CRIRES User Manual
Doc. Number: ESO-254264
Doc. Version: P109.4
Issued on:
2021-12-01
Page:
58 of 99
Document Classification: ESO Internal Use [Confidential for Non-ESO Staff]
6. PHASE II: Preparing the Observations
The Phase II begins with the ESO web letter release, which defines the end of the telescope
time allocation process. Service and Visitor mode observations with all ESO instruments
are performed by means of Observing Blocks (OBs), which contain all the information
necessary for the observations. This includes the target position, the instrument and
exposure setup parameters, special scheduling requirements, time and weather
constraints, the finding chart, and an ephemeris file for moving targets.
Every OB is made up a unique acquisition template and one or more observing templates,
and optionally calibration templates if night-time calibrations are needed. OBs must be
prepared by using the web-based Phase II interface p2 available at:
http://www.eso.org/p2
A detailed description on the use of p2 is given at:
https://www.eso.org/sci/observing/phase2/p2intro.html
We advise users to
consult the Phase II general guidelines for service and visitor mode
available at:
•
Phase II Preparation: http://www.eso.org/sci/observing/phase2.html
•
CRIRES news:
http://www.eso.org/sci/facilities/paranal/instruments/crires/news.html
•
Service Mode (SM):
http://www.eso.org/sci/observing/phase2/SMGuidelines.html
•
Visitor Mode (VM):
http://www.eso.org/sci/observing/phase2/VMGuidelines.html
and http://www.eso.org/sci/facilities/paranal/instruments/crires/visitor.html
Finally, the preparation of CRIRES OBs (spectroscopic modes) can be easily performed
with the help of the
ObsPrep
, directly within the p2 environment. ObsPrep provides a new
user-friendly GUI that displays the target FoV, enables the selection of suitable VLT-GS,
SVGS and NGS. In addition, it allows user to visualize and define the observing offsets
pattern. All relevant parameters defined within the p2/ObsPrep tab are automatically
propagated within the OBs in the corresponding templates.
CRIRES p2 tutorials have been prepared to guide the user through the preparation of
successful OBs (see
http://www.eso.org/sci/observing/phase2/p2intro/p2-tutorials.html
). In
addition, after logging into p2demo, under the programme ID 60.A-9253(K), users can find
a folder named USD Tutorial containing example of OBs specifically defined for different
science case (i.e., observing strategy). Example OBs are not editable but can be exported
if needed.
6.1 Service mode observations
Service mode (SM) observers must submit their OBs before the Phase 2 deadline
announced in the web-letters.
