The purpose of this handbook is to answer many of the questions that you might have about your visit to the WIYN Observatory. This handbook is intended as a supplement to the KPNO User Handbook. Please refer to the KPNO User Handbook for details regarding planning your trip to Kitt Peak, directions to the NOAO Tucson office and to Kitt Peak, the mountain environment, and using the NOAO Tucson facilities. If you have suggestions for improvements to the WIYN User Handbook, please contact Heidi Schweiker via email at heidis@noao.edu
Telescope Scheduling
The WIYN member institutions receive shares of observing time based on their respective contributions. The allocation of observing time is currently apportioned as follows:
Observing time is generally allocated in blocks, which allow each institution to receive a fair distribution of time through all moon phases. Currently, the distribution has approximately the following sequence: (the number of nights allocated are shown in parentheses)
NOAO(6)-Wisconsin(4)-Indiana(5)-NOAO(6)-Wisconsin(4)-Yale(5)
On average, two to three nights of Test and Engineering (T&E) time are currently allocated each month, often centered around full moon. The T&E time is allocated based on observing needs of the WIYN engineers and scientists. This time is used for maintenance, upgrades, improvements and instrument evaluation.
The WIYN Observing Program
If you are an observer interested in applying for WIYN Telescope time through NOAO you must submit the standard KPNO Observing Proposal forms. Complete information is available on the NOAO Observing Program Home Page.
The Universities use their time primarily for "classical" observing, but remote observing is also used.
There are a few key requirements for new visiting observers as well as new remote observers. New visiting observers, that do not have PhD status, MUST be accompanied by an experienced on-site observer. The experienced observer may be on any status level. New remote observers MUST have previously observed on-site at WIYN and have used their remote observing instrument on site, no matter what their status level.
If you are a University or NOAO observer and you have been granted time by your institution or NOAO, you must submit an Observing Run Preparation (ORP) form prior to your observing run to make sure that we understand all of the equipment needs for your observing run. The form should be completed at least six weeks prior to your observing run. The completed form will be distributed to the appropriate support personnel. Once the ORP form has been received and processed, you will be given a visitor authorization for your trip to Kitt Peak. Minimum instrument configuration information that needs to be specified on the ORP includes:
WIYN Documentation
The WIYN Telescope Operators Handbook is a comprehensive on-line document that details the operation of all aspects of the telescope control system. In addition, the handbook details the operation of the instrument adapter subsystem, including the guiders, atmospheric dispersion corrector, wavefront reduction optics and the filter-shutter assembly. This handbook is intended to be used by qualified telescope operators only and is therefore not available on the Web. Requests and justification for copies of the Telescope Operators Handbook should be sent to the Kitt Peak Support Office (kpno@noao.edu).
All instrument manuals can be found off of the WIYN web site (http://www.wiyn.org/instruments/instrumentindex.html) including:
Links to additional instrument documentation, last updated in 2004, can be found on the Kitt Peak home page under Telescope and Instrument Documentation at http://www.noao.edu/kpno/docs.html
Operating at WIYN
The dome will be opened 30 minutes before sunset by KPNO Observing Support, and a telescope operator will be available from sunset until sunrise every night on which the telescope is scheduled during both NOAO and University time. Special arrangements can be made for operators to arrive early or stay late to accommodate special observing or calibration needs. In these special cases, KPNO Observing Support can provide daytime assistance for telescope operations, however advance notice is required. If daytime support is anticipated this must be noted on the Observing Run Preparation form.
KPNO Instrument Support will perform all facility instrument configurations for observers prior to their observing run. Instrument "start-up" assistance (tutorial on instrument operation) will also be provided for observers on the first night of their run, if required, by KPNO Instrument Support. Our Observing Support Policies are as follows:
Observers should plan to be on the mountain by 1pm of the first day of their run if they require an instrument start. Arriving at the site any earlier may interfere with observers from the prior run. Observers must be finished using the facilities at WIYN by noon of the day following the last night of their run. This is to assure that the facilities are available for the observers coming in.
Because WIYN is a high-tech telescope, it is one of the main attractions on Kitt Peak for observers at other KPNO facilities. The policy for visits to WIYN by other astronomers is that they are required to arrange visits with the WIYN observers prior to showing up. Although we don't want to discourage visitors to WIYN, the WIYN observers should not feel any obligation to allow disruptions to their work by unscheduled visits. Public tours of WIYN are not currently supported.
