Supported Observing Mode

About

In Supported Observing mode, observations are executed by trained LBTO staff. Instrument Support Astronomers and/or Service Observers (referred to below as Support Observers) operate the instruments remotely, performing science acquisitions, basic data quality assessments, and troubleshooting. Member Observers remain online to coordinate the member queue and provide the targets and observing scripts for the night.

This has been the primary mode of operation since mid-2020 and was formerly referred to as C-19 mode.

Roles and Requirements for Operations

Before the Supported Observing Block

Member Coordinators should provide the following information to scisupport@lbto.org in advance of each Supported Observing block:

1. Nightly Member Observers: Designate one primary Member Observer for each night of the member block to coordinate the nightly member queue. Each designated observer should complete the LBTO Supported Observing Form before the block begins.
2. AO observations: Communicate any planned AO observations at least two weeks before the block begins.
   • For support planning, this includes LUCI AO imaging and spectroscopy, LUCI ESM imaging and spectroscopy, SHARK-NIR, SHARK-VIS, LBTI, and iLocater. Specify the planned instruments and modes, and whether binocular, fraternal, or monocular operation are requested.
   • Include the requested observing windows and any timing constraints.
   • Include scisupport@lbto.org and aosupport@lbto.org on correspondence with instrument teams about planned observing windows to help coordinate support.
   • Secondary instrument requests will be supported on a best-effort basis, subject to instrument availability and available support
     resources.
3. PEPSI readme files: Provide these at least one week before the science block begins so they can be checked and ingested into PEPSI before the scheduled observations.
4. Calibrations: Review the calibration requirements for the planned science programs and provide a summary of the calibrations to be executed.

During the Supported Observing Block

1. Afternoon planning: Identify the starting instrument no later than 2:45 p.m. MST each day. Also provide an overview of the instruments and modes that may be used that night, highlighting any
   possible AO observations. This allows telescope and instrument checkouts to be completed before sunset.
   • We recognize that forecasts and plans can change. Please include options for both favorable and poor conditions so that support resources and instrument checkouts can be planned accordingly, minimizing lost observing time.
2. Evening coordination: The designated Member Observer should log in at least 15 minutes before sunset to review the night’s plans with the Support Observer.
   • Sunset and twilight times are available on the Mt. Graham Daily Almanac page.
3. Observation execution: The Member Observer provides targets and script locations and coordinates the member queue throughout the night. The Support Observer operates the instruments, performs basic data quality assessments, and works with the Member Observer to determine program completion.

For questions or issues, please contact scisupport@lbto.org.