Users of 6dF in non-survey time are provided with full observational support at the telescope. While users are expected to be present during observing (primarily for data preparation and reduction), the Schmidt staff will operate both the instrument and the telescope. Users are responsible for the provision of input data files in the correct format to be incorporated into .fld files for the 6dFconfigure program. The format is the same as for 2dF Configure. The target objects must have positions accurate to 0.1 arcsec and, in any given field, must not exceed a 3-magnitude range. Schmidt Telescope staff will incorporate guide stars into the .fld files, but it is the responsibility of users to run 6dFconfigure to generate .sds files to be fed to the robot.
Once the field-plate units are configured, they will be loaded into the telescope and the observations carried out by Schmidt staff. The detector runs under the control of Cicada software, and this writes FITS format data files to the 6dFraw disk on the Schmidt Sun system. From there the files can be pipeline reduced with the 6dfdr package; this is best done by users as observing progresses. Reduced data are written to the 6dFdata disk. Both raw and reduced data can be made available to users on CD-ROM or via anonymous FTP if quantities are small. All raw data files from AAO instruments are archived; they are subject to a proprietary period of two years, after which they will be made generally available in the AAO Archive.
Prospective users of 6dF should contact the UK Schmidt Telescope staff for the most recent information on available facilities. In particular, users will be advised of the latest versions of the configuration and reduction software.
Visiting observers at the UK Schmidt Telescope will be provided with
homely office accommodation and visitor accounts on the Schmidt Sun system.
They are asked to complete the AAO's user
feedback form once observing is completed.
Page maintained by: Fred Watson, AAO
e-mail: fgw@aaocbn.aao.gov.au
Last revision: 7 November 2003