The aim of the observations is a detailed analysis of the IDV variability properties of rapidly variable radio-loud Blazars. In particular, we want to search for diagnostics that will allow us to distinguish instrinsic variations in the radio regime from szintillation-induced variations.
Simultaneous multi-frequency observations during this period are very important. The Whole Earth Blazar Telescope project WEBT will support the ground-based observations, coordinated by S. Wagner.
Interested parties are invited to contribute to this project. All groups contributing scientifically useful data to this multifrequency campaign will be invited to join the publications of the data.
The observations will ca carried out during March 01 - April, 03, 2000
Simultaneous measurements in other bands during this period are requested.
We seek photometric observations in all wavelength regimes, including
the radio, mm, sub-mm, IR, and optical bands. Polarimetric or
spectrophotometric observations are also welcome.
Imaging data which allow relative photometry (with respect to
near-by stars) are sufficient, provided standard filters are
used or filter transmission curves are given.
The main target of the campaign is S5 0716+714. This blazar
is fairly bright (m(v) = 12.5 - 14.5), and most telescopes should be able
to provide data of good S/N in short exposures.
A
finding chart, identifying several suitable stars for relative photometry
is available. Information from NED is given here.
In addition, several other candidates are monitored, which will serve as backup sources. Rapid variability of any of these sources will trigger further observations with higher duty cycle. Anybody interested in participating is invited to contact S.Wagner@lsw.uni-heidelberg.de for additional information on this campaign and the additional sources that will be observed.
Observatories (and observers) participating in optical observations:
Heidelberg Observatory, Germany
Nyrölä Observatory, Finland (M. Moilanen, A. Oksanen)
Tuorla Observatory, Finland (A. Sillanpää, L. Takalo)
Calar Alto, Spain (H. Bock, O. Kurtanidze, M. Kümmel, P.
Skelton, S. Wagner)
La Palma, Spain (C. Flynn, L. Valtaoja)
Guillermo-Haro Observatory, Mexiko (V. Chavushyan, Javier, R. Mujica)
Braeside Observatory, USA (R. Fried)
Lowell Observatory, USA (J. Mattox)
Beijing National Observatory, China (Wei Jianyan)
Yunnan Observatory, China (J.M. Bai)
Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy
Observatory, Korea (J.M. Bai, H.J. Lee, J.H. Lee)
PRL Ahmedabad, Mt. Abu Observatory,
India (A.C. Gupta, U.C. Joshi, K.S. Baliyan)
Uttar Pradesh State Observatory (C.S. Stalin)
Abastumani Observatory, Georgia (M. Nikolashvili)
The Whole Earth Blazar Telescope (WEB)
Observatories participating in radio/mm observations:
Effelsberg (100m), Germany
Westerbork (NRFA), The Netherlands
Pico Veleta (30m), Spain
Michigan Observatory, USA
RATAN-600 (600m), Russia
E-Mails and other news collected by John Mattox.
Other links:
The Whole Earth Blazar (WEB) Telescope
BLAZAR Data (electronic Journal)
The Blazar Times (A research newsletter dedicated to the BL Lac and Blazar
Phenomena)
LSW Finding Charts of Blazars
Observing campaign on Mrk 501