Telescope operators will be responsible for safety of personnel and equipment. Operators will have sole responsibility to determine when it is safe to open the dome and to operate the equipment. Standards for opening and closing the facility (wind, humidity, dust, threatening clouds, etc.) will be set by NOAO and will conform to those of other NOAO facilities on Kitt Peak. Operators will be responsible for basic telescope operation: target acquisition, finding and acquiring guide stars, tracking, maintaining the active optics, etc. to assist the observer(s) with their program. Operators will, if requested, advise observers on general telescope, instrument, software, and data acquisition and reduction practices. In certain circumstances, the operator will work directly with the observer in data acquisition and reduction.
The first level of response to problems, which arise during the night, is an assessment by the telescope operator. He or she will determine the extent of the problem, fix it if possible, and/or advise the observer of possible work-arounds. If the problem cannot be overcome by the operator and if it affects observing efficiency, the operator will call for assistance from the observing technicians, Site Engineer, Telescope Scientist, Mountain Engineering or Tucson Engineering, as appropriate. In cases where observing can continue at a reduced level of efficiency and without danger to the equipment, the decision to continue or to carry out the repair will be made by the observer.
When you are on the mountain, an Observing Support staff member will give you a safety tour of the telescope facility pointing out emergency exits, locations of fire extinguishers and light switches, and precautions for your own personal protection. At the same time, emergency procedures, safety guidelines, and use of the phone system and radios will be reviewed. Any safety concerns that you may have during your visit should be reported to the telescope operator and submitted to the WIYN Observing Support Coordinator. Further information is contained in the KPNO Emergency Procedures manual and in the WIYN Safety Policy, both of which are located in the observing room of the telescope or available upon request to the Kitt Peak Support Office (kpno@noao.edu).
Instrumentation at WIYN
The WIYN Telescope is configured for four instrument ports. The primary instrument ports are at the Nasmyth foci with the Hydra multi-object spectrograph permanently mounted on one port and the Instrument Adapter on the other. A modified cassegrain port (classical Cassegrain with re-imaging optics) is also available for instrumentation (see the CassIAS User's Manual for more information) but currently does not support instrumentation. The folded cassegrain port has not been developed.
The Instrument Adapter Subsystem (IAS) is the general Scientific Instrument (SI) interface and guider for the WIYN telescope. It consists of a main housing, which resides on one of the Nasmyth Instrument Rotators (the WIYN NIR), plus several power supplies, CPU's, an image processor and other support electronics distributed on the WIYN telescope and in the observatory building. The box contains 20 remotely controllable mechanisms that perform the following functions:
Details about instrument mounting, cable routing, and electronics installation can be obtained by contacting the WIYN Site Engineer. A document describing these details is planned for future development.
Hydra is a multi-object spectrometer that utilizes fiber optics placed in the focal plane to simultaneously transmit the light from numerous objects to a bench mounted spectrograph that records the spectrum of each object onto a CCD detector.
Hydra Positioner Characteristics:
Bench Spectrograph Characteristics:
Detailed information about using the Hydra instrument and specific capabilities of the instrument can be found in the Hydra Users Manual.
SparsePak is a sparsely packed fiber optics bundle with nearly-integral core that has a special fiber geometry designed to optimize performance for the specific scientific goal of studying the spatial distribution of the internal motions of gas and stars in nearby galaxies, but is also useful in general for the study of galactic and extra-galactic nebulae. SparsePak is mounted on the Indiana echelle spectrograph adapter head (WIFOE) which provides a pellical for viewing the fiber array. The fiber cable feeds the same Bench Spectrograph that is used with the Hydra multi-object spectrograph and can be used in any of the spectrograph configurations. SparsePak has the following characteristics:
Detailed information about SparsePak can be found in the SparsePak Manual
The WIYN Mini-Mosaic Imager consists of two SITe 4096x2048 chips separated by a tiny gap mounted in a dewar. The CCDs have excellent cosmetics, high quantum efficiency, and allow good sampling (0.14"/pixel) and a large field of view (9.6x9.6 arcmin). Each of the two CCDs is read out through 2 amplifiers, resulting in a modestly short readout time for the 4096x4096 equivalent array.
