ATUC report
The most recent meeting of the Australia Telescope Users Committee was held on 3 - 4 November 2003. This was the first meeting for the new ATUC Chair and Secretary, Dr Steven Tingay (Swinburne University of Technology) and Dr Jim Lovell (ATNF), respectively. It was also the first ATUC meeting for the new ATNF Director, Prof Brian Boyle. ATUC warmly thanked the outgoing Chair, Dr Carole Jackson, and long-serving Secretary, Dr Vince McIntyre, for their ATUC efforts in recent times.
The first day of the ATUC proceedings consisted of Observatory reports, National Facility reports, and updates on the many current ATNF projects. The second day was taken up with the ATUC business session. Notable issues discussed by ATUC during the business session included:
1. Six-month observing terms for ATNF telescopes
The ATNF management made the decision to move ATNF telescope observing terms to six months, from four months, prior to the last ATUC meeting. At previous ATUC meetings, when six-month terms have been proposed, ATUC has advised against the idea since very little user support has ever existed in its favour. From a poll of users prior to the last ATUC meeting, little appears to have changed in this regard. ATUC thus again made a statement against six-month terms, but to no avail. Six-month observing terms have been implemented.
2. Key science projects for Mopra
ATUC suggested that the ATNF might facilitate some sizable Key Science Projects using the Mopra antenna, in order to boost its use. The mm-workshop in 2003 December included a session on new large projects using the Mopra antenna.
3. Mapping mode for Tidbinbilla
It was suggested that a mapping mode for the Tidbinbilla 70-m antenna would be a powerful use of this facility that is now open for proposals through the ATNF. Spectral-line and continuum mapping modes for Tidbinbilla will be explored by ATNF staff. This is a very positive development for the Tidbinbilla facility.
4. Replacement software for SPC
ATUC reiterated its recommendation that the spectral-line reduction software SPC be replaced. ATUC were very encouraged by progress by the ATNF on a plan to replace SPC in the near future.
5. Potential new projects
On 3 November the ATUC meeting heard presentations on a number of potential new projects which were discussed and commented on in the business session on 4 November.
The full ATUC report to the ATNF Director can be found at www.atnf.csiro.au/management/atuc/2003nov/report.html .
If, as a user, you wish to comment on the contents of the ATUC report, or any other issues relating to users of ATNF facilities, you can contact me or any other ATUC member, as listed at www.atnf.csiro.au /management/atuc/.
The next ATUC meeting is scheduled for 15 - 16 June, 2004, to be held as usual at ATNF, Marsfield.
Steven Tingay
ATUC Chair
Swinburne University of Technology
(stingay@astro.swin.edu.au)