README web version of /home/usg/OPS/MTS/readme_xml/readme_80084400

Principal Investigator Email Address

• dmaitra@science.uva.nl

Estimated Total Execution Time (hours, including overheads)

• 6.0

General Description

• The main objective of this run is to study the evolution of linear polarization
   in X-ray binary black hole transients (BHT) during outburst, in J, H and Ks-bands.
   Once a trigger is activated for a given BHT, we request 4/5 consecutive nights of
   observation of this run. We do not expect trigger strategy to change from night-to-night,
   however in case it does (e.g. the source becomes too bright or too faint suddenly),
   we will contact the observing astronomer.
  
  Since most of the BHTs are near the galactic plane, we expect to find a few field
   stars even using only half of the total FOV. Therefore we have chosen small offsets
   so that the source stays in the FOV of the polarimetric mask during all exposures.
   The offsets are semi-random so as to ensure that the frames do not fall on any same
   row/column. More details on the observing strategy is given in "Special Execution
   Requirements" section.

Waiver Requests

• No Waiver Request was submitted.

Critical Observing Condition Constraints

• None.

Time-Critical Aspects

• None.

Special Execution Requirements

• For each target (science as well as calibration) we have created separate
   OBs for J, H and Ks filters so that the total time required for the execution of
   any OB is less than an hour. During the observation of a source (science as well
   as calibration) we would like the OBs to be executed in the following order: (1)
   First the Ks-band, then (2) J-band and finally (3) H-band. This is to ensure that
   in the event of any deterioration in weather conditions, we can get the polarization
   measurements of the two farthest wavelength bands. We will indicate this in the
   ToO activation request.
  
  Also since the brightness of the source is unknown, therefore for each filter, we
   have prepared OBs that are suitable for different source brightnesses. The naming
   convention used for the science target OBs is: ToO_080.D-0844A__.obx
  
  The source will be observed contemporaneously using the CTIO 1.3m telescope and/or
   other OIR telescopes which will allow us to know the brightness before initiating
   the VLT run. Therefore depending on the brightness of the source, we will use the
   appropriate OB.
  
  If the OBs for one particular target are executed consecutively, then the acquisition
   template (ISAAC_img_acq_Polarimetry) can be executed only for the first (Ks-band)
   OB and then the acquisition can be skipped for the rest of the OBs (for the same
   target). This will also help in saving some observing time.

Special Calibration Information

• We *DO NOT* need the calibration sources to be observed every night. Once
   the observations have been initiated, depending on the coordinates of the science
   target we will request the observing astronomer to observe a standard star at propoer
   parallactic angle.

ToO Information

• ToO observations will be triggered based on optical, near-IR or X-ray
   observations of the source using other telescopes/satellite based missions.

ToO Activators List

• D. Maitra (dmaitra@science.uva.nl, Phone: +31-6-480-45-433)
  P. Casella (casella@science.uva.nl, Phone: +31-6-18214782)

Is this a Pre-imaging run ?

• false

Pre-imaging Requirements

• None.

Source(s) of Pre-imaging

• ---(Empty)---

Pre-imaging sources not listed above

• ---(Empty)---

Do all your OBs comply with the instrument-specific requirements listed
 on the instrument-specific Phase 2 web page ?

• YES

If this is a pre-imaging run, did you select PRE-IMAGING for the Observing
 Category for each Observing Template ?

• N/A

Do all your finding charts comply with both the general and instrument-specific
 Phase 2 Web Pages ?

• YES

If you submitted OBs for standard stars, did you specify the magnitude
 and spectral type of all standard stars in the OBs ?

• YES

Have you included OBs for any calibrations that you need but which are
 not part of the Calibration Plan ?

• YES

If you are observing Moving Targets, have you attached suitable ephemeris
 files to your OBs?

• N/A

If you have preferences which OBs should be executed first, did you make
 use of the User Priority field in the OBs ?

• YES

If this is a run that requires coordinated observations with other facilities,
 did you give proper instructions in the Time-Critical Aspects Section ?

• N/A

If you submitted OBs for standard stars, did you use the provided StandardStar
 templates ?

• N/A

If you are using a specific offset pattern or position angle, did you
 check carefully the definition in the manual ?

• YES

If you are doing spectroscopy, did you draw the slit on the Finding Charts
 ?

• N/A

Did you enter the magnitude of the brightest star in the field-of-view
 in the 'Instrument Comments' field of each OB ?

• YES

If you use the MoveToPixel acquisition, have you given clear instructions
 on the FC and in the OB comment section as to how the field should be centered ?

• N/A