HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE

                       DAILY REPORT #2023

PERIOD COVERED:  0000Z (UTC) 12/12/97 - 0000Z (UTC) 12/15/97

Daily Status Report as of 349/0000Z

1.0 ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED AND ACCOMPLISHED:

   1.1 Completed Four Sets of WF/PC-2 7621 (WF/PC-2 Cycle 7 Supplemental
Darks PT1/3)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make supplemental dark calibration images.
This set of calibrations is intended to obtain three dark frames every day
to provide data for monitoring and characterizing the evolution of hot
pixels.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were
noted.

   1.2 Completed Three Sets of STIS/CCD 7646 (STIS CCD Scattered Light Near
Earth Limb)

       The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to study
scattered light near the Earth's limb.  This program will determine the
effect of scattered light from the bright limb of the Earth on the
background of STIS CCD images.  The observations were executed as
scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.3 Completed Three Sets of WF/PC-2 7620 (WF/PC-2 Cycle 7 Standard Darks)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make a series of Cycle 7 standard dark
calibration images.  This dark calibration program obtains dark frames
every week in order to provide data for the ongoing calibration of the CCD
dark current rate, and to monitor and characterize the evolution of hot
pixels.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were
noted.

   1.4 Completed Three Sets of STIS/CCD 7802 (Daily Darks to Update
Acquisition Bad Pixel Table)

       The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to make
calibration observations to obtain daily darks to update the acquisition
bad pixel table.  These daily darks are intended to identify hot pixels for
update to the acquisition on-board FSW hot pixel table.  Daily hot pixel
lists can also be used for science data analysis.  The observations were
executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.5 Completed Two Sets of STIS/MA2 7604 (Cycle 7 MAMA Dark Measurements)

       The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (MA2) was used to make MAMA
dark measurements.  These darks will be used in later image reductions and
also trended over the instrument's life time as an indicator of the
detector's degradation or damage.  The observations were completed as
scheduled, and no problems were reported.

   1.6 Completed Two Sets of WF/PC-2 6521 (A Search For Outgassing From
Kuiper Belt Objects)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the Kuiper Belt object
1994TB in order to detect forms of outgassing.  In the past three years
almost 30 small bodies lying on the inner edge of the proposed Kuiper-Belt
have been discovered using ground-based facilities.  These objects are now
being studied with the HST.  The observations were executed as scheduled,
and no anomalies were noted.

   1.7 Completed FGS 6538 (The Distances to Dwarf Novae, and the
Calibration of the Technique of Infrared Spectroscopic Parallax)

       The FGSs were used to make astrometric observations of the Dwarf
Novae SS-Cyg and several other reference stars in order to measure its
distance from its parallax.  The distance to this dwarf novae is poorly
known.  This deficiency severely impacts our ability to quantify the
energetics of the various processes taking place in dwarf novae systems.
The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.8 Completed Eleven Sets of STIS/CCD 7781 (STIS Non-Scripted Parallel
Archive Proposal - Full Orbit)

       The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used for a
non-scripted parallel archive proposal (one full orbit).  The observations
were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.9 Completed Twelve Sets of NIC/2/3 7811 (NICMOS Modified One Orbit
Parallel)

       The Near Infrared Camera (Cameras Two and Three) was used to obtain
"JH" imaging, and G096 and G141 spectroscopy of sky regions when another
instrument is prime.  The observations were completed as planned, and no
anomalies were reported.

   1.10 Completed NIC/1/2/3 7690 (NICMOS Pointed Super Flats)

       The Near Infrared Camera (Cameras One, Two, and Three) was to be
used to make super flat field calibration observations.  These observations
will be used to build high signal/noise ratio NICMOS flat fields for the
different filters.  As described in 2.1, the acquisition for this proposal
failed.  No further problems were noted.


   1.11 Completed NIC/2/3 7453 (The SBF Hubble Diagram)

       The Near Infrared Camera (Camera Two and Three) was used to make
deep NICMOS observations of galactic cluster Abell-0779 to determine its
distance using the surface brightness fluctuation {SBF} method.  HST is
essential for its high spatial resolution which makes it possible to detect
and remove globular clusters and background galaxies that contaminate the
SBF measurement.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no
anomalies were noted.

