After Logging On to the OPT

The page shown directly after logging in to the OPT web application should be the OPT front page with your project tree consisting of a PB, an (empty) SB and an empty first scan. Some information on this page should be already filled out and read-only. Check this information with the information you gathered in the previous section and inform us as soon as possible if you think there is an error in any of these fields; the sooner you check this the sooner we can have it corrected, and the sooner you can start struggling with the tool... Fortunately, it most likely won’t be that complicated, but it is a good idea to allow yourself ample time to get used to the tools and to let us help you with your questions.

For the remainder of this document, we’ll guide you through the different components to create an observing schedule in the following chapters. As it seems that the RCT is the easiest (for now, which probably changes with progress in commissioning of the WIDAR correlator), we’ll start with that one. The SCT and OPT use many features or concepts that are similar to the features or concepts in the RCT, so that should help to get to know the other tools. As the OPT must use information defined both in the SCT and in the RCT, we’ll continue with a chapter on the SCT before the chapter on the OPT. The chapter after the OPT deals with some common problems we already have encountered, so check there first, e.g., if you find yourself bumped out of any of the tools.

If at any time you wish to exit, use FILE - SAVE ALL if there is work done on catalogs or projects that you want to keep. A dialog box asking whether you want to save changes if any unsaved changes remain will pop up if you exit using FILE - EXIT. Note that if you navigate from one tool to another, using the links in the “navigation strip”, your changes in the tool you are leaving will be automatically saved.

As an advance hint on user friendliness, it is a personal experience that it is convenient to keep the RCT and SCT catalogs or groups as compact as possible because you need to select from these catalogs in the OPT. That is, it is best to keep only the sources and resources you want to use in a single SB in a (group in a) catalog, and to include the calibrators from large lists (e.g. the VLA calibrator list) already in that source catalog. What is meant by this and why will become clear later on.

Connect with NRAO

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

Founded in 1956, the NSF NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NSF NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NSF 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. NSF NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (U.S. 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.