[Previous] | [Session 107] | [Next]

[107.04] First K-Band Science with the GBT: Sensitive, Wide-Band Spectra of H2O Megamasers

J.A. Braatz (NRAO)

We observed 16 water vapor megamasers with the Green Bank Telescope (GBT), obtaining the most sensitive single-epoch spectra of each, to date. Many new maser features were detected. We will demonstrate how the high sensitivity of the GBT enables new studies of the dynamics of molecular gas found within about a parsec from the central engine of the AGN. The spectra cover > 10000 km/s of velocity space, though most maser features are seen within a few hundred km/s of the systemic velocity of the host galaxy. This project, observed in April 2002, marked the first K-band science achieved with the GBT. In addition, the active surface, 800 MHz spectrometer mode, and beam-switched observing procedures were each used, with success, for the first time during this program.

[Previous] | [Session 107] | [Next]

Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.