This year KPNO has initiated a program to host graduate students at Kitt Peak while the students become involved in supporting visiting astronomers. At the suggestion of John Stocke, we assigned a week of observing time this spring on the 0.9-m telescope for calibrating observations that had already been obtained but not put on an absolute scale because the weather at the time of the original run was non- photometric. The opportunity to obtain such calibration data was advertised to the community, and the observations were made by a student-in-residence from the University of Colorado. The program is described below in a letter from Ralph Shuping, who made the observations.
If other students wish to gain this observing experience, KPNO will provide support for plane fare and for room and board on the mountain. We can offer this opportunity only a few times each year--if you are interested, submit an application to me indicating how far along you are with your graduate program, how much observing experience you have had, and what instrumentation you would most like to learn about. Please also have your advisor send me a letter supporting your application.
Sidney C. Wolff
The letter from Ralph Shuping follows:
This letter is a summary of the photometric recalibration program done in service mode April 1 through April 7, 1996, on the 0.9 meter telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). The intent of this program was to provide photometric data to observers who had recently obtained non-photometric images from any of the KPNO telescopes. The observers could then do photometry on their non- photometric fields by "boot strapping" from the photometric 0.9 meter service fields, thus saving valuable images that would have otherwise been useless and discarded. It was my job to obtain these photometric images, under the advisement of C. Claver, imaging scientist, NOAO.
[The next part of the letter summarizes in detail the observing program that was carried out. Requests were received from six groups, and at least some data were obtained for all of them.]
I was able to undertake these observations as part of the "Opportunities for Graduate Students" program, which provided me room, board, and travel costs. My stay on Kitt Peak was very smooth: The room provided was spacious, the food excellent, and the computer and library facilities made it easier to undertake the service observations as well as my own research. With the shuttles provided, I was able to get downtown to speak with colleagues and sit in on a few talks: A welcome break from life on the mountain.
These recalibration service observations provided me with a unique experience. Living on the mountain for 2 months, I had many opportunities to see most of the telescopes in action, and learned much from C. Claver, G. Jacoby, and P. Massey, each of whom graciously let me sit in whenever they were working at the telescopes. Since this was a photometric program, I learned a lot about doing photometry correctly from local NOAO experts and hands-on experience. I also gained experience in organizing, planning, and executing a reasonably large project, with some help from C. Claver at each stage. Finally, the most important experience of all was with the 0.9 meter itself. Throughout my stay, I learned much from the 0.9 meter design and operation. During my 7 night run, I worked on becoming as efficient as possible in collecting the necessary data. This is a skill that only comes with experience and guidance (thanks again to C. Claver!). I feel prepared now to undertake future observations with greater confidence.
Based on my positive experience here, I would recommend that future service observations be undertaken by grad students through the "Opportunities for Graduate Students" program. A clearly defined project such as the one I was given, can easily be handled by a second or third year student (or higher) in a couple months time. It seems to be a cheap and easy way for NOAO to accomplish some of its goals (an important point in these times of budget crisis), and the student can reap a wealth of experiences that might not otherwise be available (especially students at Universities that do not have their own observatory). The program is great for those perhaps still searching for a thesis topic (it's something positive to do in a time of confusion), or for students wishing to "get away" from the university environment for awhile.
In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge a few people who went out of their way for me during my stay. Despite a busy schedule, Chuck Claver volunteered to advise me during my visit and was incredibly helpful when I was confused, which was often. I thought that we worked very well together, and I learned a lot from him. When it came time for me to take over the 0.9 meter on my own, his confidence in my ability (despite some mistakes) was reassuring and kept me relaxed and efficient at the telescope for the rest of the week. Chuck deserves a great share of the credit for the success of this project, and I thank him for his guidance and help. Many thanks also to George Jacoby who was instrumental in getting the service observing underway and completed. I would also like to acknowledge John Stocke back at C.U. Boulder for first presenting me with the service program idea and for helping to make it happen.
Next, I would like to thank B. Bohannan and the entire mountain staff. Special thanks go to the operators and TAs who welcomed a total stranger into their lives with the simple phrase: "Heh, you wanna watch the news with us?" The kitchen staff also deserves a great round of thank yous for excellent food and great company. Joanne and Pat were instrumental in getting me settled on the mountain and looked after many details - Thanks to both of them for their efforts.
Back in Boulder, I thank D.E. Schutz for his understanding while I was away; and finally, I thank J.M. Harder for unending support and for making it possible for me to stay at Kitt Peak by looking after my four legged, tail wagging responsibility back home.
Once again, I would like to thank all of NOAO for a wonderful chance to do some important work and gain valuable experience at Kitt Peak. I look forward to my next visit!
Sincerely,
R. Young Shuping
Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy
University of Colorado, Boulder