[mmaimcal] FYI: CALL FOR CSO OBSERVING PROPOSALS

[Al Wootten]

CALL FOR OBSERVING PROPOSALS

FOR THE CALTECH SUBMILLIMETER OBSERVATORY

The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) encourages observing
participation by astronomers from both U.S. and non-U.S. institutions.
The observatory consists of a 10.4 m diameter telescope on Mauna Kea,
Hawaii. Receivers are available from 200 to 400 GHz with noise
temperatures of about 50K (DSB) and, from 400 to 730 GHz at about 150K
(DSB). *A receiver is available from 780 to 920 GHz with a noise
temperature of about 250K.* Back-ends of about 1000 channels are
available with 1 GHz, 500 MHz and 50 MHz bandwidths.

The camera sensitivity is about 1 Jy/beam, in one second for a 2.5¢ x
0.9¢ field of view, in good weather. (More information on SHARC II and
the heterodyne receivers can be obtained at
http://www.submm.caltech.edu/cso/instruments). Atmospheric transmission
curves for the CSO, as a function of frequency, are available via a web
interface at http://www.submm.caltech.edu/cso/weather/atplot.shtml.

Bolocam, a large-format bolometric camera for observations at 1.1 and
2.1 mm, is open to proposals (but see Bolocam web page at
http://puuoo.submm.caltech.edu/bolocam for restrictions). At 1.1 mm, the
camera has approximately 110-120 working pixels with 30" FHWM beamsize
and 8' FOV.

Lodging and subsistence are provided free by the CSO, for two observers
for each program. CSO 4WD vehicles are also available for our visitors
to get to the CSO telescope from Hale Pohaku. However, visitors are
required to rent their own vehicles to get to Hale Pohaku from the
airport. A limited amount of travel money may also be available.

Proposals for observing time in the semester, 1st February-31st July,
should include the CSO cover form (please use the latest version
available on the web), a short abstract, and a two page scientific
justification. In addition, the following information is now required
and should be included with each proposal: (1) List of publications by
all proposal Co-Is using CSO data (since 2002). (2) List of all students
and postdocs who used the CSO (since 2002). (3) List of students who
obtained a PhD using the CSO. The proposals will be reviewed by an
external peer group committee and should be sent by 31st October 2007
to T. G. Phillips, Caltech 320-47, Pasadena, CA 91125.

For further information please refer to the CSO web site at
http://www.submm.caltech.edu/cso.