   1.12 Completed WF/PC-2 5901 (Imaging of Gravitational Microlens Source
Systems and Their Underlying Stellar Backgrounds)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the gravitation
microlens source system LMC-0517-7 which is located in the Large Magellanic
Cloud.  This is to study the underlying stellar background.  The deep
images of the sources will provide first epoch images for comparison with
later images to resolve the proper motion of the lensing object, if it is
luminous.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies
were noted.

   1.13 Completed Two Sets of WF/PC-2/STIS/CCD/NIC/1/2 7307 (The Formation
and Evolution of Rich Star Clusters in the LMC)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the rich star clusters
H14-Half and LMC-SN1987 which are located within the Large Magellanic Cloud
in order to study their formation and evolution.  These observations will
help us understand the origin and evolution of rich star clusters in our
own galaxy.  A wavelength calibration image was also taken.  The
observations were complete as scheduled, and no anomalies were reported.

   1.14 Completed WF/PC-2 7786 (Pure Parallel Archive Survey - Continuation)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations as part of an archival
survey program in which the images were taken in parallel with the prime
science observations.  These WF/PC-2 parallel observations were obtained in
the ultraviolet in a search for interesting objects.  The observations were
completed as planned, and no problems were reported.

   1.15 Completed WF/PC-2 7282 (A Continuing Snapshot Survey for Compact
Stellar Groups and Clusters around Wolf-Rayet Stars)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the Wolf-Rayet (WR)
star SMC-4 as part of a continuing snapshot survey of compact stellar
groups and clusters.  The newly imaged clusters allow us to accurately
determine the distances, luminosities, and ages of the WR members.  The
observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.16 Completed STIS/CCD 7711 (STIS CCD G750L Fringing Flats.)

       The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to
investigate and monitor the STIS CCD flat-field fringing in the G750L
grating at its nominal wavelength setting {7751A}.  WAVECALs were also
taken at the same gain and wavelength setting.  Typical S/N = 100 for each
integration, and gain = 4 on each.  The observations were executed as
scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.17 Completed WF/PC-2 6866 (Luminous Stars in Old Stellar Populations)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of several luminous stars
in old stellar populations within galaxy Sculptor-D in the Fornax Galactic
Group.  Two outstanding problems in stellar populations are the existence
of luminous asymptotic giant branch stars in the bulges of Local Group
galaxies and the existence of an ultraviolet upturn in the spectral energy
distribution of many early type galaxies.  The observations were executed
as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.18 Completed  WF/PC-2 6745 (Fundamental Plane, Morphology-Density
Relation, and Lensing in the z=0.58 Arc Cluster CL2053)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the galactic cluster
Gal-Clus-2053 in order to study its fundamental plane structure, its
morphology-density relation, and its lensing.  The distribution of {post}
starburst galaxies and/or mergers as a function of radius will be of
particular interest.  The mass distribution will be determined from the
distortion of background galaxies by weak lensing.  The observations were
executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.19 Completed NIC/2/3 7812 (NICMOS Modified Short One Orbit Parallel)

       The Near Infrared Camera (Cameras Two and Three) was used to obtain
"JH" imaging of sky regions when another instrument is prime.  Two dither
positions are obtained for each filter.  The observations were completed as
scheduled, and no anomalies were reported.

   1.20 Completed Seven Sets of STIS/CCD 7782 (STIS Non-Scripted Parallel
Archive Proposal - Half Orbit)

       The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used for a
non-scripted parallel archive proposal (one-half orbit).  The observations
were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.21 Completed NIC/2 7331 (Near-IR Properties of the Bulges of Spiral
Galaxies)

       The Near Infrared Camera (Camera Two) was used to make infrared
observations of the bulge in spiral galaxy NGC-1350.  Near-IR data at HST
resolution are essential for correcting for the effect of dust and will
enable us to derive robust nuclear properties for the sample.  The
observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.22 Completed NIC/2 7219 (Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxies)

       The Near Infrared Camera (Camera Two) was used to make observations
of the ultraluminous infrared galaxy MRK1014.  The luminous IRAS Galaxies
are probably powered by nuclear starbursts and/or central AGNs: many of
these systems exhibit evidence of recent galactic interaction or merging.
A dark calibration image was also taken.  The observations were completed
as planned, and no problems were reported.

   1.23 Completed Seven Sets of WF/PC-2 7625 (WF/PC-2 Cycle 7 Earth Flats)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make a series of Earth flat calibration
images.  These flat fields will allow mapping of the OTA illumination
pattern and will be used in conjunction with previous internal and external
flats to generate new pipeline superflats.  The observations were completed
as planned, and no anomalies were reported.

