About this Document

This manual describes how to use the Compact Array, and how to plan an observation and apply for observing time.

This manual is a reference guide: you do not need to read all of it to use the ATCA. New users are advised to read the Introduction, Services for Observers and How to Prepare a SCHED file before you get to the observatory.

After arrival at the observatory and before observations begin, new users should read Important Information about Observing Operations and Observing which explain how to observe; Troubleshooting which discusses various programs and Online Programs and Displays which discusses some of the problems that observers may run into. Observers who haven't visited for a few years are advised to read the shorter ``Guide to Observations with the Compact Array'' ^a for the current observing term, and to revise Important Information about Observing Operations, How to Start Observations and Troubleshooting.

The Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) consists of six 22-m radio antennas arranged along a six kilometre linear east-west array with a 214-m north-south spur, located at the Paul Wild Observatory near Narrabri, some 550km northwest of Sydney. Other Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) telescopes include the 64-m radio telescope at Parkes Observatory (300km west of Sydney) and another 22-m antenna at Mopra, 120km from the Compact Array (CA). The Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) operates these telescopes from its headquarters in Marsfield, a suburb of Sydney (although Marsfield is sometimes referred to as Epping, a larger neighbouring suburb). This appendix lists documentation available for other ATNF sites and telescopes.

Copies of this manual and other ATNF documentation can be obtained from the ATNF world wide web pages:

http://www.atnf.csiro.au/observers/manuals.html

If you find that any part of the Compact Array doesn't work as described in any of our documentation, please email Robin Wark (Robin.Wark@csiro.au). Comments on documentation are especially welcomed. If you are completely new to radio interferometry, the following reading is recommended:

• Remind yourself about Fourier theory -- an appropriate summary can be found in Chapter 1 of Bracewell (1978, 1986, 1999)
• Review the principles and techniques of radioastronomy, e.g., Kraus (1986); Christiansen and Högbom (1985); Thompson, Moran & Swenson (1986, 2001). The latter is probably the best single book on the subject of radio interferometry
• Read the introductory chapters of one of the NRAO Synthesis Imaging Summer School lectures, e.g., Perley et al. (1989)
• Perhaps also look at Galactic and Extragalactic Radioastronomy by Verschuur and Kellermann (1988) if you are not already familiar with the field.