AAO Service Observing Programme

Service proposal deadlines are set four times each year at three-monthly intervals. The proposals are graded by a three member panel, a process which takes 3-4 weeks, before being accepted into the service program. For the next deadline, see below.

SERVICE DEADLINES ARE NOW SEPTEMBER 1st, DECEMBER 1st, MARCH 1st and JUNE 1st

The AAT service proposal system operates as follows :

• Service proposals may be submitted for programmes that require up to six hours observing time. The following instruments will be available for service observations:

 
• 2dF
• IRIS2
• UCLES/UHRF
• WFI


• Note that as of the end of semster 03B RGO and Taurus are no longer being offered for service observing
• A summary of service schedules (including the present semester) is given here.
• Service proposal deadlines are set at regular 3-month intervals (March, June, September and December).
• Service proposals are refereed by a 3-member panel, normally within three to four weeks of the service proposal deadline. The panel consists of a staff member at the AAO and external members of the British and Australian Time Assignment committees. If further information is required then a service proposal may be returned to the applicant for modification.
• The referees grade service proposals on a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high) and an average grade is assigned. Proposals assigned an average grade below 2.5 are not granted AAT time. After a proposal has been refereed, the AAO will advise the sender of the averaged grade assigned by the referees.
• Service proposals expire after a period of one year but may be resubmitted if desired.
• In addition to service time, a small amount of Director's time may be available for projects which require urgent scheduling, or to try out new programmes. Users who wish to request Director's time should contact the Director by email.
• For exceptional events, Target of Oportunity (ToO) observations may be scheduled at short notice, at the discretion of the Director. Users requesting ToO observations should contact the Director by email.
• Data will be made available as FITS format files. Wherever possible, these will be transferred to the proposer by annonymous ftp. Alternatively, files will be written to DAT tapes, CD ROMs or DVDs.
• Information on the current status of service proposals is given in a service proposal status summary.