Astronomical Imaging Library

Votes from the ASAC and configuration working group members are used to select the following 5 sources for future imaging simulations (April 20, 2000). These images are chosen for having the following properties:

  1. astronomical relevance

  2. high S/N dynamic range (>1000)

  3. high spatial dynamic range (>100)

On July 20, 2000, all model images are modified to have 1024 x 1024 pixels in order to run on the AIPS simulation package S. Heddle is putting together. All images have 0.01" pixels. For lower resolution simulations, comparisons should be made with convolved images appropriate for the simulation observations.




Cygnus A

The original image of the radio galaxy Cygnus A is produced from the combined data from all four VLA configurations (provided by C. Carilli at NRAO). The dynamic range of the image is about 10^5, and a logarithmic stretch is shown.
The model image ( SYGA.MODEL) is 1024 x 1024 pixels in size and has a pixel scale of 0.01 arcsecond for the 3 km array simulation. This image need to be convolved by a factor of 4 to be used for the 0.2" ("C array") resolution simulation.

Protoplanetary/protostellar Disk

Model protoplanetary disk, provided by L. Munday at Maryland. The simulation shown on the left is using one of the earlier MMA strawperson configurations. The model image ( PPDISK.MODEL) is a preliminary version based on the original image provided by Lee.


M51 in H alpha

This is a continuum subtracted H alpha image of the nearby galaxies M51 (NGC 5194 -- provided by D. Thilker at NRAO). This H alpha image should be a reasonable representation of the atomic FIR lines and other tracers of massive star formation, and it may be reasonable model for other molecular transitions as well. Shown in logarithmic stretch. Image dynamic range is over 10000.
The model image ( M51HA.MODEL) is 1024 x 1024 pixels in size and has a pixel scale of 0.01 arcsecond for the 3 km array simulation. Large negative pixels resulting from subtraction of saturated stars have been blanked with 0's.

Mars

This brightness temperature image of Mars was produced using actual satellite images and model calculations, provided by B. Butler at NRAO and M. Gurwell at SAO. ALMA should in principle be able to reproduce these types of images. These images are shown in linear stretch.
The model image ( MARS.MODEL) is 1024 x 1024 pixels in size and has a pixel scale of 0.01 arcsecond for the 3 km array simulation.

Galactic Dust Complex

This is a 850 micron SCUBA image of a Galactic cloud complex, provided by C. Wilson at McMaster. The dynamic range is about 400 (1 sigma = 0.01 Jy/beam, strongest feature about 4 Jy/beam) and there are about 120 resolution elements across the image.
The model image ( DUSTCLOUD.MODEL) is 1024 x 1024 pixels in size and has a pixel scale of 0.01 arcsecond for the 3 km array simulation. Obvious image boundary structures are also included, but we will treat it like any other structure in the image.

Min S. Yun
Last modified: July 20, 2000