ASKAP recently crossed a milestone in the number of observations done since commissioning, with its “odometer” of scheduling blocks surpassing 80,000. A scheduling block is a unique observation identifier, which involves an observation of a specific field on the sky in a specific telescope mode for a period of time that depends on the science case and is usually between about 15 minutes to 10 hours. ASKAP’s efficient autonomous survey scheduling system keeps the telescope running 24/7, ensuring this number keeps increasing as we continue making progress on our primary survey science mission as well as guest science projects and the occasional target of opportunity. As can also be seen, summer has arrived at site! (Image credit: Michael Reay, text credit: Aidan Hotan)
