Based on our experience in carrying out configuration changes with
limited access to the Observatory, we plan to schedule three
configuration changes next winter. We therefore ask investigators to
submit proposals for all four of the primary configurations of the six
antenna array. A preliminary configuration schedule for the winter
period is outlined below. Please note that the more compact
configurations (C and D) will be available only at the end of January
at the earliest. The scheduling priority will later be adapted
according to pressure in right ascension ranges and may further be
changed during the winter period depending on weather conditions. The
configuration schedule should be taken as a guideline, in particular
when astronomical targets are requested that cannot be observed during
the entire winter period (45
sun avoidance circle).
| Conf | Scheduling Priority Winter 2004/2005 |
| B | November - December |
| A | December - January |
| C | February - March |
| D | March - April |
When the atmospheric conditions are not good enough at
1.3mm, 3mm projects will be observed: in a typical winter, 20-30% of
the time is found to be poor at 1.3mm, but still excellent at 3mm. We
therefore invite proposers to submit proposals also for observations
at 3mm.