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Vector Magnetograph Ready for Users (1Mar93)
(from NSO, NOAO Newsletter No. 33, 1 March 1993)

The JHU-APL/USAF/NSO vector magnetograph is now fully operational and
is available for use by the scientific community. Specific observing
requests for this facility should be made by submitting an NSO
Observing Proposal.

The vector magnetograph utilizes the Zeeman-sensitive spectral line Ca
I 6122.2 A, to make Stokes parameter measurements in up to five
wavelengths through the line. Data reduction programs are available, in
IDL, to perform initial on-site processing of the data and to look at
preliminary magnetograms. Most magnetograms are made using two
positions in the blue wing of the line so they can be calibrated by the
derivative method, i.e., signal/(dI/dl)  B. The 10-inch telescope in the
Hilltop Dome offers a spatial resolution of about 1.5 arcsec, with a
temporal resolution of about a minute. The field of view of the
magnetograph is about 3 x 5 arcmin.  Current investigations underway
using this instrument are in support of the USAF-sponsored Solar
Activity Modeling Initiative and the JHU-APL/USAF/NSO Flare Genesis
Project. The instrument also currently supports some of the
observational programs in solar activity, specifically those looking
for magnetic shear in active regions. Calibration procedures are also
available to measure instrumental polarization, if one desires to do so.

For more information about the instrument, contact Dave Rust at:

                          (301) 953-5414
                     (drust@s1pvx6.jhuapl.edu).

For information about the daily operation and how to apply for time,
contact Craig Gullixson at:

               (505) 434-7088 (craig@sunspot.noao.edu).

K.S. Balasubramaniam, Steve Keil, Dave Rust

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