User contributions

The new rules for the allocation of observing time were implemented effective with the start of period 51, i.e., with the last call for proposals with deadline on November 17, 2014. Following the rules, invoices were prepared and sent for programs requesting ToO and monitoring observations, or observations in queue or service mode, or educational use of the telescope. The total amount invoiced slightly exceeds half the amount budgeted for in this year, were the various ToO programs will have to make a further contribution if they use more than half the time they requested. It seems very likely that the total contribution in this year will reach the amount budgeted for.

For multi-object spectroscopy (MOS) with ALFOSC we now use the TNG services to manufacture the masks. The price to make masks has been agreed with the TNG, where the user is expected to reimbursed these costs to NOT. Detailed information in the price is provided on our web.

It is noted that also a fast-track proposal was received from a PI in the US, who indicated he was aware of, and accepted the rules. The observations were recently completed, and an invoice has been sent.