Wide Field Camera 3 Instrument Handbook for Cycle 19 - Space ...

CHAPTER 4:
Designing a Phase I
WFC3 Proposal
In this chapter . . .
4.1 Phase I and Phase II Proposals / 24
4.2 Preparing a Phase I Proposal / 25
4.1 Phase I and Phase II Proposals
The first steps in preparing an HST program are to establish a set of science goals
and to explore whether HST can be used to achieve those science goals (using the
information provided in the HST Call for Proposals, the HST Primer and the
instrument handbooks). Once an observer has decided that HST can achieve the
science goals, they must prepare a formal proposal.
In this Chapter we give an overview of the steps that are taken in preparing an HST
observing proposal that involves WFC3 observations. “Phase I” refers to the initial
proposal that is reviewed by the Telescope Allocation Committee (TAC). The Phase I
proposal presents the scientific justification for the project, lists the targets to be
observed and the instrument(s) and spectral elements to be used, and includes a
request for a specific number of spacecraft orbits. (See the HST Call for Proposals and
HST Primer for a full discussion of all policy issues and additional guidance.)
The Phase I proposal does not contain many of the details that are actually required
to carry out observations with HST. These are included in a “Phase II” proposal that
will be needed if and after the proposal is recommended by the TAC and approved by
the STScI Director. The Phase II Proposal Instructions are a vital resource at that
time.
The actual submission of proposals in both Phase I and Phase II is accomplished
using the Astronomer’s Proposal Tool (APT); see http://apt.stsci.edu.
This Chapter focuses on the steps for assembling the information needed to prepare
a Phase I WFC3 proposal for submission using APT.
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