README web version of /home/usg/OPS/MTS/readme_xml/readme_83030800

Principal Investigator Email Address

• b.davies@leeds.ac.uk

Estimated Total Execution Time (hours, including overheads)

• 3

General Description

• This proposal images two spatially-extended star clusters in two narrow-band
   filters.
  
  As the clusters are larger than the ISAAC FoV, we observe the clusters in a mosaic
   pattern. This also means that the required pointing accuracy is not that restrictive,
   and simple 'preset' acquisition templates can be used. 
  
  The field containing cluster #1 (RSGC1) is split into 4 sub-fields. As we would
   like to observe each sub-field in both narrowband filters contemporaneously, in
   order not to exceed the 1hr/OB limit we split the observations across 2 OBs: the
   two northern sub-fields are observed in 'RSGC1-top', and the southern fields in
   'RSGC1-bottom'. Within the OBs, each of the two sub-fields is observed consecutively.
   The telescope then returns to the first field, with a dithered offset, and each
   of the two sub-fields is observed again. This is repeated for 5 dither positions
   in each of the 2 fields, hence there are 10 offset positions in one template. 
  
  For the field of cluster #2 (RSGC2), the same principle is applied, but this time
   9 individual sub-fields are observed 3 times each. As the integration time per sub-field
   is lower, we can observe all 9 fields in one OB. We note that, for this OB, the
   time between telescope offsets is smaller than is typically permitted. However,
   after discussions with our support astronomer (Monika Petr-Gotzens), and due to
   the presence of bright stars in the field (J=7-8), we came to the compromise of
   (DIT*NDIT=21.3s) between offsets. 
  
  In the finding charts, the locations of the fields are indicated (large red squares),
   while green triangles denote the centre of each field. The pattern has been designed
   to include some overlap between adjacent fields.
  
  As the fields are large, precise acquisition is not necessary. All offsets are calculated
   from the centre of each cluster, therefore the targets should be acquired with the
   centre of the cluster in the centre of the instrument FoV (as defined by the blue
   dashed region and the blue cross in the finding charts).

Waiver Requests

• The OB 'RSGC2-all' observes fields containing stars which are brighter
   than the typical threshold for ISAAC observations (J<8). A waiver was granted
   to observe this field, under the restrictions that this OB is executed at the end
   of the night and the DIT is reduced to 3.55s

Critical Observing Condition Constraints

• Only that the targets are observed at high airmass (<1.2)

Time-Critical Aspects

• none.

Special Execution Requirements

• None.

Special Calibration Information

• None.

ToO Information

• N/A

ToO Activators List

• N/A

Is this a Pre-imaging run ?

• false

Pre-imaging Requirements

• N/A

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 ?

• N/A

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

• N/A

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 ?

• N/A

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 ?

• YES