Science Verification: M16

Description

M16 (the Eagle Nebula; J2000 18:18:52.7 -13:50:09) is an HII region powered by a nearby high-mass star cluster and ubiquitous for its "Pillars of Creation" (filamentary molecular clouds) imaged with the Hubble Space Telescope. We will make a Band 6 mosaic covering the three pillars, approximately 180''x180''. The spectral setup will be chosen for 12CO, 13CO and C18O simultaneously.

Example references: Fukuda, N., Hanawa, T. & Sugitani, K., 2002, ApJ , 568, 127; Schuller, F. et al., 2006, A&A, 454, 87; Hill, T. et al., 2012, A&A, 542, 114

Capabilities Tested

With this target we will demonstrate the Cycle 1 large mosaic capabilities. Observations will use the 12-m array plus 7-m array (ACA) and single dish. Correlator modes to be tested are: mixed and 1 spw per baseband modes. Additional functionalities to be tested are: Mapping Extended Structure. To cover the region fully with good sampling will require, for the 12-m array, the full 150-pointing Cycle 1 capability.

Suitability

This object is well-matched to the Cycle 1 mosaic capability and can be expected to show much interesting structure with the resolution available. It is of course an excellent object for EPO purposes because of the iconic Hubble images.

Status

Initial observations carried out. 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.