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USTC researchers design continuous-scanning sky brightness monitor in 2.5- to 5-um band by Staff Writers Hefei, China (SPX) Sep 01, 2020
A research group led by Prof. WANG Jian from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) proposed a continuous-scanning near-infrared sky brightness monitor (CNISBM). It can measure 2.5 to 5 um infrared sky brightness based on an InSb detector and a linear variable filter. This study was published on Jouranl of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems on August 13. Infrared observation is an important method for astronomical research. The level of sky brightness, measured by numerous major astronomical observatory sites in the world, limits the potential of infrared astronomical telescopes and instruments. Thus it is necessary to measure the infrared sky brightness level at an observatory site to evaluate the feasibility of infrared telescopes and instruments. Due to the absorption of the Earth's atmosphere, ground-based infrared astronomical observations can only be conducted through several observing windows. 2.5 to 5 um is the beginning of the infrared wavelength and there are two observing windows in the 2.5 to 5 um band: L and M. Because the level of sky brightness is extremely weak, output signal of the InSb detector is lower than nA order and the lock-in amplification technology is used to extract the signal submerged in the noise. In order to reduce the influence of dark current, the detector is cooled to below -150C. The chopper and optical system adapted to low temperature were designed to overcome the background thermal noise caused by the instrument. CNISBM can detect weak signal of infrared sky brightness and provide valuable information for the design and construction of infrared telescopes and instruments in the future.
Ground segment testing a success for Webb Space Telescope Greenbelt MD (SPX) Aug 25, 2020 Testing teams have successfully completed a critical milestone focused on demonstrating that NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will respond to commands once in space. Known as a "Ground Segment Test," this is the first time commands to power on and test Webb's scientific instruments have been sent to the fully-assembled observatory from its Mission Operations Center at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland. Since reliably communicating with Webb when in space i ... read more
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