universe of ideas. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:59:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Julianne http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24443 Julianne Fri, 11 May 2007 03:23:19 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24443 <blockquote>I'm sure there's a quip to be made with this project being called "ANGST," but I'm not sure what it is ...</blockquote> I've been threatening to name my next big project HAPPYLUVLUV or SNOOKUMS. So yeah, it's occured to me too...

I’m sure there’s a quip to be made with this project being called “ANGST,” but I’m not sure what it is …

I’ve been threatening to name my next big project HAPPYLUVLUV or SNOOKUMS. So yeah, it’s occured to me too…

]]> By: mollishka http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24444 mollishka Thu, 10 May 2007 20:34:42 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24444 I'm sure there's a quip to be made with this project being called "ANGST," but I'm not sure what it is ... I’m sure there’s a quip to be made with this project being called “ANGST,” but I’m not sure what it is …

]]> By: Knitting is a Guy Thing | Cosmic Variance http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24455 Knitting is a Guy Thing | Cosmic Variance Thu, 01 Feb 2007 07:02:52 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24455 [...] Ok, I need to get involved in another CV fracas about women in science right now like I need a hole in the head, but here goes: [...] [...] Ok, I need to get involved in another CV fracas about women in science right now like I need a hole in the head, but here goes: [...]

]]> By: Hubble Trouble - Asymptotia http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24456 Hubble Trouble - Asymptotia Thu, 01 Feb 2007 06:49:41 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24456 [...] There are other instruments on board too, but the loss of use of this one is a heavy blow to lots of Astronomy research programmes. There is a scheduled space shuttle servicing mission, due to take place in September 2008, and so it is expected [but see update below] that this instrument will be replaced as part of the already scheduled work for that mission (graphic above right is from the BBC article, where you can also find a summary of the work scheduled for 2008). That’s quite a long time to wait, of course, so my heart goes out to the many people affected by this. It’s not just a slow down in research - it will also certainly mean some postdoctoral and other positions no longer being viable, as pointed out on Dynamics of Cats. [update: See also Julianne’s post on Cosmic Variance.] [...] [...] There are other instruments on board too, but the loss of use of this one is a heavy blow to lots of Astronomy research programmes. There is a scheduled space shuttle servicing mission, due to take place in September 2008, and so it is expected [but see update below] that this instrument will be replaced as part of the already scheduled work for that mission (graphic above right is from the BBC article, where you can also find a summary of the work scheduled for 2008). That’s quite a long time to wait, of course, so my heart goes out to the many people affected by this. It’s not just a slow down in research – it will also certainly mean some postdoctoral and other positions no longer being viable, as pointed out on Dynamics of Cats. [update: See also Julianne’s post on Cosmic Variance.] [...]

]]> By: Karen K. http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24445 Karen K. Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:27:07 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24445 Yes, I am also in mourning. Our project to observe compact groups is also affected by the ACS failure. We'd submitted that proposal about 5 times before getting it approved, so to not get the data after all these years is very heartbreaking. We do have 3 groups observed, but I believe there were 9 overall. sigh... I also need to decide if I'm going to rewrite the proposal I submitted Friday. Yes, I am also in mourning. Our project to observe compact groups is also affected by the ACS failure. We’d submitted that proposal about 5 times before getting it approved, so to not get the data after all these years is very heartbreaking. We do have 3 groups observed, but I believe there were 9 overall.

sigh…

I also need to decide if I’m going to rewrite the proposal I submitted Friday.

]]> By: Jonathan S. http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24446 Jonathan S. Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:32:33 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24446 This is terrible news; the ACS was such an amazing instrument. I remember my first couple days as a summer student last year at STScI working on ACS edge-on galaxy data. I didn't believe Roelof when he told me that we could see individual stars so far from the plane of the galaxy--but there they were. And not only that, but hidden behind those stars were beautiful far-away galaxies (which were a chore to SExtract out!) and even the odd gravitational lens. Those images are just a pleasure to explore in DS9. Oh well, I guess all that there is left to do is wring out the images for everything they're worth; in fact, I think I'll work on my star tessellation codes tonight just to spite the ACS Failure Gods. This is terrible news; the ACS was such an amazing instrument. I remember my first couple days as a summer student last year at STScI working on ACS edge-on galaxy data. I didn’t believe Roelof when he told me that we could see individual stars so far from the plane of the galaxy–but there they were. And not only that, but hidden behind those stars were beautiful far-away galaxies (which were a chore to SExtract out!) and even the odd gravitational lens. Those images are just a pleasure to explore in DS9. Oh well, I guess all that there is left to do is wring out the images for everything they’re worth; in fact, I think I’ll work on my star tessellation codes tonight just to spite the ACS Failure Gods.

