The most recent catalog is PCALS4.0 which supersedes all other pointing catalogs. The GBT observing software is currently using PCALS3.3. This includes observing procedures such as AutoPeak that will currenlty search the PCALS3.3

The most recent catalog is PCALS4.1 which supersedes all other pointing catalogs (as of 11 Feb 2008, see MR2C807). Observing procedures such as AutoPeak will currently search the PCALS4.1

new catalog, PCALS4.0, by using the procedures Peak and Focus and

other catalogs by using the procedures Peak and Focus and

scheduling blocks (see Source Catalogs).

Note: PCALS3.3 and associated files are located in /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals3.3

Note: PCALS4.0 and associated files are located in /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals4.0

scheduling blocks (see Source Catalogs).

• Note: PCALD4.1 and associated files are located in /home/astro-util/astridcats
• Note: PCALS3.3 and associated files are located in /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals3.3
• Note: PCALS4.0 and associated files are located in /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals4.0

This pointing catalog supersedes all other catalogs. It includes

This pointing includes

• PCALS4.1: This catalog is explained in Project Note 58. It includes an extra column called "gold" which if it contains "P" means it is a gold standard calibrator, and suitable for high frequency pointing. (it does not mean that the flux density is known accurately !) You can tell AutoPeak to choose only gold standard sources if you include "gold=True" in the argument list for AutoPeak or AutoPeakFocus.

nominal position. These programs are located in the /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals3.3 for PCALS3.3 and /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals4.0 for PCALS4.0. It is best to cd to the specified directory first and then run the program.

nominal position. These programs are located in the directories:

• /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals3.3 for PCALS3.3
• /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals4.0 for PCALS4.0
• /home/astro-util/astridcats/ver4.1 for PCALS4.1.

These ascii formated files are readable by the CLEO scheduler program.

These ascii formated files can be input into the CLEO scheduler program.

are currently not readable by the CLEO scheduler program.

can now be input into the CLEO scheduler program.

Pointing Catalog

Pointing and Focus - Pointing Catalog

Note: a copy of the PCALS3.3 catalog, programs used to search the catalog, and CLEO scheduler input files can all be found in the /home/astro-util/pointing/ directory.

The GBT pointing catalog was developed by J. J. Condon and Q. F. Yin. The most recent catalog is PCALS4.0 which supersedes all other pointing catalogs. The GBT observing software is currently using PCALS3.3. This includes observing procedures such as AutoPeak that will currenlty search the PCALS3.3 catalog for pointing sources. Nonetheless, the user can still use the new catalog, PCALS4.0, by using the procedures Peak and Focus and either input the Location directly or include the Catalog in their scheduling blocks (see Source Catalogs).

Note: PCALS3.3 and associated files are located in /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals3.3

Note: PCALS4.0 and associated files are located in /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals4.0

Pointing Catalogs

• NVSS2.2: This original pointing catalog was based on the 1.4 GHz NVSS and contains 3399 unresolved and unconfused sources stronger than 0.5 Jy at 1.4 GHz with two-dimensional rms position errors of approximately 0.7 arcsec (see Condon and Yin 2000, PASP, 113, 362).

• PCALS3.3: This was an improved pointing catalog that included additional data from many high resolution observations now in the public domain and contains 6857 sources. The positions have two-dimensional rms uncertainties of 0.2 arcsec and the catalog contains moderately accurate high-frequency flux densities. See PTCSPN 36.1 for details.

• PCALS4.0: This pointing catalog supersedes all other catalogs. It includes additional sources located primarily in the southern hemishpere sky with a total of 7108 sources. See PTCSPN 36.2 for details.

PCALS3.3

The original pointing catalog (NVSS2.2) was based on the 1.4 GHz NVSS and contained 3399 unresolved and unconfused sources stronger than 0.5 Jy at 1.4 GHz with two-dimensional rms position errors of approximately 0.7 arcsec (see Condon and Yin 2000, PASP, 113, 362).

PCALS3.3 is an improved pointing catalog that includes additional data from many high resolution observations now in the public domain and contains 6857 sources. The new positions have two-dimensional rms uncertainties of 0.2 arcsec and the catalog contains moderately accurate high-frequency flux densities (See see PTCS project note 36 for the details). A copy of the PCALS3.3 catalog can be found as an attachment below or in the /home/astro-util/pointing/ directory.

There are two fortran programs that allow the user to search the database from any linux machine. Each program prompts the user for an observing frequency, a search radius, a flux density limit, and a nominal position. These programs are located in the /home/astro-util/pointing/ directory. It is best to "cd /home/astro-util/pointing/" first and then run the program.

