If you are planning to use any of the non-standard observing modes listed below (and are inexperienced with these modes), please email the respective contact person for advice.
Planning your visit
Plan your trip to the Compact Array with the help of the ATNF
Visitor's Information
and the
Services for Observers . You will need to book transport, accommodation
and computer resources in Sydney and at the observatory before arrival.
Note that multi-configuration observations are likely to occur weeks or even months apart, so you may need to plan either one long visit or several short trips. Read this section for information on how to plan an ATCA observation and how to apply for observing time.
New observers should plan on spending at least one day (during normal business hours) at the observatory to prepare for their observations. A few days spent at the ATNF Sydney headquarters is also recommended but not necessary. Overseas observers will require a valid visa and passport for entry into Australia.
The Compact Array is controlled from user generated schedule file(s). Schedule files are prepared with the program SCHED (note this is the ATNF SCHED and not the NRAO SCHED, or anyone elses SCHED), and contain source names, positions, frequencies, bandwidths, correlator configurations any other information that CAOBS needs for observations.
COORD is a useful program that
tells you the altitude, azimuth, and rising and setting times of
sources. Currently, this is most easily accessed via the
Parkes website,
We recommend your schedule files are prepared before arrival at Sydney or Narrabri.
You can prepare your initial schedule as a simple text file, which SCHED can convert into the form required by the Compact Array's observing program. This method (described in the Before Observing section) is recommended for long or complicated schedules.
A `Friend'
First-time observers may wish to request a `friend' who can help them write
the schedule file in Sydney prior to coming to the observatory. To request
a friend, check the box in your proposal for observing time; or if you
decide later to request a friend, email
at-enquiries@atnf.csiro.au
as soon as possible after observing
schedules have been published.
Your `friend' will be an ATNF astronomer in Sydney, who will help you create schedule files and get you started with the data analysis after the observations. (The `friend' does not go to the Observatory with you.)
The Duty Astronomer
A Duty Astronomer will be present at the observatory to
get your observations started and help with any problems that arise
during the observations. The
Duty Astronomer roster
.
The Duty Astronomer has no obligation to
participate in the observing. Occupational Health and Safety regulations
require that observers are not to observe for more than 16 hours, so
for long observations you will need more than one observer.
After your observations
At the conclusion of observations, data is usually written to CD-ROM,
however if preferred there are facilities to write to DVD discs or exabyte tapes.
If you wish to write to exabyte tape please bring your own supply,
or email Robin Wark
(Robin.Wark@csiro.au) to check observatory supplies.
Data can be reduced at any site that runs AIPS, MIRIAD, or AIPS++, however, note
that the ATCA data is stored in the RPFITS file format specific
to the ATCA and requires the task ATLOD.
Unix workstations are available at the Compact Array and in Sydney for data reduction. In Sydney, you will need to ensure that hard disk space and a workstation are available for your use. When booking your accommodation with the web-based ATNF Reservation Form, indicate whether you will need computing facilities, and/or laptop connection at any site, and whether you will need a desk at the ATNF Headquarters in Sydney. If you are visiting the Sydney, disk space will be assigned to you following completion of the ATNF Reservation Form. Disk space is usually sufficient at Narrabri Observatory. To modify or extend your computer and/or disk space booking, follow the www link to Computer bookings or email bookings@atnf.csiro.au
Visiting astronomers are encouraged to give talks during their stay at ATNF facilities. To give a talk in Sydney contact the Colloquium organisers, who are listed ; to do likewise at the Narrabri Observatory, contact Robin Wark (Robin.Wark@csiro.au).