[AAA] TEXES Demonstration science call for proposals

[Oficina Gemini Argentina]

Hola a todos,

Les envio el adelanto del llamado para Demo Science con TEXES, en Gemini
Norte. La misma informacion deberia estar ya en la pagina web oficial de
gemini.

Saludos

Guillermo Bosch

_____________________________________________________________
Oficina Argentina del Proyecto Gemini
Observatorio Astronomico
Paseo del Bosque s/n (B1900FWA) - La Plata - Argentina
http://www.gemini.edu.ar

****************************************************************************************

Dear Colleagues,

The TEXES high resolution mid-infrared spectrometer will be a special visiting 
instrument at Gemini North Observatory in semester 2006B.  The purpose 
of offering TEXES on Gemini North is to accomplish some of the key Aspen 
science goals on star and planet formation without building a new facility 
instrument.  During the 2006B semester TEXES will carry out a block of 
"mini-queue" observations in November 2006.  Prior to these regular 2006B 
queue observations, during the nights July 7 to July 11 we are offering 4 
nights of demonstration science time (weather permitting).  Basic information 
about the use of and the sensitivity of TEXES on Gemini can be found at 
<a href="http://www.gemini.edu/sciops/instruments/texes/TexesIndex.html">the 
Gemini TEXES pages</a>.  The sensitivity numbers are rather uncertain as the 
commissioning was afflicted by poor weather.  We are seeking  high impact 
science programs, and that it is therefore possible that only 1 or 2 programs 
will be selected.

As is the case for the TEXES science programs during 2006B, prospective
users must collaborate with members of the TEXES team who are carrying out
the data taking, reduction and analysis for all programs.  This is
discussed on the <a
href="http://www.gemini.edu/sciops/instruments/texes/TexesIndex.html">the
Gemini TEXES main page</a>.  Prospective users of TEXES are strongly
encouraged to contact members of the TEXES team early in the proposal
process for technical assistance.

TEXES will be used in cross-dispersed mode, with a choice of two possible
spectral coverages per setting.  There is the option of dithering along
the slit or scanning the slit along an extended target.  Some information
about these modes can be found on the Gemini TEXES main page.  Part of the
selection may be based upon the desire to test out these different modes
of observation and to observe at different wavelengths to provide more
experience of the performance of TEXES on Gemini North.  Note that the
slit size is relatively small, 1.7 or 4.0 arc-seconds long, depending on
which mode is chosen.  Typical point source FWHM values are 0.4
arc-seconds in N-band and 0.55 arc-seconds in Q-band for airmasses less
than 1.5.

To submit a program, you must use the 2006A Phase I tool and include
observing constraints, target lists, and instrument configuration
information.  Targets must be reasonable visible in the July 7 to 11 
time period, where the LST in the middle of the night will be about 19.5 hours.
Submit the program through the Phase I tool interface by June 7, 2005, for 
consideration. Before submitting, select the button labeled "Demo Science 
or SV" in the PIT and enter the time requested; do not submit TEXES 
Demonstration Science proposals to any other Gemini partner.

Scientific justifications should be brief and clearly state which modes are
being tested. Technical justifications should be complete enough that
feasibility can be assessed easily.

PIs seeking Demonstration Science time will be informed of the results 
of the selection process by June 23, 2006, and Phase II files (using the 
Observing Tool) for selected programs will need to be completed by July 6. 
For TEXES the phase II files are abbreviated compared with those for other 
Gemini instruments since only the target and guide star information is 
needed.

Disclaimer: Submitting an Demonstration Science program or even having a 
Demonstration Science program selected as high priority does not guarantee 
that data will be taken. Selection for Demonstration Science will also be 
based on the abilities of the proposers to return feedback within a 
reasonable time.  The proprietary period for Demonstration Science data 
is three months.  As noted above, the data reduction will be done by the 
TEXES team, and the reduced data will be distributed to the PIs for 
science analysis.

Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments - we look
forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Kevin Volk (kvolk en gemini.edu)

Gemini Observatory
TEXES Instrument Scientist