There are two fortran programs that allow the user to search the database from any linux machine. Each program prompts the user for an observing frequency, a search radius, a flux density limit, and a nominal position. These programs are located in the /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals3.3 for PCALS3.3 and /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals4.0 for PCALS4.0. It is best to cd to the specified directory first and then run the program.

calfind: This program will return a list of the sources meeting the specified criteria along with the source position, the minimum and maximum beam sizes that should be used, the observed flux densities, and the offset position. For example,

calfind: This program will return a list of the sources meeting the specified criteria along with the source position, the minimum and maximum beam sizes that should be used, the observed flux densities, and the offset position. For example,

calfind2: This program is very similar to calfind except that only one flux density is returned. The flux density is based on an interpolated or extrapolated flux density at the specified input frequency. For example,

calfind2: This program is very similar to calfind except that only one flux density is returned. The flux density is based on an interpolated or extrapolated flux density at the specified input frequency. For example,

The program calfind2 has been used to generate CLEO Scheduler input files for each of the GBT receiver bands at a specified frequency. These ascii files can be found at /home/astro-util/pointing/. To start the scheduler program at the linux prompt type: "cleo scheduler". Below is a list of the bands and the frequency used.

The program calfind2 has been used to generate pointing files that pertain to each GBT receiver band frequency. These files can be used as input for the CLEO scheduler program. To start the scheduler program at the linux prompt type: "cleo scheduler".

• PCALS3.3: Files located in /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals3.3. These ascii formated files are readable by the CLEO scheduler program.

• PCALS4.0: Files located in /home/astro-util/pointing/pcals4.0. These ascii formatted files are in the Astrid catalog format and are currently not readable by the CLEO scheduler program.

pf.cat       -   0.6 GHz
lband.cat    -   1.4 GHz
sband.cat    -   2.0 GHz
cband.cat    -   5.0 GHz
xband.cat    -   9.0 GHz
kuband.cat   -  14.0 GHz
kband.cat    -  20.0 GHz
kaband.cat   -  32.0 GHz
qband.cat    -  43.1 GHz
pointing.cat - all sources

%META:FILEATTACHMENT{name="PCALS4.0" attr="" comment="PCALS4.0 pointing catalog" date="1128708709" path="PCALS4.0" size="625680" user="DanaBalser" version="1.1"}%

ninkasi[58]% calfind

ninkasi[112]% calfind

17 45 43.6 -28 52 15

17 45 43.6 -28 52 15.0

and lying within 10.0 deg of J2000 RA 17 45 43.60, DEC -28 52 1.5:

and lying within 10.0 deg of J2000 RA 17 45 43.60, DEC -28 52 15.0:

ninkasi[59]% calfind2

ninkasi[113]% calfind2

17 45 43.6 -28 52 15

17 45 43.6 -28 52 15.0

J2000 RA = 17 45 43.60, DEC = -28 52 1.5

J2000 RA = 17 45 43.60, DEC = -28 52 15.0

Note: a copy of the PCALS3.3 catalog, programs used to search the catalog, and CLEO scheduler input files can all be found in the /home/astro-util/pointing/ directory.

now in the public domain and contains 6857 sources. The new positions have two-dimensional rms uncertainties of 0.2 arcsec and the catalog contains moderately accurate high-frequency flux densities (See see PTCS project note 36 for the details). A copy of the PCALS3.3 catalog can be found in the /home/astro-util/pointing directory or from the attachment below.

now in the public domain and contains 6857 sources. The new positions have two-dimensional rms uncertainties of 0.2 arcsec and the catalog contains moderately accurate high-frequency flux densities (See see PTCS project note 36 for the details). A copy of the PCALS3.3 catalog can be found as an attachment below or in the /home/astro-util/pointing/ directory.

prompts the user for an observing frequency, a search radius, a flux density limit, and a nominal position.

prompts the user for an observing frequency, a search radius, a flux density limit, and a nominal position. These programs are located in the /home/astro-util/pointing/ directory. It is best to "cd /home/astro-util/pointing/" first and then run the program.

can be found at /home/astro-util/pointing. To start the scheduler program

can be found at /home/astro-util/pointing/. To start the scheduler program

PCALS3.3

The original pointing catalog (NVSS2.2) was based on the 1.4 GHz NVSS and contained 3399 unresolved and unconfused sources stronger than 0.5 Jy at 1.4 GHz with two-dimensional rms position errors of approximately 0.7 arcsec (see Condon and Yin 2000, PASP, 113, 362).

PCALS3.3 is an improved pointing catalog that includes additional data from many high resolution observations now in the public domain and contains 6857 sources. The new positions have two-dimensional rms uncertainties of 0.2 arcsec and the catalog contains moderately accurate high-frequency flux densities (See see PTCS project note 36 for the details). A copy of the PCALS3.3 catalog can be found in the /home/astro-util/pointing directory or from the attachment below.

