Observing Preparation Software Tools Simon OToole Step 1

Observing Preparation & Software Tools Simon O’Toole

Step 1: Apply for time • You’ve heard about writing telescope proposals & the TAC process from Sarah • This is the first – and key – step in preparing for your observations

Step 1: Apply for time • AAT: http: //www. aao. gov. au/astro/applying. html • Magellan (deadline Monday 7 April): http: //ausgo. aao. gov. au/magellan. html • Gemini: Use the Phase I Tool

Step 1: Apply for time • Know your instrument – Contact instrument scientists – Read documentation & manuals – Use S/N calculators (where available)

Step 1: Apply for time • Know your targets – For Gemini: • Are there good guide stars? • What observing mode best suits your needs? – For AAT, Magellan: • Have good backup targets/science for poor conditions

What next? Every telescope is different

Step 2: Detailed preparation • Speak to your support astronomer! – AAT: assigned support astronomers http: //www. aao. gov. au/astro/instrument_scientists. h tml – Gemini: Aus. GO support, Gemini contact scientists http: //ausgo. aao. gov. au/contact. html – Magellan: Aus. GO staff, Instrument scientists – Previous users!

Step 2: Detailed preparation • There are plenty of software tools to complement this support • Gemini & AAT in particular, but Magellan also has some S/N calculators

The AAT • AAT – ITCs http: //www. aao. gov. au/astro/SNcalcs. html – AAOmega – esp. configure for 2 d. Fhttp: //www. aao. gov. au/2 df/aaomega/aaomeg a_software. html

Gemini • Gemini Phase I Tool (PIT) • ITCs for each instrument • Observing Tool (OT) • GMMPS for mask-making http: //files. gemini. edu/~software/gmmps/gm mps-0. 402 -REL. tar. gz

Gemini PIT http: //www. gemini. edu/node/10991? q=node/11088

Gemini Phase I Tool

Integration Time Calculators • AAT: http: //www. aao. gov. au/astro/SNcalcs. html • Gemini: http: //www. gemini. edu/sciops/instruments/? q=s ciops/instruments • Magellan: http: //instrumentation. obs. carnegiescience. edu/ Four. Star/calc. html (for example)

Gemini Observing Tool http: //www. gemini. edu/sciops/observing-gemini/phase-ii-and-s/w-tools? q=node/11172

Gemini Observing Tool

Important: Speak to your support astronomer!

Thank you