Observers

Nickel Remote Observing Policy

A. Only observers with experience observing locally with the Nickel Telescope and Direct Camera are eligible to observe remotely. Observers must have been checked out, on site, by a Lick support astronomer, and sufficient experience must have been gained.

B. Potential remote users must receive an additional remote-observing checkout. The initial stage of this checkout will be done on site, using the local host nicklepc to simulate remote operation, and then completed via videoconference, on the first night of actual remote observing. The usual common-sense rules which apply for any observing run apply to remote observing as well: minimize distractions, remain alert to changes in the weather and to problems with hardware and software, do not leave observing unattended for prolonged periods.

C. Proposals for remote observing must specify the facility from which the observer will be working, and include a list of up to four filters and the order in which they are to be installed. In all other ways, the remote observing proposal process is the same as for local observing.

D. The Lick remote observing system is set up to be run from Keck mainland remote observing facilities at the following sites: UCB, LBNL, UCLA, UCSC, UCSD, UCR, UCD, and UCI. Keck observing has priority over Lick observing in these rooms. The observer must coordinate the use of these rooms with the local scheduler.

E. Weather limits are the same when observing remotely as when observing locally. The remote observer must be certain that the weather is adequate for observing. If there is any doubt, the observer must close.

Note: Please also see Nickel Remote Observing Procedures.