]]> By: Oldfart http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24436 Oldfart Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:35:44 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24436 I understand there is to be a Hubble mission in 2008. I also understand, probably incorrectly that the problem with the camera is a power problem - the ACS has run thru two battery sources now. There is maybe some chance they will be able to connect it to the main power supply? Here is wishing you good luck that something will be fixed or be able to take it's place. I understand there is to be a Hubble mission in 2008. I also understand, probably incorrectly that the problem with the camera is a power problem – the ACS has run thru two battery sources now. There is maybe some chance they will be able to connect it to the main power supply? Here is wishing you good luck that something will be fixed or be able to take it’s place.

]]> By: Nicholas http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24435 Nicholas Tue, 30 Jan 2007 16:15:57 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24435 Hope those margaritas arent hurting too much right now :) NM Hope those margaritas arent hurting too much right now :)

NM

]]> By: Steinn Sigurdsson http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24437 Steinn Sigurdsson Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:27:35 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24437 The current word is that the servicing mission schedule is full with other priority tasks and the training schedule is also full, so they will most likely not attempt a repair of the ACS. The WF3 camera, the new one, is not quite the same, it will not be able to do some of the science ACS did - by design, the expectation was that ACS would be operational and complementary. Don't listen to the "designed to last 5 years, lasted 4.9, so not bad" spin - the five year design lifetime was nominal, with moderate luck the ACS would have lasted until the gyros or batteries broke. The current word is that the servicing mission schedule is full with other priority tasks and the training schedule is also full, so they will most likely not attempt a repair of the ACS.
The WF3 camera, the new one, is not quite the same, it will not be able to do some of the science ACS did – by design, the expectation was that ACS would be operational and complementary.
Don’t listen to the “designed to last 5 years, lasted 4.9, so not bad” spin – the five year design lifetime was nominal, with moderate luck the ACS would have lasted until the gyros or batteries broke.

]]> By: Garth http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24432 Garth Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:10:16 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24432 Do I understand correctly that the problem will be fixed during the next HST servicing mission slated for Sepptember 2008? Garth Do I understand correctly that the problem will be fixed during the next HST servicing mission slated for Sepptember 2008?

Garth

]]> By: Earth picturesBlog http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24447 Earth picturesBlog Tue, 30 Jan 2007 09:24:41 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24447 [...] [...] [...] [...]

]]> By: Julianne http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24448 Julianne Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:59:18 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24448 Note that even the side of chocolate cake did little to help... (Dang -- the photo of the margarita damage wouldn't post. Imagine Dresden recreated in margarita glasses and cake crumbs.) Note that even the side of chocolate cake did little to help…

(Dang — the photo of the margarita damage wouldn’t post. Imagine Dresden recreated in margarita glasses and cake crumbs.)

]]> By: Sean http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24433 Sean Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:50:32 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24433 Terribly sucky news. There will be more and better science in the future! And margaritas. Terribly sucky news. There will be more and better science in the future! And margaritas.

]]> By: Julianne http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24434 Julianne Tue, 30 Jan 2007 07:40:17 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24434 <blockquote>Though it sounds like you've still got a hefty dataset; millions of stars should keep you busy for a while</blockquote> Hefty, yes, and busy, yes. But, it's not a complete data set, and we got absolutely hammered on the large galaxies. We lost more than half the orbits, and most of those were for the larger galaxies where most of the stars in the local volume actually wound up. We're not in awful shape for the dwarfs, which had few orbits per target -- the telescope had been knocking off one or two of those every week. But, that gives a very incomplete picture of the past history of this region. What I'm really struggling with is that I have to completely give up on much of the big picture science that was driving this. There's lots of terrific smaller picture stuff that's going to come out, and some of it will be important, even if it is small. However, I'm at a point where I'm ready and capable of pulling off something major, and while I thought this was going to be it, it appears that it's not. I'm also incredibly disappointed that the imaging legacy we were establishing may never actually be completed. I'd like to think that I'll be able to sell the value of this again, because honestly, I've never worked on a project that I so completely believed <strong>had</strong> to be done. Realistically, however, the only chance is trying to push this through post-refurbishment, when the oversubscription for the telescope will be nearly insurmountable. The timing was right last Cycle, but science is surprisingly faddish, and the moment for this kind of work may pass by the time WF3 comes on-line. My team and I will obviously spend the next year and half demonstrating the fact that we really have our shit together (which we do!), and know exactly how to deliver what we proposed, but, that and 99 cents will get you a download from iTunes. So, with the help of a margarita or two, I have successfully moved past Denial to Grief. I think Rage that it took two Cycles to get the program approved is coming soon. Hopefully Acceptance will follow. In the meantime, I'm going to research getting my car painted orange metal flake, because I suspect that it's cheaper than therapy.

