The impending closure of the 1-m Yale/CTIO telescope described in the article by Malcolm Smith in this Newsletter has returned control of that telescope to Yale University. We are therefore planning to operate the telescope ourselves at its current site, but independently from NOAO. Our current intention is to equip the telescope with a CCD imager and a new telescope control system. This will enable us to carry out synoptic programs and observations of targets of opportunity which are very difficult to handle in traditional block scheduling patterns. Targets are likely to include X-ray transients, novae and supernovae, AGNs and quasars, and a variety of variable stars. Other CCD observing programs which do not require unusual scheduling will of course also be possible.
While we are cautiously optimistic about our ability to fund this venture (probably in partnership with the Portuguese astronomical community) the financial arrangements are not complete as of this writing. We may therefore still be able to accommodate additional partners. Our current estimates suggest that a 1/8 share of the telescope over a three year period will require a contribution of a total of approximately $100K over that time. Thus significant observing time may be available for a few tens of $K per year. After the first three years, costs should be reduced, since the necessary capital expenditures will have been completed. Anyone interested in participating in the project should contact Charles Bailyn (bailyn@astro.yale.edu) as soon as possible.
It is in principle possible to keep the ASCAP photometer on the telescope in addition to the new CCD detector. However such an arrangement would significantly increase operations costs. Therefore, while we would be happy to discuss supporting ASCAP with potential partners, the financial commitment is likely to be significantly greater than outlined above.
Charles Bailyn