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International audience; Context. η Car is one of the most intriguing luminous blue variables in the Galaxy. Observations and models of the X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, and infrared emission suggest a central binary in a highly eccentric orbit with a 5.54 yr period residing in its core. 2D and 3D radiative transfer and hydrodynamic simulations predict a primary with a dense and slow stellar wind that interacts with the faster and lower density wind of the secondary. The wind-wind collision scenario suggests that the secondary’s wind penetrates the primary’s wind creating a low-density cavity in it, with dense walls where the two winds interact. However, the morphology of the cavity and its physical properties are not yet fully constrained.Aims. We aim to trace the inner ∼5–50 au structure of η Car’s wind-wind interaction, as seen through Brγ and, for the first time, through the He I 2s-2p line.Methods. We have used spectro-interferometric observations with the K-band beam-combiner GRAVITY at the VLTI. The analyses of the data include (i) parametrical model-fitting to the interferometric observables, (ii) a CMFGEN model of the source’s spectrum, and (iii) interferometric image reconstruction.Results. Our geometrical modeling of the continuum data allows us to estimate its FWHM angular size close to 2 mas and an elongation ratio ϵ = 1.06 ± 0.05 over a PA = 130° ± 20°. Our CMFGEN modeling of the spectrum helped us to confirm that the role of the secondary should be taken into account to properly reproduce the observed Brγ and He I lines. Chromatic images across the Brγ line reveal a southeast arc-like feature, possibly associated to the hot post-shocked winds flowing along the cavity wall. The images of the He I 2s-2p line served to constrain the 20 mas (∼50 au) structure of the line-emitting region. The observed morphology of He I suggests that the secondary is responsible for the ionized material that produces the line profile. Both the Brγ and the He I 2s-2p maps are consistent with previous hydrodynamical models of the colliding wind scenario. Future dedicated simulations together with an extensive interferometric campaign are necessary to refine our constraints on the wind and stellar parameters of the binary, which finally will help us predict the evolutionary path of η Car.; Contexte : η Car est une des étoiles brillantes bleues variables les plus intrigante de notre galaxie. Les observations et les modèles des émissions X, UV et optique et IR suggèrent qu'une étoile binaire avec une orbite fortement excentrique de période 5,54 ans réside au centre de son coeur. Les simulations hydrodynamiques et de transfert radiatif 2D et 3D prédisent la présence d'une étoile primaire avec vent stellaire dense et lent, qui interagit avec le vent de densité moindre et plus rapide de l'étoile secondaire. Ce scénario de collision vent-vent suggère que le vent de l'étoile secondaire pénètre dans le vent de l'étoile primaire, créant dans ce dernier une cavité de faible densité, avec des murs denses où les deux vents interagissent. Cependant, la morphologie de cette cavité et ses propriétés physiques ne sont pas encore pleinement contraints.Objectifs. Nous visons à déterminer la structure interne de l’interaction vent-vent de Car dans une zone allant de 5 à 50 Unités Astronomiques, telle que vue à travers Br γ et, pour la première fois, à travers la transition 2s-2p de He I.Méthodes : Nous avons utilisé des observations spectro-interférométriques du combineur de faisceaux en bande K de GRAVITY au VLTI. Les analyses des données comprennent: (i) un ajustement de modèle paramétrique aux observables interférométriques, (ii) un modèle CMFGEN du spectre de la source, et (iii) des reconstructions d'image interférométriques.Résultats : Notre modélisation géométrique des données du continuum nous permet d'estimer sa taille angulaire FWHM proche de 2 mas et son coefficient d'allongement de 1,06 ± 0,05 sur un PA = 130° ± 20°. Notre modélisation CMFGEN du spectre nous a permis de confirmer que le rôle de l'étoile secondaire devrait être pris en compte pour reproduire correctement les émissions Br γ et He I observées. Les images spectrales dans la bande Br γ révèle une caractéristique semblable à un arc au sud-est, peut-être associé aux vents chauds post-choc circulant le long du mur de la cavité. Les images dans la bande He I 2s-2p ont servi à contraindre la structure de la région d'émission de la transition, avec une résolution de 20 millisecondes d'arc (50 UA). La morphologie observée de He I suggère que l'étoile secondaire est responsable de l'ionisationproduisant le profil de raie. Les deux images (en Br γ et He I 2s-2p) sont compatibles avec les modèles hydrodynamiques précédents du scénario de vent en collision. De futures simulations dédiées ainsi qu’une vaste campagne interférométrique sont nécessaires pour affiner nos contraintes sur le vent et les paramètres stellaires de la binaire, ce qui nous aidera enfin à prédire le chemin évolutif de η Car.

