An article from October 2006 mentioned that an attempt would be made to directly observe the exoplanet Epsi eri b in "late 2007".
In another thread, Del Palmer said HST would go for it in "late December, depending on scheduling issues"
Has anyone heard more about this? I've been checking the Weekly Timelines, trying to keep an eye out for "HD22049" in the target list.
I'd appreciate any insight - this could be a big moment in Telescopic Observations!
Thanks,
Brad
Full Version: HST Observation of Epsilon Eridani
From Oct 2006: http://www.physorg.com/news79617716.html
QUOTE
Although Hubble and other telescopes cannot image the gas giant planet now, they may be able to snap pictures of it in 2007, when its orbit is closest to Epsilon Eridani. The planet may be bright enough in reflected sunlight to be imaged by Hubble, other space-based cameras, and large ground-based telescopes.
In October of 2006, when that article was written, they didn't realize that ACS would fail in January, 2007. The fact that HST was/is back to using WFPC/2 as its main imager may have thrown a wrench in its ability to resolve this planet.
I was afraid of that. I'm rooting for STS-125 to get up there ASAP for the Hubble repair mission.
I had hoped that they would give it a shot with the NICMOS coronagraph (NIC2). Given that the system is no longer observable to Hubble under 2-gyro mode, the opportunity to observe it has now passed (sigh).
Perhaps AO-equipped ground-based observatories took aim...
Perhaps AO-equipped ground-based observatories took aim...
Although the concept of a space telescope in Low Earth Orbit is a bit ‘passé’ (future space telescopes are placed at L2 Lagrange point where there’re no problems such as Earth ocultations, lunar glow ,…) scientists and space enthusiasts alike are looking forward to the fifth Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing mission.
With the shuttle Atlantis’ mission STS-125 still 8 months away, I would like to ask this question:
During the 1999 mission, the shuttle did an orbital lifting operation. The 4th HST servicing mission was in 2002… How does the orbit of the 11 ton HST decay by time?
(original planned orbit was approx 575 km)
With the shuttle Atlantis’ mission STS-125 still 8 months away, I would like to ask this question:
During the 1999 mission, the shuttle did an orbital lifting operation. The 4th HST servicing mission was in 2002… How does the orbit of the 11 ton HST decay by time?
(original planned orbit was approx 575 km)
FWIW, Epsilon Eridani B has a 7-year period, so next chance is 2014.
Regarding how fast Hubble's orbit decays:
Hubble was first deployed at about 381 miles altitude. It is expected to lose 10 miles in altitude per year, depending on how its orientation affects atmospheric drag. Consequently, in spite of getting boosted by the shuttle servicing missions, its altitude is currently 347 miles.
Hubble was first deployed at about 381 miles altitude. It is expected to lose 10 miles in altitude per year, depending on how its orientation affects atmospheric drag. Consequently, in spite of getting boosted by the shuttle servicing missions, its altitude is currently 347 miles.
QUOTE (JRehling @ Jan 22 2008, 11:58 AM) 
FWIW, Epsilon Eridani B has a 7-year period, so next chance is 2014.
Wouldn't it have an opportunity in 2010, 3.5 years hence?
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