Time assignment information

Compact Array configurations

The Compact Array configuration cycle described in last October's ATNF news is being followed for the coming semesters. This cycle does not include an H75 configuration in the October 2006 semester. However, as the April semester ends with an H75 array, it will be possible to schedule proposals requesting this array at the beginning of the October semester. H75 is an important configuration for mm observers requiring short baseline data for calibration purposes, and if there is sufficient demand, it may be possible to repeat this in future years.

Time allocation and publications

The allocation of time on ATNF facilities is done purely on the basis of scientific merit. Figure 1 below shows the time allocated at the Compact Array, as a percentage of the total allocated time, for proposals where the principle investigator (PI) is at the ATNF or another Australian institution, and where the PI is overseas. The time allocation for the Parkes radio telescope is similar to the Compact Array; typically 40% of time is allocated to proposals with an overseas PI.

Figure 1: Compact Array time allocation, 2000 - 2006 (click on image for larger version)

Figure 2: Publications from data obtained with ATNF facilities, 2000 - 2005
(click on image for larger version)

A comparison of the two figures shows the stronger performance of projects that have an overseas PI. In 2005 64% of refereed papers had a first author at an overseas institution. However, most projects involve teams with both Australian and international partners. In 2005, for example, Australian authors were included on 87% of refereed publications.

Jessica Chapman and Phil Edwards
(Jessica.Chapman@csiro.au)