Calendars:
The following calendars may prove useful in preparing for your assigned observing time at LDT:
- LDT Science Observing Schedule – Lists observing programs, moon fraction, requested instrument setup, etc.
- LDT Monthly Observing and TO Calendar – Best location to determine who the TO will be during your assigned time.
- Merged Sun/Moon/rise/set: 2019, 2020, 2021 – Calendars from L. Wasserman to guide observing preparation.
General Preparation Checklist:
Before showing up for an LDT observing run (either in person or remote):
- Read the Important Notes for all LDT Users and Visitors
- Carefully review the instrument manual(s) for the instrument(s) you plan to use.
- Make sure that the filters and/or gratings you want to use are what are listed on the science schedule. If not, get in touch with LDT staff as soon as possible to let us know.
- If you plan to use Lowell housing for in-person observing runs, make your lodging reservations.
- Contact your first night TO(s) (dctoperator at lowell dot edu) and let them know what your plans are, and if you have any unusual observing setup needs. This includes when you plan to arrive (physically or virtually) at LDT and whether you need time for twilight calibrations.
- Prepare your target lists, pattern data and/or ephemerides.
- If you will be observing remotely, review the LDT Remote Observing information page.
If you are a first time observer to LDT, or you are using a new instrument, please review the First-Time User Support at LDT page, and contact LDT staff so that we can set up time on your first night to cover any questions or issues you are wondering about.
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.