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Swap scheduling

At the Compact Array we are using a system which allows some degree of flexible scheduling.  During periods where millimetre observations are scheduled, most millimetre projects will be assigned partnering centimetre `swap' projects.  These swap partners can be either regular observations, or observations that are observed in a service mode.

The rationale for swap schedule can be found in a memo by Bob Sault.

There are basically three different types of scheduled observations:

1. Fixed centimetre projects: These are projects which are scheduled into specific time slots and cannot be swapped.
2. Millimetre projects: Each 3mm (and in some cases 12mm) project is matched with one or more "swap" projects that are scheduled a few days later in the same configuration.  If the millimetre project meets with poor weather, the swap project(s) will be observed instead, and the mm project moved into the slot vacated by the swap project(s).
3. Swap centimetre projects: These are centimetre projects (involving regular or service observing) which can be substituted for millimetre projects in poor weather.  The partnering between millimetre and centimetre projects is done as part of the scheduling process by the Head of Science Operations.

Service Observing

Proposals for service observing must be for a wavelength of 3cm or longer, and be relatively straightforward. To request service observing the proposal must state either:

• that service observing is desirable but not essential; or
• that the proposal is contingent on service observing time being granted.

Because of the nature of 3-mm astronomy, there is more potential for service observing in compact array configurations at Galactic time.

Swap rules

1. Scheduled mm projects should only be abandoned in poor weather (e.g. rain) or in case of mm equipment failure.
2. The decision to switch to the swap project will be that of the mm observer.
3. If a swap is made to a regular observing project, the mm observer is (by default) responsible for conducting the swap observation. If a swap is not made, the proposers of the cm project are responsible for observing their project at the originally scheduled time.
4. If a swap is made to a service observing project, an operator will conduct the swap observation.
5. Proposers of swap cm projects may request (in advance) to be contacted in the event of a swap, so as to be involved in the observation.
6. If a swap is made, the mm observer (or his/her collaborators) is responsible for conducting the makeup mm observation at the time originally designated for the swap project (generally about 2 days later).
7. The decision to swap must be made at the start of the assigned mm time, and cannot be changed once observing starts (except at the discretion of the Head of Science Operations).