   1.24 Completed NIC/2 7420 (A Near-Infrared Search for Very Low Mass
Companions to Stars Within 10 Parsecs of the Sun)

       The Near Infrared Camera (Camera Two) was used to make searching
observations for very low mass companions to variable star HD101501.  This
star is known to be within 10 parsecs of the Sun.  The observations were
executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.25 Completed NIC/2 7327 (Elliptical Galaxy Evolution at High Redshift:
IR Imaging of 60 Distant Clusters)

       The Near Infrared Camera (Camera Two) was used to make infrared
observations high redshifted elliptical galaxies in galactic cluster
CL1420+463.  By measuring the structural properties of high redshift
cluster elliptical galaxies, it is hoped to resolve the controversy
regarding the age and formation history of bright cluster ellipticals.  The
observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.26 Completed WF/PC-2 7618 (WF/PC-2 Cycle 7 Photometric Monitor UV/OPT STD)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the standard star
GRW+70D582 as part of a Cycle 7 photometric monitoring program.  This
ultraviolet spectrophotometric standard star was observed in a variety of
filters and cameras to monitor the photometric stability and quantum
efficiency of WF/PC-2 from the far-ultraviolet to near-infrared.  The
observations were completed as scheduled, and no problems were reported.

   1.27 WF/PC-2 6549 (Calibration of Nearby Type Ia Supernovae as Standard
Candles: NGC 3627 and SN 1989B)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the Type Ia supernova
SN 1989B which is located in galaxy NGC-3627.  The experiment is designed
to determine the mean absolute magnitude of the B and V of SNe Ia, and how
large the dispersion is about this mean.  The observations were completed
as planned, and no problems were reported.

   1.28 Completed WF/PC-2 6194 (WF/PC-2 Cycle 5: Polarization Proposal)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make polarization observations of star
BD+64D106 at four different spacecraft roll angles. This should permit a
detailed and independent calibration of each polarizer quad.  The
observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were noted.

   1.29 Completed FOC/96 6667 (The Far-UV Evolution of Elliptical Galaxies)

       The Faint Object Camera (f/96) was used to make far-ultraviolet
observations of large elliptical galaxy A370-10 (near M-4).  The far-UV
spectra of nearby giant elliptical galaxies are characterized by a "UV
rising branch", which varies greatly in strength from galaxy to galaxy.
The observations were executes as planned, and no problems were reported.

   1.30 Completed STIS/CCD 7783 (STIS Parallel Science)

       The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (CCD) was used to make
observations taken in parallel with the prime science.  The observations
were completed, and no problems were reported.

   1.31 Completed WF/PC-2 6431 (Determination of the Extragalactric
Distance Scale)

       The WF/PC-2 was used to make observations of the galaxy NGC-3319 to
be used in measuring the periods of Cepheid variable stars within this
galaxy.  This will allow for a more accurate estimate of the distances to
these galaxies through the period-luminosity relation for the Cepheid
stars.  The observations were executed as scheduled, and no anomalies were
noted.

2.0 FLIGHT OPERATIONS SUMMARY:

   2.1 Guide Star Acquisitions:

                            Scheduled Acquisitions : 19
                                        Successful : 18

       As documented in HSTAR 6271, following the failure of two FHST
updates (346/1449Z and 346/145154Z), the acquisition at 346/145520Z also
failed.  The proposal described in 1.10 was affected.

                          Scheduled Reacquisitions : 22
                                        Successful : 22

   2.2 FHST Updates:

                              Scheduled : 43
                             Successful : 41

       See 2.1 for times of update failures.

   2.3 Operations Notes:

       The SSR row isolation test for array, card 2 was completed at 246/1114Z.

       The STIS MCE was reset on MAMA1 at 346/120342Z.  At the time, MAMA1
had low voltage on, with the next high voltage on scheduled for
346/225240Z.  HSTAR 6269 was written.  The error logs were dumped at
346/143944Z.  The MAMA was recovered via the SMS.

       The NICMOS Gain Table was successfully uplinked at 346/1438Z.

       Per HSTAR 6272, there was an FGS-1 "bit flip" at 349/011017Z
following a successful type T2 slew at 349/004759Z and successful full
maneuver updates at 349/005946Z and 349/010231Z.  At the time, the FGSs
were in default.

3.0 SIGNIFICANT FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

       Continuation of normal science observations and calibrations.

/DMH