Time Assignment information

We would like to advise users of some changes to the available observing facilities during 2001/2002.

ATNF Support for Mopra Observations

Under an agreement with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), for six weeks each year the Mopra telescope is operated with a "National Facility" level of support. During this period, observing support is provided by UNSW. For a further six weeks each year, Mopra is available for the sole use of UNSW staff and students. The total UNSW period of 12 weeks is normally scheduled during the Australian winter months.

Please note that from January 2001 onwards, support for Mopra will be restricted to the observing periods supported by UNSW and additional times for VLBI observations. Mopra applications should be submitted for the May terms (May to August) only.

22 GHz observations at the Compact Array

The development of 12-mm receivers is a key component in the high-frequency upgrade of the Australia Telescope Compact Array. Two prototype 12-mm receivers were installed on antennas 3 and 4 in November 1999. A major milestone was reached in December 1999 when the first 12-mm image was obtained from observations taken with these two receivers and a third receiver built for the Mopra telescope.

Until further notice a limited amount of time is available for science and test observations with the Compact Array with the two 12-mm prototype receivers. We request that all 22 GHz proposals include an ATNF staff collaborator.

The operation of the Compact Array at 12-mm will be greatly improved with the final 12-mm receivers for all six antennas. These are due for completion in 2002.

New ATCA Configurations

Figure 1: Baseline spacings for the new compact east-west configurations. The numbers at the top are in units of 15.306 m. Baselines using the 6 km antenna are not shown.

From September 2001, several new east-west and north-south stations will become available. These will provide additional array configurations with baseline spacings less than 400m. If requested, the 6 km antenna can be added to any of the arrays.

In 2001SEPT the new configuration EW 352 will be offered for the first time. This configuration combined with the new configuration EW 367 provides almost uniform coverage for spacings between 30 and 370 m. These two arrays will be offered in alternate terms. Figure 1 shows the baseline spacings for the new east-west configurations.

Full details on availability of the new configurations is given in the Guide to Observations with the Compact Array, http://www.atnf.csiro.au/observers/docs/ca_obs_guide.

Jessica Chapman, Dave McConnell
National Facility Support
(jchapman@atnf.csiro.au, dmcconne@atnf.csiro.au)