MUSTANG

MUSTANG is a 64 pixel bolometer array which is being commissioned on the GBT for use at 90 GHz. Although MUSTANG is not yet a 'turn-key' system, and performance of the GBT at 3mm is still being characterized, early results from the instrument are promising and proposals for shared-risk science observations will be accepted in the June 1st 2008 call for proposals. Accepted proposals will be carried out in collaboration with the instrument team, and proposers are encouraged to consult the instrument team concerning questions of technical feasibility prior to submission of proposals. The currently demonstrated sensitivity of MUSTANG on the GBT yields a 2.5 mJy RMS in one hour of integration time mapping a 3'x3' region. Extended emission on scales of 30" to a few arcminutes can be imaged with reasonable fidelity, but faint emission more extended than this may be difficult to detect. The angular resolution is about 10" (FWHM) and the instantaneous field of view is 32"x32". Allowing for weather and calibration and observing overheads, the typical observing efficiency realized on the telescope is 30-50%.

Efforts are currently underway to improve the sensitivity of the MUSTANG receiver, to increase the GBT surface efficiency, and to improve observing efficiency. While we are optimistic, positive results from this work remain to be demonstrated. These could yield as much as a factor of two improvement in sensitivity for MUSTANG observations in the winter of 2008/2009.

Please contact Brian Mason (bmason - nrao - edu) with further questions.

MUSTANG+GBT 3mm 5'x5' Map of the Flame Nebula (NGC2024 in Orion).

MUSTANG+GBT 3mm 8'x8' Map of the Crab Supernova Remnant