Science Verification: Long Baselines - 3C 138

Description / Details of the target

Target: 3C 138 (J2000 05:21:09.9 +16:38:22). 3C 138 is a strongly polarized (12%) quasar.

Spectral setup: continuum spectral windows centred at the standard Band 3 & 6 frequencies.

Example references: Akujor et al, 1993, A&A, 274, 752.

Capabilities to be verified

10km baselines in Bands 3 & 6. Demonstration of similar-resolution (~0.06'' for a ~10km baseline configuration) imaging at two frequencies (Bands 3 and 6) in a continuum spectral setup.

Suitability

The target needs to have suitable comparison data in the literature and lie within the LST range required for observation during the campaign. This target has an extent of ~1'', making it ideal for the demonstration of the polarization capability.

Status

Observed. Data reduction and verification underway. It is anticipated that the data will be released in mid-February 2015. An announcement will appear on the ALMA Science Portal prior to any Science Verification data being publicly released.