P70-003: Optical polarization observations of IXPE targets
PI: Pouya M. Kouch
Multiwavelength polarization, and in particular X-ray
polarization, is an important probe of the magnetic field geometry,
acceleration physics, and high-energy emission processes of blazar
jets. The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) was successfully
launched on the 9th of December 2021 opening a new window to the
Universe through high-energy polarization. Here we propose
simultaneous multi-band polarization observations of IXPE blazar
targets. The proposed observations will supplement our planned
multiwavelength campaign in radio, X-rays, and gamma-rays. Comparison
of the millimeter-wave, optical, and X-ray polarization and
measurement of the mm–optical–UV–X-ray continuum spectra of the
blazars, will provide data needed to determine, for the first time,
the mechanism and location of the X-ray emission, as well as test
particle acceleration models in blazar jets.
ToO triggers
The program aims to provide contemporaneous optical polarization
coverage of IXPE observations. We require triggered multi-band (BVRI)
polarimetric observations within a day of the IXPE observations.
Time-lags of 1-2 days between the optical and X-ray observations are
possible if weather or other telescope constrains prevent
quasi-simultaneous observations. Longer lags will, however, hamper
the achievement of our scientific objectives. For 4 high variable IXPE
sources, we require 2 additional observations within two hours to
evaluate potential intra-night variability at the time of the IXPE
observations. For the intra-night variability we require only VRI
observations. The IXPE observing schedule will be known 2-4 weeks in
advance.
Calibrations:
Twilight flats + alfosc-calibs
The OB generator will be used to request all ToO observations.
Scripts to perform all the requested operations will be automatically
created and placed in the directory ~/scripts/70-003/. An email will
be sent automatically to the observer, which contains all the information
about the requested observations, the names and locations of the scripts,
instructions for observing and comments from the creator of the trigger.
To summarise:
Go to the directory
cd ~/scripts/70-003
List the available scripts
ls -lrt
and execute the OB generated scripts requested in the trigger email.
Program Tracking |
Proposal |
70-003 |
Semester |
P70: 20241001 - 20250401 |
Principal Investigator |
Pouya M. Kouch |
Programme |
Optical polarization observations of IXPE targets |
Instrument |
ALFOSC |
Time Allocation |
30 obs of 8 min to be ~ simultaneous with IXPE |
Total Nights |
4h |
Type |
ToO+SoftToO |
Notes |
Override, but should aim for (soft) triggers during Nordic service or Technical nights |
Total Time Spent |
(hh:mm)
|
Proposal |
Date |
Time |
Type |
Targets |
Files |
Comments |
Status |
|
Empty table: no tracking data available (yet)
The above information is collected from the ToO/Mon reports that have been created by the observer.
Should any of the observations have been carried out using the OB system, you will find additional information
HERE
|