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Reactive Time Programme

Introduction

Researchers can now apply for LT observations in a "Reactive Time" mode, outside of the usual semester-based rounds. The intention is to provide an access route to LT observations via the PATT and JMU TAC system that has a short processing timescale.

use Reactive Time form

Rules of Use

  • This "reactive" process replaces the JMU internal TAC "short" proposals and extends the scheme to include the entire PATT community. Internal JMU users will see little difference other than the change of name and new web-based submission procedure replacing the LaTeX forms.
  • Proposals will be accepted in two categories:
    • (a) requests for test observations intended as feasibility studies for full proposals to be submitted in future 'normal' semester-based applications rounds. Such proposals will only be able to request up to three hours of telescope time. Non-urgent projects that need less than three hours of time to achieve their science goals should be the subject of full proposals in the normal semester-based system. Multiple proposals making up larger single projects will not be accepted.
    • (b) unforeseen requests for targets of opportunity or observations in support of existing projects (esp. simultaneous with other observing programmes) which were not anticipated at the time the original semester allocation round. Target-of-opportunity programmes aimed at foreseeable phenomena such as supernovae, novae, gamma-ray bursts, etc, are the subject of proposals in the normal applications system.
  • The decisions of the TAC will be guided by the rules above, but the intent of the reactive time is to increase the flexibility of the time allocation process and take maximum possible advantage of the robotic operations model. You may therefore make any application which you believe falls within the spirit of these rules but the TACs are unlikely to award time to any project they judge should have been submitted through the traditional semester-based procedures.
  • Proposals can be sent in at any time. They will be assessed by the TAC, or a subset of the TAC, as soon as possible after receipt. If accepted, the project will be given a rank in the current project queue depending on science rating relative to existing programmes and urgency. The probability that the observations are done and the timescale on which they are completed will depend on this rank and cannot be guaranteed, but it is likely to be a minimum of one working day.
  • Applications are made using the web-based application form linked at the top of this page. Since the intentions of the reactive time are speed and efficiency, please ensure your scientific and technical cases are clear and concise in order that the TAC members can make a quick decision. The cases are entered into the web form as plain text.
  • Reactive time allocations will generally expire at the end of the active semester just as any normal proposal. However if the proposal is received very near the end of a semester the TAC might at its discretion grant time in both the current and upcoming semester.