Aims. The B fields in OB stars (BOB) Collaboration is based on an ESO Large Programme to study the occurrence rate, properties, and ultimately the origin of magnetic fields in massive stars. Methods. In the framework of this program, we carried out low-resolution spectropolarimetric observations of a large sample of massive stars using FORS2 installed at the ESO VLT 8m telescope. Results. We determined the magnetic field values with two completely independent reduction and analysis pipelines. Our in-depth study of the magnetic field measurements shows that differences between our two pipelines are usually well within 3 sigma errors. From the 32 observations of 28 OB stars, we were able to monitor the magnetic fields in CPD -57 degrees 3509 and HD164492C, confirm the magnetic field in HD54879, and detect a magnetic field in CPD -62 degrees 2124. We obtain a magnetic field detection rate of 6 +/- 3% for the full sample of 69 OB stars observed with FORS 2 within the BOB program. For the preselected objects with a nu sin i below 60 km s(-1), we obtain a magnetic field detection rate of 5 +/- 5%. We also discuss X-ray properties and multiplicity of the objects in our FORS2 sample with respect to the magnetic field detections.

A rather strong mean longitudinal magnetic field of the order of a few hundred gauss was detected a few years ago in the Of?p star CPD -28 degrees 2561 using FORS2 (FOcal Reducer low dispersion Spectrograph 2) low-resolution spectropolarimetric observations. In this work, we present additional low-resolution spectropolarimetric observations obtained during several weeks in 2013 December using FORS 2 mounted at the 8-m Antu telescope of the Very Large Telescope (VLT). These observations cover a little less than half of the stellar rotation period of 73.41 d mentioned in the literature. The behaviour of the mean longitudinal magnetic field is consistent with the assumption of a single-wave variation during the stellar rotation cycle, indicating a dominant dipolar contribution to the magnetic field topology. The estimated polar strength of the surface dipole B-d is larger than 1.15 kG. Further, we compared the behaviour of the line profiles of various elements at different rotation phases associated with different magnetic field strengths. The strongest contribution of the emission component is observed at the phases when the magnetic field shows a negative or positive extremum. The comparison of the spectral behaviour of CPD -28 degrees 2561 with that of another Of?p star, HD 148937 of similar spectral type, reveals remarkable differences in the degree of variability between both stars. Finally, we present new X-ray observations obtained with the Suzaku X-ray Observatory. We report that the star is X-ray bright with log L-X/L-bol approximate to -5.7. The low-resolution X-ray spectra reveal the presence of a plasma heated up to 24 MK. We associate the 24 MK plasma in CPD -28 degrees 2561 with the presence of a kG strong magnetic field capable to confine stellar wind.

The achromatic phase shifter (APS) is a component of the Bracewell nulling interferometer studied in preparation for future space missions (viz. Darwin/TPF-I) focusing on spectroscopic study of Earth-like exo-planets. Several possible designs of such an optical subsystem exist. Four approaches were selected for further study. Thales Alenia Space developed a dielectric prism APS. A focus crossing APS prototype was developed by the OCA, Nice, France. A field reversal APS prototype was prepared by the MPIA in Heidelberg, Germany. Centre Spatial de Li\`ege develops a concept based on Fresnel's rhombs. This paper presents a progress report on the current work aiming at evaluating these prototypes on the SYNAPSE test bench at the Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale in Orsay, France.

The Palomar Testbed Interferometer (PTI) is a long-baseline, near-infrared interferometer located on Palomar Mountain. PTI has been in operation since 1997 and is used for extensive science observing as well as technical development. I will review the recent progress at PTI covering both science and instrumentation work. The science topics include fundamental stellar properties, novae, and an evaluation of all calibrator observations. The technical work includes the narrow-angle phase scanning mode and installation of the integrated optics combiner IONIC.

The CHARA Michigan Phase-tracker (CHAMP) is a real-time fringe tracker for the CHARA Array, a six-telescope long baseline optical interferometer on Mount Wilson, California. CHAMP has been optimized for tracking sensitivity at J, H, or K bands and is not meant as a science instrument itself. This ultimately results in maximum sensitivity for all the science beam combiners that benefit from stabilized fringes. CHAMP was designed, built, and tested in the laboratory at the University of Michigan and will be delivered to the CHARA Array in 2008. We present the final design of CHAMP, highlighting some its key characteristics, including a novel post-combination transport and imaging system. We also discuss testing and validation studies and present first closed-loop operation in the laboratory.

