I began the third quarter of 1997 with an extensive modification of the raw data
averaging program CONSTRICTOR to enable it to synchronize the data streams and 
to identify fringe tracking locks. This task was originally given to the
embedded system, which was not able to handle it, however. The algorithm was
coded for a new fringe data packet format, but is also backward compatible.

I conducted tests of coherent averaging in the new CONSTRICTOR with simulated 
data, as well as tests with a quadruple visibility product estimator for 
residual dispersion calibration. It turned out that the latter is useless.

Plotting and editing of metrology solution data was added to CHAMELEON, and
their application to the delays. NAT data processing was completed as well.
I also tested the dispersion correction in CHAMELEON using simulated data,
and implemented a new error estimation scheme for visibility data.

Two papers were sent to me for refereeing, one for Astronomy and Astrophysics,
the other one for Nature. The first one resulted in a revised version, which 
had to be reviewed again.

My proposal, "Stationary jet in quasar 0153+744?" to the VLBA was again 
rejected, and I'm not planning on submitting it again.

A summer student (Hoang-Hai Nguyen) joined our group, and I supervised his
work on NPOI data reduction. He processed more than 25 nights of data,
and helped with the final orbit fitting of Mizar A. The orbit looks good,
and I decided to go ahead and write a paper on it.

I left for vacation on August 27th, and returned on September 14th. After this,
I went to Flagstaff to meet the new site manager (M. Dyck), and to participate
in observations. This trip lasted from the 19th to the 26th of September.

At the end of the reporting period, I accepted an offer for a position at the 
Naval Observatory. I will start October 14, which makes this report my last
one for USRA.