Observing Details

The observing roster

Observing at Parkes is divided into two 6-month observing semesters, and proposed observations are listed in the current semester of the Parkes Observing Schedules and Rosters. The PPTA project is identified by project code P456.

For each observing session we need at least two people, but with observing now in remote mode, multiple observers can sign up for blocks of a minimum of 3 or 4 hours each. Please head over to the PPTA Dashboard roster and identify which observing blocks you can support for any given session.

In addition, it is mandatory to register on the schedule of the Remote observing PORTAL, at least 2 weeks prior to the start of your observing block.

Preparing for the observations

After you have signed up on the observing roster then

• Book your accommodation at Marsfield if you wish to observe from the SOC and you need to stay on site
• Familiarise yourself with the current remote observing documentation listed below

Carrying out the observations

Parkes observations are now carried out in full remote mode from the Science Operations Centre (SOC), Marsfield. However, with agreement from the P456 project expert George Hobbs, and assuming that you are fully trained for remote observing, observations can be carried out from your respective institution or from home.

Current documentation:

• Current PPTA remote observing documentation
• John Sarkissian's Pulsar Remote Observing Guide
• Parkes Radio Telescope Users Guide

Old but still relevant documentation:

• Old PPTA Observing Manual

Observing problems

Some common problems an observer may encounter are documented here:

• Observing problems