For the first time, proposals for telescope time at CTIO from Chilean national astronomers were reviewed by the new Chilean National TAC, chaired by Maria Teresa Ruiz. NOAO was pleased to be of assistance as this new process was set up. Chilean astronomers were able to submit their proposals through the usual NOAO channels, and the proposals were forwarded to Chile for review by the CNTAC. Chilean astronomers could take advantage of the tools and documentation available to NOAO's users, the CNTAC did not have to set up its own form or documentation, and the proposals could be entered seamlessly into the scheduling process for CTIO's telescopes.
Sixteen proposals were received by the deadline and mirrored to the University of Chile for review. Following the CNTAC meeting, the ranked proposals were forwarded to CTIO for scheduling.
Todd Boroson