Parkes Observing: The default location for Parkes observing is the Science Operations Centre (SOC) in Marsfield (Sydney).
Parkes observers need to register for their upcoming observations, at least two weeks in advance, using the PORTAL at https://parkes-ops.atnf.csiro.au/PORTAL/index.php . Access to the portal requires CSIRO unix account details: for users who do not have an account, there is a link from the PORTAL front page to information for requesting an account. Account generation typically takes several working days.
Parkes Observing Support: Each Parkes project is required to designate a Project Expert from within the team who is the first point of contact for observing support for that team. Observers at the Science Operations Centre (SOC) will be provided with a “Friend” who will be the first point of contact during business hours. Teams with no member suitable to be the Project Expert for that project should send an observer to the SOC in advance of the scheduled observing to be trained by a combination of Operations staff and a local Friend. The Project Expert is expected to be capable of basic fault diagnosis/triage. In cases where the Project Expert is inadequately experienced, in the opinion of the Head of Science Operations, the team will be required to designate an alternate Project Expert, or for the Project Expert to attend the SOC in person for training prior to future observations.
First-time observers will be required to come to the SOC, and will be provided a telescope orientation session to introduce them to observing systems and monitoring tools. First-time observers must be arrive at the SOC at least a full business day prior to their scheduled observations to ensure a time can be arranged for training. When first-time remote observers register their upcoming observing session(s) on the PORTAL they are sent links to on-line documentation and training material to help them prepare. It is a requirement that the on-line documentation is read before the training session. A list of the essential documents is given on the Documentation tab of the portal.
Observers may choose to observe from the SOC at any time, and will be given a refresher or training session on request. All observers in the SOC will be provided with a “Friend” (selected from Astrophysics or Operations staff). The requirement for observers to return to the SOC annually will be dispensed with: responsibility lies with the Principal Investigator (PI) to ensure the observers on their team are trained and competent observers. The role of Parkes SOC Support Astronomer, rostered from Astrophysics staff, will be discontinued. Similar support will now be provided by the Friend for observers at the SOC. Observing from Parkes will be permitted for complex or non-standard observations, or in other circumstances where this is the more sensible option. These requirements may be revised if there is a substantial change in the observing set-up (for example, installation of a new front-end or back-end system).
If anything remains unclear, please email ATNF-Parkes-Remobs[at]csiro.au for further clarification.
Marsfield On-site Accommodation: For observing from the SOC, the Marsfield site has a Lodge which provides accommodation for observers. Please use this webform to book at least two weeks in advance to ensure a room is available.
NAPA Proposals: One NAPA (Non A Priori Assignable) proposal has been submitted for Parkes in 2015APR. If triggered, a NAPA proposal may displace a proposal with a lower grade.
Daylight Saving: Daylight saving in New South Wales ends at 3:00am (AEDT) on the first Sunday in April, April 5th 2015, when clocks will be put back one hour. During the daylight saving period, local "clock time" is one hour ahead of AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time), so 7am AEST is 8am daylight saving time. Note that the ATCA schedule is in AEST, so at the start of the 2015APR semester, local time (AEDT) is one hour later than AEST. Daylight saving in New South Wales starts again on the first Sunday in October, Oct 4th 2015 at 2:00am when clocks will be put forward one hour.
Public Holidays: Friday April 3rd is the Easter Good Friday public holiday, and Monday April 6th is Easter Monday public holiday. Monday June 8th is the Queen's Birthday public holiday in NSW.
Version history:
Version 1 of the schedule was released on 2015 March 2.
Version 2 of the schedule was released on 2015 April 2.