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 the special Web form available on this page. This form is automatically sent to the relevant CFHT staff for evaluation.

• 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 the Queue Coordinator in charge of the QSO run.

• 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 will 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 prepare the observations through their Phase 2 tool, according to the information provided in the submitted Web form. 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.