The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory is expecting to support its first routine observing runs for partner astronomers by early 2007. When fully operational, the variety of observing modes will require a combination of skilled staff and prepared observers for full scientific productivity. The pair of 8.4-meter primaries can be operated as parallel channels to feed permanently mounted, paired wide-field direct imaging cameras, and optical and near-IR spectrographs. The two pairs of spectrographs support custom-drilled multi-object masks, with particular care required for the vacuum exchange in the near-IR system. Instruments with initially restricted user groups include a high-dispersion, stable fiber-fed echelle spectrograph and two beam-combining interferometers. The near-IR spectrograph and beam-combining instruments will depend on routine and reliable high performance from the adaptive optics system, based on the two 0.9-m adaptive secondary mirrors. We present preliminary plans for specialist staffing and scheduling modes for support of the science and deployment of instrumental modes by the partners.
展开▼
