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The ASKAP Pilot Survey program was designed to test strategies that
have been developed by ASKAP's science teams and determine the
telescope's readiness for full-scale surveys. An allocation of 100
hours observing time was made available for each team to test its own
specific strategy on its preferred region of sky. The Pilot Surveys
commenced last August, and the last of the observations was made late
last week. With the sun now having set on the first round of pilot
surveys, a consolidation period will commence where engineering
development and testing will take priority over science
observations. This consolidation time will also be used to catch up
with data processing. A second round of pilot surveys is now being
planned, designed to maximise on-sky efficiency by combining several
survey modes into commensal strategies. (Image credit: Brett Hiscock)
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