Time assignment information

Compact Array information

In 2003SEPT we will be offering the array configurations H214, EW352, 750B, 1.5D and 6A. The term will also start with EW367. Note that the hybrid array H214 is offered for the first time. This array provides almost complete u-v coverage for baselines up to 214 m. Observers are invited to propose projects using any of these configurations.

In addition to the standard 20, 13, 6 and 3-cm systems, all six antennas will be available for 12-mm observations. The frequency range of the 12-mm systems has been extended and is now 16.0 - 25.0 GHz (when using two simultaneous frequency settings, these cannot differ by more than about 2.5 GHz).

Three antennas will be available with 3-mm systems from the start of the term until late October, with the frequency range limited to two sub-bands of 84.9 - 87.3 GHz and 88.5 - 91.3 GHz. Proposals for 3-mm observing time must include an observer who has had previous experience with the ATCA 3-mm systems. EW367 and 750B will be offered in shuffled states to optimize Fourier coverage for the three-antenna system.

Swaps at 3-mm and service observing

To provide some robustness against poor weather for 3-mm observers, "swaps" between 3-mm and longer wavelength observations will continue to be offered. In this mode of flexible observing, a 3-mm and a partnering centimetre proposal (using identical LST ranges) are scheduled a few days apart. At the 3-mm observers initiative, the order of observing the partnering projects can be swapped, to give the 3-mm observation a better chance at good weather. To help develop a sizeable pool of centimetre swap proposals, we are offering service observing to projects that can be used as swap partners. In service mode, an operator will take the observations. Service observing will be restricted to those projects that can be swaps.

Future array configurations

Table 1: Compact Array configurations for 2003 - 2005.

The Compact Array configurations to be scheduled in 2004 - 2005 have now been announced, see Table 1. The hybrid-array configurations in the winter of 2005 remain undetermined as we are still evaluating the level of requests for these arrays.

Mopra information

Mopra will not be scheduled in 2003SEPT, except for VLBI and some "overflow" 3-mm observations.

Bob Sault
(Bob.Sault@csiro.au)