QSO Target-Of-Opportunity Programs

CFHT Policy

• Target-of-Opportunity (TOO) programs for the Queued Service Observing (QSO) mode with MegaPrime, WIRCam, and ESPaDOnS must be submitted through NorthStar as a Director Discretionary time proposal.

• The submitted TOO program must be approved by the CFHT Director and/or the Director of Science Operations. The proposal will also be reviewed by a member of the QSO Team.

• The TOO program must be submitted prior to an observing night in the QSO mode, ideally several hours before the beginning of the night. It is not be possible to submit and execute the observations during an observing night, unless it is proved that the matter is very urgent.

• If the proposal is accepted, the CFHT Director will send an email to the PI. This mail will include the total time allocated and the priority given to the program with respect of the other programs stored in the QSO database.

• The QSO Team will ask the PI to prepare the observations through their Phase 2 tool, or will prepare the observations according to the information provided in the submitted proposal. It is the responsibility of the PI of the proposal to make sure that this information is correct.

• After the submission of the proposal, the PI (or a collaborator) must remain available to answer questions regarding their proposal.

• If the proposal is rejected, the CFHT Director will contact the PI and inform him of his decision.