The First Workshop on the O/IR Ground-based System

Phoenix, AZ -- October 27-28, 2000

Elements of the system for ground-based O/IR astronomy

We see the system, most broadly, as all the capabilities that end-to-end allow scientific research to be carried out. Some of the components of the system are:

1. Telescopes -- could be divided into future "top-of-the-line" (30m), current "top-of-the-line" (6.5-10m), and smaller supporting (2-5m).

   Aspects that must be considered include location, site characteristics, aperture, field of view, and access.

2. Instruments -- including both facilities (such as AO systems) and science instruments, current and planned.

3. Instrument building capability -- including activities like detector development that have widespread application.

4. Computer related capabilities -- including software for reduction and analysis, supercomputers for modeling and simulation, archives and the tools to use them effectively.

5. The availability of grant funding with which to carry out research.

6. Auxiliary machinery such as scanning machines, measuring engines, etc.

7. Observing modes such as queue scheduling, target of opportunity observing, synoptic, synchronized observing, the ability to conduct surveys or extended observing campaigns.

8. Links to capabilities outside the system such as observations from space, observations in other wavelength regimes, theory, or to international capabilities. These provide context to the system as well as suggesting desirable functionality.

tboroson@noao.edu Posted: 25Aug2000