Previous Article
Next Article
Table of Contents

KPNO Operations (1Sep95)
(from KPNO, NOAO Newsletter No. 43, September 1995)

KPNO, like all of the sites of NOAO, is being forced to change the way
in which it operates in order to reduce costs. Some proposed changes
have been described in earlier Newsletters. I would like to update you
on how we plan to implement these changes. To the extent possible we
have tried to minimize the impact on observers, and I would appreciate
your input on these changes as well as suggestions for how to achieve
additional cost savings. The following guidelines will apply to both
the current fall semester and to the spring semester for which
applications are due by 2 October.

The most important addition to the suite of KPNO telescopes in 20 years
is now on line. The WIYN continues to deliver superb images. The imager
was the first instrument to be used for science, and Hydra should be up
and running by September. The NOAO share of the time will be scheduled
in queue mode. This will be a learning experience for us and for the
community. Dave Silva and his team will work closely with scheduled
observers to evaluate the quality of data obtained in this new
observing mode, and it is likely that many of the procedures adopted
initially will be modified as the semester progresses.

During the upcoming semester, we will implement some software changes
and install a new guider at the 2.1-m telescope. The goal of these
modifications is to make it possible for the astronomer to operate the
telescope, including slewing it to new positions. When these changes
are made, the positions of 2.1-m operator and roving observing
technician (OT) for the small telescopes will be combined. The person
on duty will be stationed at the 2.1-m and will assist the observer
there except when there are callouts at the smaller telescopes. The
operator will then go to assist other observers, leaving the
astronomer at the 2.1-m to operate the telescope. Since astronomers
will be expected to be able to handle the entire operation of the
telescope, it is advisable to bring two observers for each run. If
that is not possible, we will permit a single observer, but efficiency
is likely to be reduced. In cases where problems occur simultaneously
at more than one telescope, we will use an aperture priority system to
determine who gets assistance first, with the 2.1-m having priority.
KPNO staff will be available to open and close the 2.1-m.

The 2.1-m will have priority when the operator/OT is required to open
and close the 2.1-m facility; to rotate GoldCam or other instruments;
and to perform any necessary operations that visiting astronomers are
not permitted to carry out. Training in how to slew the 2.1-m and
acquire guide stars will be provided to visiting astronomers.

The OT stationed at the 2.1-m will have prime responsibility for the
safe operation of the main part of the mountain (e.g., opening/closing
in response to changing weather conditions). Should there be any
circumstances when this person is scheduled to assist at the other
telescopes (e.g., for service observing), the WIYN Operator will take
on this responsibility.

Users of the small telescopes are not required to be experienced
observers. That is, there are no "authorized" observers for the small
telescopes. Rather we will implement a program of "appropriate" starts
by matching the level of start-up support to the experience of the
observer and the complexity of the proposed observations. If the
observer is experienced with a particular instrument and observing
program, we will only check out the instrument and telescope
configuration in the afternoon. If the observer is new to Kitt Peak or
to a telescope/instrument combination, we will provide a full start-up,
which includes detailed instruction on the use of the instrument and
assistance with observations during the early part of the first night.
Between these two extremes, we will work with the astronomer to provide
the degree of start-up assistance that will enable him or her to
observe effectively. The staff contact will discuss the appropriate
level of start-up support with the astronomer before he or she comes to
the mountain. We will expect all visitors to be thoroughly familiar
with the manuals, and first time users are encouraged to come a day
early to watch the previous observer, provided the same instrumentation
is on the telescope. We will not, however, expect visiting astronomers
to train observers. If you wish to come a day early, let us know and we
will make arrangements.

Recently we have not had a (TA) on duty until 10:00 AM. In the future,
the daytime TA will start work at 8:00 AM in order to improve
coordination of response to telescope and instrument problems and
failures from the night before; to make morning rounds of the domes
(e.g., to fill the dewars); to provide general instrument support; and
to assist with instrument changes. A TA will not normally be on duty
Monday-Thursday from 4:00 PM to sunset; response to telescope problems
during this time will be provided by Mountain Electronics (they are
only a telephone call away). Technical assistance from the TAs will be
available Fridays from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM and on the weekend from
9:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

We have decided not to implement the policy of asking visiting
astronomers to carry out service observations. The only exceptions
will be targets of opportunity, such as a supernova explosion or a
gamma ray burst, where astronomers have been traditionally very
willing to help out. Consistent with this policy, we have not extended
the minimum run lengths on any of the telescopes.

The 1.3-m telescope remains out of service. We are currently exploring
the feasibility of using the mount as a telescope simulator. All major
instrumentation that is built by NOAO for CTIO and Gemini must be
fully commissioned before it is sent overseas. We wish to minimize the
amount of telescope time that is devoted to commissioning in order to
continue to provide as much community access as possible. These
requirements can be met by constructing a simulator that will allow us
to test instruments in a variety of orientations and under realistic
operational conditions. The 1.3-m mount appears to offer a good
solution.

As we begin to commission instruments on KPNO prior to shipment, we
will work out new methods of scheduling and obtaining data so that the
community can make effective use of capabilities that will be
available for only relatively short periods of time. I can understand
astronomers' reluctance to learn how to use an instrument that will be
moving to another observatory and conceivably another hemisphere after
6 months or less at KPNO, and yet you can help us with the evaluation
of scientific performance. More use of service observing by the staff
and shared risk observing may be the answer. The DLIRIM experiment
will be a valuable test of this approach.

I am well aware that the highest priority for the KPNO user community
is access to telescopes. I wish I could promise you that all existing
telescopes and instruments would remain in service as long as there is
demand for them. However, given the uncertainty of the funding
situation in Washington, no one would believe me even if I did promise
that. What I can promise is that we are committed to maintaining
access to facilities on KPNO, to sustaining scientific throughput as
measured by the number of completed programs and published papers, and
to completing ongoing programs before any facilities or instruments
are retired. Any proposed restructuring or changes in operating
procedures will be evaluated according to these guidelines, and users
will be given a chance to provide input.

Sidney C. Wolff

Previous Article
Next Article
Table of Contents