Detailed information about MiniMo can be found in the Mini-Mosaic Imager Manual.
The Orthogonal Parallel Transfer Imaging Camera consists of 2 Lincoln Lab CCID28 2K x 4K chips mounted side by side in a dewar, so the imager is roughly 4K x 4K altogether. OPTIC has the following characteristics:
For detailed information about OPTIC see the OPTIC at WIYN Manual.
WHIRC is a 2K x 2K near-infrared imager (~1 - 2.5 microns) used with the WIYN Tip-Tilt Module (WTTM). WHIRC + WTTM will provide a powerful combination of high spatial resolution in K, with expected typical images of ~0.25", and best ~0.15", high sensitivity, and a moderately wide FOV (3.3'x3.4'; area on sky/area per pixel = 4 x 106). It is a general purpose instrument for a wide range of science, offering the standard broadband filters (JHK), as well as a number of narrowband filters.WHIRC has the following characteristics:
For detailed information about WHIRC see the WHIRC Information Page.
Four-inch filters are required to provide an unvignetted field for MiniMo and OPTIC. WHIRC has its own set of permenant filters. (Please see the WHIRC Information Page for a WHIRC filter list). WIYN has a set of 4" filters that includes UBVRI, a Gunn set, a comet set, and various other filters. Filter characteristics can be found in the WIYN filter Index. In addition to the WIYN filter selection, you can request the use of KPNO filters in advance of your observing run. The details about the KPNO filters can be found in the KPNO filter index. Please specify special filter requests in your Observing Run Preparation form and send to kpno@noao.edu.
University instruments can be mounted on either the Naysmith port with the IAS or the Cass port of the telescope. Details for mounting instruments (i.e. bolt pattern, space limitations, etc.) can be obtained by contacting the WIYN Site Engineer (see contact information at the bottom of this document). A document describing these details is planned for future development. If you are planning to use a university instrument at WIYN, please include details in your Observing Run Preparation form. If it is a first-time installation for an instrument you must submit the Instrument Request form contained in the WIYN New Instrumentation Policy (WODC 00-04). If you require resources and service beyond what is provided for normal operations you must submit a proposal per the WIYN Resource Allocation Policy (WODC 00-03). Contact the Kitt Peak Support office (kpno@noao.edu) for copies of the policies.
Universities will be responsible for installation and removal of their instruments at WIYN unless prior arrangements are made. Universities will be required to support their own instruments. Basic test equipment is available on-site or through Mountain Electronics. A limited stock of basic electronic components is also available on the mountain. On-site storage at WIYN is limited. Therefore, it is recommended that equipment not be left at the site after your observing run, unless it is used on a frequent basis. If you are planning to leave equipment at the site, please make prior arrangements to do so.
Accommodations on the Mountain
The WIYN house is a one story detached house located on Kitt Peak. The house is leased by WIYN from NOAO and is used exclusively for visiting WIYN University partners. Observers visiting WIYN in the NOAO classic observing mode must use KPNO dorms. The house has two-bedrooms with sleeping provisions for four people, a fully applianced kitchen, a living room area, and laundry facilities. Visitors using the WIYN house will be expected to clean-up after themselves. A map of Kitt Peak with the WIYN domes and houses as well as KPNO dorms can be found here.
University astronomers will have the option of using KPNO dorms and meal service. Details about the rates can be found in the KPNO User Handbook. Unless you are exempted by policy, charges for dorm rooms and/or meals are due and payable no later than 15:00 on the day of your departure. If you are departing the mountain on a weekend or holiday, all payments are due on Friday afternoon by 15:00. All charges can be paid by check, cash, MasterCard, or Visa at the mountain receptionist or the cashier downtown in Accounting. For current pricing contact the Kitt Peak Support Office (kpno@noao.edu).
The office adjacent to the control room at WIYN will be restricted to use by the current observers. The office contains a desk, a Windows workstation, a copier, a bookcase, and basic office supplies. The Kitt Peak Library and Reading Room will be available to WIYN observers at the same level provided to visiting observers at NOAO facilities.
A PostScript laser printer is available at the WIYN site along with a low volume copier. If you anticipate the need for high volume copying, please see the mountain receptionist to obtain an account number for using the copier located in the Administration building.
