Appendix C. Run preparation crib sheet

• Observers must arrive at least two full working days prior to the start of a FLAIR run (i.e. not including the weekend). This is to ensure adequate time for marking up the FLAIR masks and for learning the fibre-ing process.
  Possible consequences if ignored: delays to scheduled start of run and loss of telescope time

• Try to prepare your target object finding charts well in advance of the FLAIR run. Object positions should be accurate to an arcsecond or so. A file of RA and DECS for each target field should be available. These can be used to produce finding charts at the same plate scale as the UKST for placing under the FLAIR target field plates. This enables swift identification and marking of target objects in each field. We recommend use of the STARLINK `CHART' package for this purpose. The UKSTU(ROE) or AAO staff can be contacted for advice on the use of this software if unfamiliar.
  File format:
  1950
  hh mm ss.s
  sdd mm ss
  hh mm ss.s
  sdd mm ss etc
  Alternatively marked up copy films of the field to be observed can be brought out to the UKST for use directly with the FLAIR masks.
  Possible consequences if ignored: Field preparation at the UKST may take much longer than anticipated putting greater stress on both the visiting astronomer and the support staff and jeopardising the scheduled start of the run.

• Confirm the target field centres (using standard UKST field numbers) at least 3 weeks before the run commences to give sufficient time to make the FLAIR masks.
  Possible consequences if ignored: Any changes in field choice made could lead to new FLAIR masks having to be made which is not cheap. If notification of any changes is delayed it may be difficult to get new field masks in time and the earlier choice masks will have to be paid for or used.

• FLAIR runs are quite a time consuming and tiring process. Whilst the observations themselves are straightforward the field preparation is not. fibre-ing each field can take a trained fibre-er between 4-6 hours while a beginner with no experience will initially take much longer. Please be prepared for quite long shifts, typically from after lunch till the following morning during a fibre-ing run.
  For the first nights observations the visiting astronomer is expected to have fibred-up the first field (after initial training) and also the second field with the second plateholder if two fields a night are to be attempted. From then on the day support staff will carry out fibre-ing or de-fibre-ing duties until lunchtime ( ~ 12:30) after which the visiting astronomer is expected to continue (unless prior arrangements have been made with staff). Whilst the support staff will give every assistance it is the visiting astronomers duty to do the afternoon fibre-ing shifts.

• For FLAIR runs where two fields per night are to be observed (usually only during the long winter lunation) it is essential that two visiting astronomers are present. Whilst two fields per night has been demonstrated successfully on several occasions it is clear that careful planning is needed with a staggered shift system operating to ensure each plateholder is fibred-up in time for use.
  Possible consequences if ignored: Support staff and the visiting astronomer may be overstretched. Field(s) may not be ready in time.

Additional recommendations

Keep abreast of FLAIR developments by reading the latest AAO newsletters, STARLINK news items and PATT newsletters. Please contact either Dr.Q.A Parker at the UKST or Mr.M Read at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh if you have any queries or concerns associated with the run.
Vital information concerning the latest state of the system may be given which could have a bearing on the observational strategy intended.

Request copies of the FLAIR manual (User Guide) for useful background reading.
The information contained therein should give an overall impression of the facility and what is required. Hence once on site, training etc will be easier and more straightforward.

In summary FLAIR is an extremely powerful wide field spectroscopic facility that is excellent for survey or one-off special field projects. However to get the most from the system and to make any run as trouble free as possible it is well advised to become familiar with the documentation and to ask advice from staff at the UKST or ROE.