Introduction

Assuming you already have successfully logged in to the OPT web application, and assuming that there is no message in the "Important message banner" that makes you decide to abandon the OPT for the moment, look for the navigation bar at the top. If "Observation Preparation" is not in bold face, but in normal font and underlined, click on it (Figure 4.1).

OPT Figure 4.1

Figure 4.1: Web browser screen shot of the OPT opening page.

 

A short introduction to the layout of this tool's page has been given in the introduction (Chapter 1). This chapter uses the information contained in the resource catalogs (Chapter 2) and information contained in the source catalogs (Chapter 3). It is assumed that the contents of these chapters are familiar, and that the information in the (re)source catalogs is correct. There should be at least one project tree visible in the project browser, with a PB, and possibly a SB and a scan. To activate your project (i.e., to load it in memory), highlight it to see a plus sign (\includegraphics[height=3mm]{psimg/expand.png.ps}) appear in front of its name. Do this for the project that you want to be working on. This may take a while if there are many SBs and/or many scans in the SB(s). As with every operation in the OPT web application, please exercise patience.

If you need to define an additional (test) project or if your project was not filled from the PST, use FILE - CREATE NEW - NEW PROJECT. In the latter case, for a non-test project uncheck the "Test Project" check box, in the dialog window and enter your project (legacy) code without spaces (e.g., AS987) and your proposal code (e.g., 09A-191) before clicking "Add". Note that these codes only work if your projects with these codes were previously approved by the schedulers and you were notified of this by email. This should create a new project tree that you can name and edit. Both the slanted names in a project tree and a yellow dot on the icons means that it is unsaved data.

The purpose of the OPT is to combine a source from one of your source catalogs with a resource from one of your resource catalogs, and to specify an observing mode, a time interval and an intent for this combination. Repetitive combinations will build an observing schedule that defines a SB observation which may be executed by EVLA operations. The sequence of scans in a SB will show in the left hand side column in the project (etc.) tree.

It is useful to outline the project in terms of the PB and SBs in advance. Use information from the proposal, etc. (see Chapter 1) and create (re)source catalogs with only the subset of (re)sources that will be used in the SB you are about to create. Having your (re)sources in small personal catalogs is convenient and faster than having large catalogs or switching back and forth between your personal catalog(s) and, e.g., the "VLA" catalog . Also consider exporting and removing (in that order!) all other (re)source catalogs and projects that you don't need. Check the remaining (re)sources for correctness before you continue.

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.