3. Observing

This chapter describes the steps necessary to observe with the ATCA. It assumes that observing strategy has been determined and schedule files created. See Scheduling Strategy for information on determining observing strategy and How to Prepare a Schedule File for information on creating schedule files.

In general, observing takes place in the Control Room at the ATCA site near Narrabri. It is possible to remote observe from anywhere with adequate network and phone connectivity: see http://www.narrabri.atnf.csiro.au/observing/remote.html for details on remote observing.

Observers are responsible for the collection of their own data and appropriate checks to ensure the quality of the data. They are also expected to ensure the safety of the array (to the best of their ability). This is always secondary to any personal safety concerns.

An ATNF staff astronomer or student is rostered to support observers with setting up and training new observers to use the array (the Duty Astronomer or DA). The DA should be the first point of call if there are problems or queries with observations.

The steps to observe with the compact array are:

• taking control from the previous observer
• set up and calibrate the array
• observe target source(s)
• monitor observations for problems
• end observations