Split-Night Guidelines

Justification

Support of split nights presents a distinct challenge to Observing Support. Normally Support Astronomers are available to help observers starting around 1 p.m. In order to properly support second-half observers they may be required to stay until 2 a.m. This long, 13 hour day is taxing on the SAs and prevents them from getting done other important Observatory work (e.g. Web page and infrastructure improvements). With some modest coordination of effort on the part of the split-night observing teams, we feel that this impact can be minimized.

Proposal

• For configurable instruments (mostly LRIS and DEIMOS), the two PIs must coordinate a SINGLE configuration request. The configuration forms will be modified to allow entry of BOTH PI names. Both names should be filled out regardless of which PI submits the form. There exists a LRIS policy on this. The overriding reason for this is that the instruments cannot be reconfigured at night, so both teams must share the limited number of slots available in the instrument.
  
• If possible, both teams should be available for a single training session by the SA in the afternoon. Alternatively, if afternoon training is not required, the second-half team can refresh their memory of how to operate the instrument by sitting in on some of the first-half observing.
  
• If possible, one or more observer from either team is encouraged to provide support during the handover and subsequent startup phase. This normally would include the first slitmask alignment. For example, a first-half observer could agree to stay up to help the second-half observers make the transition to their observing directory, etc., then make sure that they understand how to operate the instrument, and wait until they get on to their first object. Alternatively, a second-half observer could participate during part of the first half of observing, at least at the level of monitoring the instrument operation.
  
• Of course, if the two observing teams cannot make suitable arrangements, the Support Astronomer will be available to both of the teams. Remember, we do not want to create any awkwardness or other problems for either observing team. We are only searching for ways of maximizing the time we can spend on other important tasks that will benefit the observers in other ways.

Mahalo for you help,

Bob Goodrich
Observing Support Manager