Currents Archive
Currents Archive
Currents is a sparkplug for communication between NOAO and our community. It provides updates—and solicits community input—on NOAO observing opportunities and NOAO programs and policies on a more rapid timescale than is possible with the quarterly NOAO Newsletter.
Current Issue
Program Update ReSTAR Implementation Plan: NOAO has prepared an implementation plan to address the recommendations of the ReSTAR committee, which created a blueprint for developing a system of 2- to 5-meter aperture telescopes. A white paper describing the implementation plan is now available for public scrutiny and comment. The comments we receive will influence the funding proposal that we will submit to the Astronomy division of the NSF in October. We look forward to hearing from you!
Program Update II (ALTAIR Survey Continues): Over 400 members of the US ground-based community responded to the ALTAIR committee survey regarding their needs for resources such as instrumentation, observing modes, and observing time on ground-based O/IR telescopes in the 6.5- to 10-meter aperture range. Responses that were received by August 15 will be reviewed at the next ALTAIR committee meeting. You may still respond to the on-line survey if you have not already done so. Responses will be accepted until September 15. Please respond to make your views known!
NGSC Bulletins: NOAO encourages US observers to consider applying for Classical Observing at Gemini. Classical observing can be accommodated for programs requiring as little as one night. As an incentive, NOAO will cover the travel expenses for up to 2 observers of all classically scheduled Gemini programs in the 2009A semester.
The NOAO Gemini Science Center now offers a Personal Contact Option for the Gemini HelpDesk. While the current Web interface to the Gemini HelpDesk is a quick and easy way for US observers to submit questions about Gemini, now you can also contact a person at the NGSC directly.
CTIO Update Chris Smith, New CTIO Director: Chris Smith has been selected as the next director of CTIO, succeeding Alistair Walker. Chris brings to the position many years of experience with NOAO and CTIO.
In Other News: NASA is soliciting proposals using the Keck Telescopes for the 2009A observing semester (Feb 2009-Jul 2009). Proposals are now solicited on a broader range of science topics. The application deadline is 8 September 2008.
Contact Us
Did something interesting, inspiring, or surprising happen on a recent observing run? Please tell us about it! Is there a topic that you would like to see covered in a future Currents? If you are planning a regional astronomy meeting or department internal symposium, would you like someone from NOAO to give a presentation on our new program? Please contact us at currents@noao.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Currents is a sparkplug for communication between NOAO and our community. It provides updates—and solicits community input—on NOAO observing opportunities and NOAO programs and policies on a more rapid timescale than is possible with the quarterly NOAO Newsletter.
NOAO is the national center for ground-based nighttime astronomy in the United States and is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), Inc. under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.