The telephones located on the WIYN site have outside lines available. Long distance calls can be made from these phones. If you make long-distance calls, it is preferred that you use a calling card or reverse the charges. However, charges can be billed back to the respective institutions or added to your bill if necessary. Please let the mountain receptionist know the date you placed the call and the number called for billing purposes. Cell phone use is not allowed on the mountain!!
The telephone at the WIYN house is for local-call use only. Long distance calls can only be made from this phone using a credit card or with Kitt Peak Operator assistance.
The control room at WIYN is equipped with a good quality stereo system. The system contains an AM/FM receiver and a 5 disk multi-CD player. The system also has the capability of plugging into an MP3 Player or laptop computer. Bring your favorite CD's, MP3 Player or laptop filled with music along with you, choose a local radio station, or just enjoy the peace of the quiet control room.
WIYN does not have a vehicle available to visiting university astronomers. However, WIYN observers will be allowed to use NOAO shuttle vehicles for commuting between NOAO Headquarters in Tucson to Kitt Peak as long as they have a current GSA license. Refer to the KPNO User Handbook for the shuttle schedule. Using a rental car as transportation on the mountain top is allowed, however, you must note so in your ORP. Contact the Kitt Peak Support Office (kpno@noao.edu) for further information.
Mountain Resources
There are a variety of workstations at WIYN available to visiting astronomers. These workstations are dedicated to the control of the facility instrumentation and reduction of data. These computers will be restricted to current observers. Following is a listing of the currently available on-site computers:
All computers listed, with the exception of Ivory, have accounts for use by visiting astronomers. Passwords are provided upon arrival at the site. Observers should be sure to have all data copied to tape or backed-up by noon of the day following their last night. After that time, the computers will be initialized (obsinit) for the next observers coming in and all data will be erased. Observers should not use on-site computing facilities remotely unless they are involved in a current program and have the permission of the on-site observers. There are no additional facilities on Kitt Peak where WIYN visitors will have access to computers. However, reasonable use of the data reduction facilities and the general use of the building facilities at NOAO headquarters (Tucson) will be provided on the same basis as NOAO visitors. For more information see the KPNO User Handbook.
There are several resources for backing up your data. Dat and Exabyte drives as well as CD and DVD writers are available for backing up data. Media is available for purchase from the Mountain Receptionist. For current pricing contact the Kitt Peak Support Office (kpno@noao.edu).
Basic astronomical reference materials are located in the control room at WIYN. Additional reference materials are located in the Kitt Peak library and Reading Room. Information about availability of reference materials can be obtained by contacting the Kitt Peak Support Office (kpno@noao.edu).
Tucson Resources
Visitor space is available in the NOAO Headquarters for WIYN University visitors. In addition, data reduction facilities will be made available to WIYN visitors upon request. Details about visiting NOAO Headquarters and using the data reduction facilities can be found in the KPNO User Handbook.
Contacts Listing
WIYN Director
Pierre Martin
Ph: 520-318-8484
Email: pmartin@wiyn.org
WIYN Telescope Scientist
Steve Howell (NOAO)
Ph: (520) 318-8491
Email: showell@noao.edu
WIYN Site Engineer
Charles Corson
Ph: (520) 318-8570 or (520) 318-8760
Email: ccorson@noao.edu
Hydra Scientist
Di Harmer
Ph: (520) 318-8218
Email: dharmer@noao.edu
MiniMo & OPTIC Scientist
Steve Howell
Ph: (520) 318-8491
Email: showell@noao.edu
Instrument Support Personnel:
Di Harmer 520-318-8218 (dharmer@noao.edu)
Daryl Willmarth 520-318-8333 (willmart@noao.edu)
Bill Binkert 520-318-8607 (bbinkert@noao.edu)
WIYN Operations Manager
Heidi Schweiker
Ph: (520) 318-8140
Email: heidis@wiyn.org
Observing Technicians:
Doug Williams 520-318-8760 (dougw@noao.edu)
George Will 520-318-8760 (georgew@noao.edu)
Karen Butler 520-318-8760 (kbutler@noao.edu)
Dave Summers 520-318-8760 (summers@noao.edu)
Krissy Reetz 520-318-8760 (reetz@noao.edu)
WIYN Observatory * 950 N. Cherry Ave * PO Box 26732 * Tucson, AZ 85726 * Phone:(520) 318-8135 * Fax:(520)318-8487
