Checklist:
- Important Notes for LDT Users and Visitors – Please read. All visitors are expected to be aware of these requirements.
- Instrument Manual(s) – These give the latest instrument news and details of using the instruments.
- Calendars:
- LDT Science Observing Schedule – The only official listing of science programs and Telescope Operators. Lists observing programs, moon fraction, requested instrument setup, etc. Make sure that the filters and/
Calendars:
- DCT science observing schedule (START HERE)
- DCT monthly observing and TO calendar
- Merged Sun/Moon/rise/set: 2019, 2020
On this page, have a general checklist of things observers need to do.
Things to do before showing up for a DCT observing run.
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- or gratings you want to use are what are listed
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- here. If not, get in touch with
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- First-Time User Support – If you are a first time observer to LDT, or you are using a new instrument, contact LDT staff.
- Lodging Reservations – Make a reservation if
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- you plan to use Lowell housing
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- for in-person observing runs. Space is limited.
- Remote Observing – Review the connection information for remote observations
- Contact your first night TO(s)
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- – Email your operator(s) (ldtoperator at lowell dot edu) 3-4 days before your observing night. Include:
- Who will be observing
- When and how they plan to arrive (physically or virtually);
- Confirmation of (or updates to) the instrument setup requirements (this includes order-blocking filters for DeVeny);
- Whether you need time for twilight calibrations;
- What other observing plans the TO needs to be aware of;
- Any unusual observing setup needs.
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- Target Lists / Pattern Data / Ephemerides – Prepare your target lists
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If you are a first time observer to DCT, or you are using a new instrument, please email DCT staff so that we can set up time on your first night to cover any questions or issues you are wondering about. Typically one, or another Lowell staff member will meet you out at the DCT about an hour before sunset for this. Also, please review the LDT First Time Users page.
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If you have not been to the site before, please don't enter without a Lowell staffer, or someone who is familiar with the site. There is an alarm that needs to be dis-armed, and it is not always obvious how. Your lodging packet should include keys and written instructions about the gate and alarm codes.
- , pattern data files, and ephemerides before your observing night.
For ToO Interrupts:
- Contact the night and science support staff – Email (ldtoperator at lowell dot edu) as soon as you decide to trigger a ToO Please Include:
- Who will be observing;
- How much time will be needed for the interrupt (this includes time for calibrations);
- Preferred start and end times;
- Description of the instrument setup (this includes order-blocking filters for DeVeny);
- Whether you need time for twilight calibrations;
- What other observing plans the TO needs to be aware of;
- Any unusual observing setup needs, within the limits permitted by ToO policy.
LDT staff will endeavor to connect your interrupt alert to the observer leading the program that will be interrupted. Reminder that only 1 ToO is accepted per night, first ToO triggered gets the slot, and if you decide not to proceed with the ToO you must explicitly contact LDT staff to cancel
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.