Though it sounds like you’ve still got a hefty dataset; millions of stars should keep you busy for a while

Hefty, yes, and busy, yes. But, it’s not a complete data set, and we got absolutely hammered on the large galaxies. We lost more than half the orbits, and most of those were for the larger galaxies where most of the stars in the local volume actually wound up. We’re not in awful shape for the dwarfs, which had few orbits per target — the telescope had been knocking off one or two of those every week. But, that gives a very incomplete picture of the past history of this region.

What I’m really struggling with is that I have to completely give up on much of the big picture science that was driving this. There’s lots of terrific smaller picture stuff that’s going to come out, and some of it will be important, even if it is small. However, I’m at a point where I’m ready and capable of pulling off something major, and while I thought this was going to be it, it appears that it’s not. I’m also incredibly disappointed that the imaging legacy we were establishing may never actually be completed. I’d like to think that I’ll be able to sell the value of this again, because honestly, I’ve never worked on a project that I so completely believed had to be done. Realistically, however, the only chance is trying to push this through post-refurbishment, when the oversubscription for the telescope will be nearly insurmountable. The timing was right last Cycle, but science is surprisingly faddish, and the moment for this kind of work may pass by the time WF3 comes on-line. My team and I will obviously spend the next year and half demonstrating the fact that we really have our shit together (which we do!), and know exactly how to deliver what we proposed, but, that and 99 cents will get you a download from iTunes.

So, with the help of a margarita or two, I have successfully moved past Denial to Grief. I think Rage that it took two Cycles to get the program approved is coming soon. Hopefully Acceptance will follow.

In the meantime, I’m going to research getting my car painted orange metal flake, because I suspect that it’s cheaper than therapy.

]]> By: daniel http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24449 daniel Tue, 30 Jan 2007 06:00:25 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24449 Julianne, that's tragic! We should all wear black tomorrow. Though it sounds like you've still got a hefty dataset; millions of stars should keep you busy for a while? Happy birthday (despite it all)! Julianne, that’s tragic! We should all wear black tomorrow. Though it sounds like you’ve still got a hefty dataset; millions of stars should keep you busy for a while? Happy birthday (despite it all)!

]]> By: astropixie http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24450 astropixie Tue, 30 Jan 2007 04:15:22 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24450 mollishka, that is pretty ironic... but luckily they extended the HST cycle 16 deadline (and spitzer).... since 498 out of 747 proposals were for ACS! thats a lot! mollishka, that is pretty ironic…

but luckily they extended the HST cycle 16 deadline (and spitzer)…. since 498 out of 747 proposals were for ACS! thats a lot!

]]> By: mollishka http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24451 mollishka Tue, 30 Jan 2007 04:00:30 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24451 Oh, the irony of having ACS go kaflooey less than 12 hours after HST proposals were due ... yrgh. Oh, the irony of having ACS go kaflooey less than 12 hours after HST proposals were due … yrgh.

]]> By: blizno http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24452 blizno Tue, 30 Jan 2007 03:56:34 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24452 While I'm not amused that you're prying into my personal life "...if you cleaned off a layer of Vaseline from your glasses...", I am pleased that you've gathered a vast wealth of data already, incomplete as it is. I commiserate that you had too little time to finish your collection though. Every amazing thing that we've learned thanks to the Hubble enriches all of humanity. Thank you for your continuing contributions to our growing understanding of the universe. While I’m not amused that you’re prying into my personal life “…if you cleaned off a layer of Vaseline from your glasses…”, I am pleased that you’ve gathered a vast wealth of data already, incomplete as it is. I commiserate that you had too little time to finish your collection though. Every amazing thing that we’ve learned thanks to the Hubble enriches all of humanity. Thank you for your continuing contributions to our growing understanding of the universe.

]]> By: Sacha http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24453 Sacha Tue, 30 Jan 2007 03:28:32 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24453 oooooh - it sounds painful! I hope you'll be able to do something interesting with all the data. When I was doing my maths PhD, I went through four (and 19 months) topics before finding a productive one (my fifth) - it was very painful but I came through in the end. All the best. oooooh – it sounds painful! I hope you’ll be able to do something interesting with all the data.

When I was doing my maths PhD, I went through four (and 19 months) topics before finding a productive one (my fifth) – it was very painful but I came through in the end.

All the best.

]]> By: agm http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/comment-page-1/#comment-24454 agm Tue, 30 Jan 2007 02:30:28 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/cosmicvariance/2007/01/29/well-that-was-fun/#comment-24454 My condolences. A lot of people felt the same when IMAGE disappeared. I now have 8 months to finish a PhD, not counting an absolutely necessary de-stressing for two months. Best of luck. And happy birthday. My condolences. A lot of people felt the same when IMAGE disappeared. I now have 8 months to finish a PhD, not counting an absolutely necessary de-stressing for two months.

Best of luck. And happy birthday.

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