Analysis Center Response Form Joint CSTG/IERS Call for Participation International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry Analysis Center name: USNO Analysis Center for Source Structure Type of analysis center: global___ special_X_ Parent/Funding organization: U.S. Naval Observatory Name and title of primary scientific/technical contact: Dr. Alan L. Fey Name and title of administrative contact: Dr. Kenneth J. Johnston Mailing address: U.S. Naval Observatory 3450 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20392-5420 USA Phone: 202-762-1517 Fax: 202-762-1516 E-mail address: afey@usno.navy.mil Web address: www.usno.navy.mil If applying as a Special Analysis Center, describe the special type(s) of analysis you will perform. If applying as a Global Analysis Center, describe the global analysis you will perform. Indicate your specific analysis interests and describe how you select the data you analyze. We propose to analyze VLBI data to extract intrinsic source structure information for use in maintaining the ICRF. Data will be obtained primarily from the VLBA RDV set of global experiments but other data sources are used (geodetic database). Other sources of data will be investigated. Source structure information will be provided in the form of synthesis images and source models suitable for evaluating sources for astrometric and/or geodetic use and for long-term monitoring of sources. Research into the effects of source structure on astrometric position determination will be carried out with emphasis on improving the long-term stability of the ICRF. Describe the computer hardware configuration and the software package(s) you use for analysis. Data analysis will be performed on Unix platforms (primarily Intel processors running Linux and one HP 9000/785). Data analysis will be performed using the NRAO Astronomical Image Processing Software (AIPS), the Caltech DIFMAP imaging software, the GSFC CALC and SOLVE VLBI reduction software, and various special purpose software developed at the analysis center. Internet connection type or bit rate: T1 Data storage capacity: ~50Gb Describe any planned facility upgrades. Multiple T1 lines; new Intel hardware. Number of full-time-equivalent personnel assigned to analysis center functions: 3 Indicate which data center(s) you use: CDDIS Indicate which of the following IVS Analysis Center functions you will perform and explain briefly how you will perform them: Provide timely feedback to stations Create high quality products and perform timely archiving and distribution Place final results (TRF, CRF, EOP, and others) in IVS Data Centers Perform software development and documentation Compare products Adhere to IERS Conventions The proposed analysis center will contribute products directly related to the IVS determination of the "definition and maintenance of the celestial reference frame." Attach a list of personnel (names and titles) whom you designate as IVS Associate Members through their affiliation with your analysis center. Dr. Alan L. Fey Dr. Ralph A. Gaume Dr. David A. Boboltz Dr. Kerry A. Kingham Please provide any other information that you feel will be helpful in demonstrating your analysis center's capabilities to participate in the IVS. If you proposed to the IERS in 1995/6 as an analysis center and wish to have that proposal carry over to the IVS, please make such a statement in this proposal. The above named individuals are uniquely qualified to perform the proposed IVS Special Analysis Center functions described herein. We have been performing these functions in various incarnations since about 1995. Products of relevance which are currently available can be found at the USNO Radio Reference Frame Image Database (RRFID) WWW site: http://www.usno.navy.mil/RRFID/. Results can also be found in the scientific literature, e.g.: "A Radio Reference Frame," Astronomical Journal, August 1995, (Vol. 110, No. 2, Pages 880-915). "VLBA Observations of Radio Reference Frame Sources. I.," Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, August 1996 issue (Vol. 105, No. 2, Pages 299-330). "VLBA Observations of Radio Reference Frame Sources. II. Astrometric Suitability Based on Observed Structure," Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, July 1997 issue (Vol. 111, No. 1, Pages 95-142). "The Proper Motion of 4C 39.25," Astronomical Journal, December 1997, (Vol. 114, No. 6, Pages 2284-2291). "Geodetic VLBI Observations of EGRET Blazars," Astrophysical Journal, November 1998, (Vol. 507, No. 2, Pages 706-725). "VLBA Observations of Radio Reference Frame Sources. III. Astrometric Suitability of an Additional 225 Sources," accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series. Your signature on this form indicates your agreement to participate in the IVS as an Analysis Center and to work closely with the IVS Analysis Coordinator. If this is a new proposal (i.e. not carried over from IERS) your signature commits your organization to participate in the IVS. Name of person signing: Kenneth J. Johnston Title: Scientific Director Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _________________