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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 02:08 (hh:mm)
Proposal Date Time Type Targets Files Comments Status
70-003 2024-12-11 00:10 ToO 1ES1959+650 LHl110041-51 Did one ToO: 70-003, 10 min Observed
70-003 2024-12-13 00:00 ToO Too cloudy Failed
70-003 2024-12-19 00:10 SoftToO 1ES1959+650 ALHl190100 - ALHl190104 Clear skies and seeing around 1.2'' Observed
70-003 2024-12-20 00:10 SoftToO 1ES1959+650 ALHl200055 - ALHl200059 Clear skies and seeing around 1.0'' Observed
70-003 2025-01-02 00:15 SoftToO 3C273, Mrk501 ALIa020199 - ALIa020203, ALIa020222 - ALIa020229 Had to use a few tries to get Mrk501 centered, hence the error. Observed with subarcsec seeing, 3C273 was observed in clear skies and Mrk501 was observed through thin clouds Observed
70-003 2025-01-03 00:19 ToO 3C273, Mrk501 ALIa030271 - ALIa030275, ALIa030315 - ALIa030323 Observed with thin clouds and approx. 0.5 arcsec seeing. Observed
70-003 2025-01-05 00:17 ToO 3C273, Mrk501 ALIa050117 - ALIa050121, ALIa050135 - ALIa050140 Observed with thin clouds and approx. 1 arcsec seeing. Observed
70-003 2025-01-06 00:14 SoftToO 3C273, Mrk501 ALIa060350 - ALIa060354,ALIa060379 - ALIa060384 good seeing Observed
70-003 2025-01-08 00:17 SoftToO 3C273, Mrk501 ALIa080197 - ALIa080201, ALIa080227 - ALIa080232 Great night with excellent conditions. Low wind, humidity and good seeing. I am unsure exactly what is meant with your finding chart for the mrk501 group. Not all highlighted elements will fit in the polarimetry field. Please review data and let us know if you want something different! Observed
70-003 2025-01-09 00:15 SoftToO 3C273, Mrk501 ALIa090179 - ALIa090183, ALIa090208 - ALIa090213 Clear night with excellent conditions and good seeing. Observed

 

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

Back to top Last modified: September 17 2024