THE TELESCOPE SCHEDULE
Every effort has been made to schedule each observing program as close
as possible to the optimum dates. Because the number of programs is
large, however, some inevitably must be shifted away from the requested
dates. If you detect an insuperable problem (the moon in front
of your cluster, your galaxy setting at dusk, etc.), notify your staff contact
immediately. Although we cannot guarantee a schedule change, we will
do the best that we can.
Major instruments are scheduled in relatively long "blocks" of time to
maximize instrument reliability and reduce demands on our technical
support staff to a manageable level. Cogent requests for major instrument
changes (e.g., the Gold Camera as opposed to a direct imaging CCD) will be
reviewed, but it is unlikely that we will be able to accommodate many such
major changes. Requests for changes of instrumentation (even a CCD) must
be approved by the KPNO Director
(kpno@noao.edu).
Please complete the online
Observing Run Preparation (ORP) Form to make sure that we
understand all of the requirements for your observing run and data
reduction. (KPNO and NSO Observing Run Preparation forms differ.)
Remember to also return the Alternate Observing Mode form
if you are requesting those services.
Submit your KPNO or NSO ORP form at least six weeks
prior to your observing run. It will be distributed to your Staff
Contact and other appropriate support people. You may have spelled
out your requirements on the Observing Time Request Form, but
additional reminders are helpful to us.
Once the ORP is submitted, an automatic acknowledgement will be
e-mailed back to you. Upon receipt, the electronic ORP will be
checked for correctness, and distributed electronically to the staff
responsible for your run.
The required personnel and auxiliary equipment will be assigned six
weeks before your observing run. If you have special support
requirements (such as, for example, an adaptor for your instrument),
you should contact us even earlier. Items of particular importance
to the KPNO support staff that should be included are: filters,
gratings and central wavelength.
Last updated March 3, 2011