Search Programs

There are two fortran programs that allow the user to search the database from any linux machine. Each program prompts the user for an observing frequency, a search radius, a flux density limit, and a nominal position.

calfind: This program will return a list of the sources meeting the specified criteria along with the source position, the minimum and maximum beam sizes that should be used, the observed flux densities, and the offset position. For example,

ninkasi[58]% calfind
 CALFIND: Find suitable GBT pointing calibrators north of -40 deg declination
 
 Enter the observing frequency (GHz)
22
 
 Enter the calibration-source search radius (deg)
10
 
 Enter the minimum calibration-source flux density (Jy) or zero for no flux limit
0.5
 
 Enter the J2000 search center in the columns below:
 HH MM SS.SS -DD MM SS.S
 17 45 43.6  -28 52 15
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALFIND: The GBT FWHM beamwidth is  33.6 arcsec at  22.00 GHz ( 1.4 cm wavelength)
CALFIND: GBT  22.00 GHz pointing calibrators stronger than  0.50 Jy
         and lying within  10.0 deg of J2000 RA 17 45 43.60, DEC -28 52  1.5:
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 IAU NAME      RA  (J2000)  DEC       MIN MAX    S20     S6   S3.5     S2   S1.3   S0.7 Offset
HHMM+DDMM HH MM SS.SSSS DDD MM SS.SSS (arcsec)    Jy     Jy     Jy     Jy     Jy     Jy    deg
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1713-2658 17:13:31.2756 -26:58:52.523   0 360   1.13   1.02   1.59   0.     0.     0.80    7.4
1717-3342 17:17:36.0300 -33:42:08.764   0  90   0.62   0.86   0.     0.     0.     1.18    7.7
1733-3722 17:33:15.1930 -37:22:32.395   0 180   0.65   0.88   0.     0.     0.     0.77    8.9
1744-3116 17:44:23.5826 -31:16:35.986   0  45   0.42   0.42   0.58   0.59   0.     0.67    2.4
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

calfind2: This program is very similar to calfind except that only one flux density is returned. The flux density is based on an interpolated or extrapolated flux density at the specified input frequency. For example,

ninkasi[59]% calfind2
 CALFIND: I find suitable GBT pointing calibrators north of -40 deg dec.
 
 Enter the observing frequency (GHz)
22
 
 Enter the calibration-source search radius (deg)
10
 
 Enter the minimum calibrator flux density (Jy) or zero for no flux limit
0.5
 
 Enter the J2000 search center in the columns below:
 HH MM SS.SS -DD MM SS.S
 17 45 43.6  -28 52 15
 --------------------------------------------------------
 CALFIND: GBT pointing calibrators stronger than  0.50 Jy
          at  22.00 GHz (GBT FWHM beam = 33.6 arcsec)
          and lying within  10.0 deg of
          J2000 RA = 17 45 43.60, DEC = -28 52  1.5
 --------------------------------------------------------
 IAU NAME        RA   (J2000)   DEC    S(22.0 GHz) Offset
 HHMM+DDMM   HH MM SS.SSSS DDD MM SS.SSS      Jy     deg
 --------------------------------------------------------
 1713-2658   17:13:31.2756 -26:58:52.523     1.06    7.4
 1717-3342   17:17:36.0300 -33:42:08.764     1.07    7.7
 1733-3722   17:33:15.1930 -37:22:32.395     0.80    8.9
 1744-3116   17:44:23.5826 -31:16:35.986     0.62    2.4
 --------------------------------------------------------

CLEO Scheduler Input Files

The program calfind2 has been used to generate CLEO Scheduler input files for each of the GBT receiver bands at a specified frequency. These ascii files can be found at /home/astro-util/pointing. To start the scheduler program at the linux prompt type: "cleo scheduler". Below is a list of the bands and the frequency used.

pf.dat     -   0.6 GHz
lband.dat  -   1.4 GHz
sband.dat  -   2.0 GHz
cband.dat  -   5.0 GHz
xband.dat  -   9.0 GHz
kuband.dat -  14.0 GHz
kband.dat  -  20.0 GHz
kaband.dat -  32.0 GHz
qband.dat  -  43.1 GHz

%META:FILEATTACHMENT{name="PCALS3.3" attr="" comment="PCALS3.3 pointing catalog" date="1093284214" path="PCALS3.3" size="603592" user="DanaBalser" version="1.1"}%

%META:TOPICINFO{author="DanaBalser" date="1093276260" format="1.0" version="1.1"}% %META:TOPICPARENT{name="PointingFocus"}%

Pointing Catalog

-- DanaBalser - 23 Aug 2004