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RXTE
GOF		 RXTE Cycle 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) RXTE
FAQ

Questions

  1. Where is the Cycle 15 announcement ("Dear Colleague" letter)?
  2. Can I propose for proprietary data in Cycle 15?
  3. Can I propose for funds in Cycle 15?
  4. What is the RXTE Cycle 15 "Core Program"?
  5. I have suggestions for changes to a Core Program observation. What should I do?
  6. How do I propose for Cycle 15?
  7. What is the observation period for Cycle 15?
  8. How do I propose a target for observation in Oct.-Dec. 2010 given that Cycle 15 starts Jan. 1, 2011?
  9. How do I fill out the proposal forms for a coordinated observation with times that are not yet determined?

Answers

  1. Where is the Cycle 15 announcement ("Dear Colleague" letter)?

    This link gives the "Dear Colleague" letter released by NASA HQ outlining the procedure for RXTE Cycle 15.

  2. Can I propose for proprietary data in Cycle 15?

    No. All Cycle 15 data, both from the Core Program and proposed through the Open-Time Program, is immediately public. For more information see the RXTE GOF's Cycle 15 Information Web page.

  3. Can I propose for funds in Cycle 15?

    No. Like other recent RXTE Cycles, there are no funds available from the RXTE mission for Guest Observer support in Cycle 15.

  4. What is the RXTE Cycle 15 "Core Program?"

    RXTE Cycle 15 Core Program Web page.

  5. I have suggestions for changes to a Core Program observation. What should I do?

    • If your suggestions are simply mode changes, based on intimate knowledge of the observations in question, please send them to the XTE GOF via our Feedback form

    • If you feel that different targets or a different observing strategy is needed, this constitutes a new proposal. Please follow our directions on the Cycle 15 Information Web page and submit a proposal to the Cycle 15 Open-Time Program.

  6. How do I propose for Cycle 15?

    See our Cycle 15 Information Page.

  7. What is the observation period for Cycle 15?

    For Cycle 15, both Core Program and Open-Time observations will begin on January 1, 2011. Currently, RXTE operations are funded only through February 28, 2011, with an extension to September 30, 2011 contingent on additional funding. While operations through September 30, 2011 are at present uncertain, we are adopting September 30, 2011 as the provisional end of Cycle 15 in the eventuality that operations can continue. However, the RXTE team intends to accept more proposals than can be scheduled in the Jan.-Sep. 2011 time frame; the over-subscription allows for higher observing efficiency when scheduling targets, and provides a good start to a post-Sep. 2011 schedule, should the RXTE mission be extended. Note that this also means that the RXTE team cannot guarantee that all non-TOO targets accepted in the Cycle 15 peer review will be observed. For more details, see our Cycle 15 Information Page

  8. How do I propose a target for observation in Oct.-Dec. 2010, given that Cycle 15 starts Jan. 1, 2011?

    Use the RXTE "Request for Observation" form, to file a non-NRA Target of Opportunity observation. Please follow the instructions on the RXTE Targets of Opportunity Web page.

  9. How do I fill out the proposal forms for a coordinated observation with times that are not yet determined?

    Here's how to fill out the ARK/RPS Target Form for coordinated observations when when you don't yet know the dates of coordination:

    1. For the "Coordinated Observations?" question, select "U" for "unknown". This means the dates of coordination are currently unknown.
    2. For "Special Handling", which is next to "Coordinated Observations?" choose "N".
    3. Make sure the Start Time and Stop Time fields immediately following the above are blank. (If there is anything in them, this will cause conflict with the choice of "U" for unknown.)
    4. In the "Remarks" field directly above this, state how and when coordination will be determined. (E.g., "We are proposing simultaneous observations with RXTE and Chandra. Provided our proposals to both programs are accepted, the coordination times can be determined by the schedulers for both missions.") You should also briefly mention this info in your scientific justification.

If you have a question about RXTE, please send email to one of our help desks.

This page is maintained by the RXTE GOF and was last modified on Wednesday, 24-Aug-2022 11:10:33 EDT.