Pool preparation

From our experience, the chances of success of a program are higher if it is scheduled in a pool than in the traditional way of dedicated observing blocks. This is due to the flexibility of pooled observations with respect to demand on weather quality and equipment availability. It is therefore advantageous for any project to participate in these pooled observing sessions. Participation is of additional interest for low rated proposals which may otherwise not be scheduled. Astronomers with little or no experience are welcome as observers at the IRAM 30m radiotelescope.

Go to the GISMO |NIKA page.

Scripts preparation

Pooled observations should be fairly simple and straightforward to observe. Note that your project will NOT be observed in case you do not send your observing instructions to the GISMO pool manager before the begin of the pool. It is highly recommended to use the standard scripts provided by the IRAM staff:

You can download these example scripts and adapt them to your project. If you have questions please contact the IRAM 30m continuum pool manager.

Pointing Sources

It is possible to select pointing sources nearby to your science targets using XEphem and the IRAM 30m Catalog for Continuum Cameras.

Observing modes

Two different total power mapping modes are offered:

• On-the-fly mode Data are taken while the telescope follows a traditional zig-zag pattern. This mode is appropriate for large maps. It is necessary to specify the size of the map in both RA and DEC directions, the position angle, and the tilt angle of the scanning direction. Both angles are measured anticlockwise. For example, for a 6'x12' on-the-fly map, a position angle of 25 degrees, and a tilt angle of 0 degrees, simply type:

    PAKO> @ cont_onthefly 6 12 25 0

• Lissajous mode Data are taken while the telescope follows a Lissajous curve pattern. Lissajous maps are square shaped. For example, for a 3'x3' Lissajous map, type:

    PAKO> @ cont_lissajous 3

Lissajous curves give a better noise distribution than the classical on-the-fly maps, but they cannot be used in maps larger than 4'x4'. For larger maps it is necessary to use on-the-fly mode or make mosaics with smaller Lissajous maps. For deep field integration, both Lissajous or on-the-fly maps could be used.

Author: Israel Hermelo (IRAM 30m Continuum Pool Manager)

email: hermelo@iram.es

Created: 2013.Oct.25

Last update: 2014.Apr.01