The SOC Pilot and the ATOA

Jessica Chapman

CASS Observatory Operations

Research Program Leader

28 June 2011

The SOC Pilot Project: MALT-90

Project Goals:

• Establish and implement the technical and user requirements needed for SOC-mode observing capabilities, initially for Mopra Large Surveys

• Gain experience of working with science teams on Large Projects. • Extend the ATNF data archives to provide National Facility support for

Mopra Large Survey Data Products.

Millimetre Astronomy Legacy Team 90 GHz Survey

• Large Survey to study high-mass star formation in our galaxy.

• 90-GHz Observations of 3,000 dense molecular clouds, selected from a sub-millimetre survey to cover a range of stages in star formation.

• Full survey will take about 3,000 hours of Mopra time. • First 800 hours in July to September 2010.

• Science team – led by Jim Jackson (Boston University)\

• 31 individuals from 7 countries (Australian, Chile, France, Germany, Japan, UK, US), includes 4 from Australia.

Computing infrastructure and software

• Observers used the remote observing computer terminals in room 23.

• Powerful new server and dedicated Marsfield disk space

(~5 TB) provided for fast off-line data processing.

• Data streamed via Narrabri to Marsfield for observers.

• New high-quality point-point video link was installed at Narrabri and Marsfield.

MALT90 Observing support and Visitors Services

• Observing support was provided by a support astronomer located in Marsfield – who was available on-site during all observing hours.

• Most of the support astronomers were members of the science team.

• Dark bedrooms and hot meals provided at lodge.

• Kitchen and provisions provided for observers at work.

MALT90 data

• Raw data are archived in the Australia Telescope Online Archive in standard way.

• The science team is responsible for the data reduction and for the quality of data products released.

• There is NO proprietary period for the data products.

• Final data products are image cubes.

• CASS will provide data products through the ATOA data archives.

• MALT90 data products release is next week (by 8 July)

Feedback

• PhD students found it easy to learn how to observe from Sydney.

• Observers appreciated the high level of expertise from local astronomers.

• Observing systems were robust.

• Observers liked staying at lodge and appreciated a choice of hot meals.

• No issues with sound levels reported for Lodge (but little daytime sleeping).

Feedback - continued

• Support astronomers found the 14-hour days over long.

• Some site-site communications need to be improved (e.g. Sydney observers with Narrabri DA.)

• Observers find video system helpful when working closely with other observers or support staff at the other site – but ….

• Some observers, staff and visitors found the video system intrusive and raised privacy issues.

• It does not work well to share a working space between observers and other visitors.

This semester (2011 APRS)

Narrabri Marsfield Remote (elsewhere)

Mopra observing

~ 35% ~ 30% ~35%

ATCA Observing

~ 70% ~ 10% ~ 20%

Estimated distribution by time and location

2011 APRS

• ATCA: Inexperienced observers observe at Narrabri – supported by DA.

• ATCA 12 months experience required for Marsfield or remote observing.

• Mopra: Inexperienced observers can choose to observe from Narrabri or Marsfield.

• Mopra: Balt Indermuehle has recently moved to Sydney. Helps observers get started.

• Mopra: DA is first point of contact after hours. Balt is contactable by phone.

2011 APRS

• Room 23 used for observers only during observing times.

• Mopra observing area at Narrabri will be properly enclosed.

• Upgrades for an improved installation of video link in progress.

ATOA: Recent upgrades

• Astrophysical Data services – now provides access to OPAL proposal abstracts and to ATOA summary data.

ATOA• New home page• Additional search fields• Improved searching for multiple sources (reads OPAL

Observation Tables)• Improved summary report• Access to the new CSIRO pulsar data archive • MALT90 data release in July 2011