Science Verification: Mars

Description

Observe with 12-m array, 7m array (ACA) and single dish in bands 3, 6, 7. Include CH4 and CO lines.

Example references: Hilico, J. C. et al., 1987, JMoSp, 122, 381; Zahnle, K. et al., 2011, Icar, 212, 493

Capabilities to be verified

1. Ephemeris object - test of moving object and Doppler corrections.
2. Combination of 12-m array, 7-m array (ACA) and single dish. Although such techniques are not strictly need for imaging such an object, demonstrating that we get a correct image is a good test of the technique. Planets are bright enough that we can make single-dish continuum observations even without a nutator.
3. Spectral line observations will also demonstrate correlator modes: mixed and 1spw/BB modes.
4. Additional functionality to be demonstrated: multiple calibrations to remove the effects of telluric lines.
5. Beyond Cycle 1: because of its thin atmosphere Mars is a good test of polarization imaging techniques but those observations will be made separately because of the special calibration requirements in that case.

Suitability

As implied above Mars has many properties that make it suitable for demonstrating ALMA capabilities. Some can be done with other planets or their moons but in their present configuration Mars presents the best opportunity.

Status

Observed. If data of suitable quality for release is obtained, an announcement will appear here prior to the Science Verification data being publicly released via the ALMA Science Portal.