README web version of /home/usg/OPS/MTS/readme_xml/readme_84042200

Principal Investigator Email Address

• sblondin@eso.org

Estimated Total Execution Time (hours, including overheads)

• 8.0

General Description

• The aim of this ToO proposal is to take multiple X-shooter slit
  spectra of one previously-confirmed Type II supernova in the Hubble
  flow (cz > 6000 km/s) at 10 epochs during the first 30-40 days of its
  evolution (i.e. seperated by 3-4 days).
  
  We require a unique setup for these observations: slit mode,
  1.0"/0.9"/0.9" slits in UVB/VIS/NIR. The target is given the
  preliminary name "SN2009xx" as this supernova is yet to be
  discovered. We have prepared one OB per observing strategy (Stare, Nod
  AB, Nod ABBA; see ToO information).
  
  We will provide the RA, DEC, finding chart, and target name at
  trigger. We may also require that the position angle be set to a
  different value than its default (9999 = parallactic angle), to
  include another target, e.g. the host galaxy of the supernova, in the
  same spectroscopic slit.

Waiver Requests

• No Waiver Request was submitted

Critical Observing Condition Constraints

• This Type II supernova will be have a magnitude R < 20 (depending on
  the age). We have no Moon constraint but the seeing should be <1.0"
  and the sky transparency clear.

Time-Critical Aspects

• N/A

Special Execution Requirements

• N/A

Special Calibration Information

• We have provided OBs for flux-calibration of our spectra (all in "stare"
   mode). The OBs are
  called:
  
  ToO_CAL__slt_stare,
  
  where  is the name of the standard star (all std stars are
  part of the ESO programme 278.D-5008; Vernet et al. 2008, Proc. SPIE
  7016):
  
  #              	   	       |----- texp (s) ----|
  #name	type	Tbb (K)	mV	UVB	VIS	NIR
  LTT7987	DA	26000	12.23	60	180	180
  F110	DA	45600	11.82	30	120	180
  EG274	DA	42000	11.03	20	60	120
  CD-32	A0	8900	10.42	15	25	60
  LTT4364	C2	9400	11.50	40	60	120
  LTT4816	DA	13000	13.79	240	600	600
  LTT3218	DA	10300	11.86	60	100	120
  LTT1020	G	6200	11.52	40	45	60
  HILT600	B1	9700	10.44	15	25	60
  EG21	DA	20400	11.38	30	75	180
  
  
  "Tbb" indicates the temperature of the blackbody spectrum used in the
  ETC. We have adjusted the exposure time in each arm to ensure the ETC
  counts were within the saturation limits. However, we ask the service
  observer to adjust the exposure times slightly to ensure there are
  sufficient counts while avoiding saturation.
  
  We will usually request one such calibration spectrum one the same
  night as the science observation.

ToO Information

• This is a ToO run. The supernova we are planning to follow-up
  spectroscopically is yet to be discovered. The supernova coordinates,
  magnitude, phase will be provided by other groups (CfA, Berkeley,
  etc.), who will have a first spectrum to confirm the supernova is
  indeed of type II. 
  
  We do not yet know the magnitudes of these targets, which depend both
  on the individual supernova and its phase. However, we expect these to
  be in the range R < 20. We have not specified an expected S/N at a
  given wavelength in the "Instrument Comments" field in p2pp since the
  SED of the supernova depends strongly on its age (it peaks at redder
  wavelengths as the supernova ages).
  
  We have prepared a set of three OBs, one per observing strategy
  (Stare, Nod AB, Nod ABBA). The OB names reflect these observing modes,
  and are called: 
  
  ToO_SN2009xx_slt_, 
  
  where  is one of:
  
  "stare"    : 1x1200s
  "nod_AB"   : 2x600s with 5" nod throw
  "nod ABBA" : 4x300s with 5" nod throw
  
  Although we have specified the exposure time (1200s total in each
  case), we may request the service observer to change it slightly
  depending on the magnitude of our target.

ToO Activators List

• The following investigators are authorized to trigger a ToO
  observation for this programme:
  
  Stephane Blondin (sblondin@eso.org)
  Luc Dessart (luc.dessart@oamp.fr)
  Bruno Leibundgut (bleibund@eso.org)

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

• YES

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

• N/A

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 specified the S/N ratio at given wavelength in the User Comments
 field of each OB?

• 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