The Keck Interferometer combines the two 10m diameter Ke ck telescopes for near-infrared fringe visibility, and mid-infrared nulling observations. We report on recent progress with an emphasis on new visibility observing capabilities, operations improvements for visibility and nulling, and on recent visibility science. New visibility observing capabilities include a grism spectrometer for higher spectral resolution. Recent improvements include a new AO output dichroic for increased infrared light throughput, and the installation of new wave-front controllers on both Keck telescopes. We also report on recent visibility results in several areas including (1) young stars and their circumstellar disks, (2) pre-main sequence star masses, and (3) Circumstellar environment of ev olved stars. Details on nuller instrument and nuller science results, and the ASTRA phase referencing and astrometry upgrade, are presented in more detail elsewhere in this conference. Keywords: stellar interferometry, visibility measurements, operational efficiency, spectro-interferometry, phase referencing, pre-main sequence binaries

The Keck Interferometer combines the two 10 m Keck telescopes as a long baseline interferometer, funded by NASA, as a joint development among the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the W. M. Keck Observatory, and the Michelson Science Center. Since 2004, it has offered an H- and K-band fringe visibility mode through the Keck TAC process. Recently this mode has been upgraded with the addition of a grism for higher spectral resolution. The 10 um nulling mode, for which first nulling data were collected in 2005, completed the bulk of its engineering development in 2007. At the end of 2007, three teams were chosen in response to a nuller key science call to perform a survey of nearby stars for exozodiacal dust. This key science observation program began in Feb. 2008. Under NSF funding, Keck Observatory is leading development of ASTRA, a project to add dual-star capability for high sensitivity observations and dual-star astrometry. We review recent activity at the Keck Interferometer, with an emphasis on the nuller development.

A working group on interferometry data standards has been established within IAU Commission 54 (Optical/ Infrared Interferometry). The working group includes members representing the major optical interferometry projects worldwide, and aims to enhance existing standards and develop new ones to satisfy the broad interests of the optical interferometry community. We present the initial work of the group to enhance the OIFITS data exchange standard, and outline the software packages and libraries now available which implement the standard.

Since the first application of the telescope to astronomy in 1610, most new astronomical discoveries require larger and larger radiation collecting areas. Today, the twin 10-meter Keck telescopes are operational and several 30-meter-aperture class telescopes are being planned. Optical interferometers and sparse aperture ground telescopes for astronomy have been proposed and built. Fienup showed the dependence betw een exposure time and the dilution factor of the aperture needed to maintain image quality. 1 Carpenter suggests a sparse aperture telescope system for the purpose of imaging across the surfaces of stars. 2 This paper demonstrates that the ability to reconstruct images from white-light extended sources with different contrast levels also depends on the specific pupil topography that is applied to the telescope system. Signal-to-noise ratios for recorded images are calculated for scene contrast, pupil shape, detector full-well, detected photons, and exposure times. Keywords: telescopes, sparse apertures, image quality , signal-to-noise ratio, image processing

The infrared optical telescope array (IOTA), one of the most productive interferometers in term of science and new technologies was decommissioned in summer 2006. We discuss the testing of a low-resolution spectrograph coupled with the IOTA-3T integrated-optics beam combiner and some of the scientific results obtained from this instrument.

We report the first scientific results from the Michigan Infrared Combiner (MIRC), including the first resolved image of a main-sequence star besides the Sun. Using the CHARA Array, MIRC was able to clearly resolve the well-known elongation of Altair's photosphere due to centrifugal distortion, and was also able to unambiguously image the effect of gravity darkening. In this report, we also show preliminary images of the interacting binary β Lyr and give an update of MIRC performance.

We present a flexible code created for imaging from the bispectrum and visibility-squared. By using a simulated annealing method, we limit the probability of converging to local chi-squared minima as can occur when traditional imaging methods are used on data sets with limited phase information. We present the results of our code used on a simulated data set utilizing a number of regularization schemes including maximum entropy. Using the statistical properties from Monte-Carlo Markov chains of images, we show how this code can place statistical limits on image features such as unseen binary companions., Comment: Preprint version of paper published in 2006 SPIE proceedings. Please contact John Monnier (monnier@umich.edu) for current distribution of the MACIM software

The Michigan Infrared Combiner (MIRC) has been designed for two primary goals: 1) imaging with all six CHARA telescopes simultaneously in the near-infrared, 2) direct detection of "hot Jupiter" exoplanets using precision closure phases. In September 2005, MIRC was commissioned on-sky at the CHARA Array on Mt. Wilson, CA, successfully combining light from 4 telescopes simultaneously. After a brief overview of MIRC features and design philosophy, we provide detailed description of key components and present results of laboratory tests. Lastly, we present first results from the commissioning run, focusing on engineering performance. We also present remarkable on-sky closure phase results from the first night of recorded data with the best-ever demonstrated closure phase stability and precision (ΔΦ = 0.03 degrees).

The interferometric version of the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF-I) has the potential to find and characterize earth-sized planets in the habitable zones of over 250 nearby stars and to search for life using biomarkers in the atmospheres of any planets found. The scientific case for such a mission continues to be strengthened by on-going progress in the detection of planets via indirect means. This paper summarizes the status of TPF-I, illustrative scientific requirements for the mission, and its enabling technologies.

We summarize the status of the Keck Interferometer in V 2 mode, and science results recently obtained.