Lessons learned from three years of queue-based flexible observing on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope

摘要

Ground-based submillimetre astronomy is beset by high extinction caused by water vapour. To ensure maximum scientific return and efficiency of operation it is critical to ensure that the scientific requirements are matched to the prevailing atmospheric conditions. This means that flexible observing is a requirement. The James Clerk Maxwell telescope (JCMT) has been undertaking scientifically prioritised, queue-based flexible observing for the past four years and this paper describes the experience and lists the lessons learned. It is absolutely clear that the JCMT and its user community has benefited enormously from the experience. The recent introduction of the Observing Management Project (OMP) will bring fully automated software solutions to bear that will ensure maximum efficiency is brought to the process for both the facility and the users.