Preparing for the ALMA Community Outreach Event

Preparing for the ALMA Community Outreach Event

What You Should Read Beforehand:

It is recommended that all participants download and readObserving with ALMA: A Primer for Early Science (pdf) , a document developed by our North American ALMA partners from NRC-HIA.

A summary of the ALMA Early Science capabilities can also be found at this link.

 

What You Should Download and Install Beforehand:

The Observing Tool: The Observing Tool (OT) is the proposal (Phase I) and observations (Phase II) preparation tool. Install the ALMA OT. Two versions of the OT installation exist - the webstart version is intended to work without any manual intervention; the tarball version contains a README file with installation instructions.

SIMDATA: Simdata is a simulator task built into the CASA data reductions package. CASA includes files of the ALMA array configurations so that investigators can simulate ALMA observations. To access this capability, download and install the current CASA Release. Examples of using SIMDATA to simulate ALMA observations can be found on the CASA Guides Page.

To ensure that SIMDATA is working properly on your computer, please download the test sim tar file, and untar it, and then, within the same directory, do the following:

  • Start CASA by typing: casapy
  • Then type: execfile("simtest.py")
Please contact Kartik Sheth if the above test fails.

The outreach event will consist of a demonstration of the OT and SIMDATA, followed by a chance for you to try both tools to prepare a Phase I proposal using the Early Science options.

 

Evaluation of Outreach Event

We would like to hear your feedback/suggestions of the outreach event. Please fill out a simple survey page by clicking this link.

 

ALMA Quick Reference Guide

Below is an ALMA Quick Reference Table, which summarizes the ALMA timeline, the frequency/wavelength ranges of the ALMA bands, and the capabilities of ALMA during the Early Science and ALMA Inauguration phases:

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Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.