The Herschel Science Centre provides the information required for the submission of proposals in the Herschel Space Observatory Web site (http://herschel.esac.esa.int), in collaboration with the ICCs. Astronomers are requested to register to access observatory services, which include the capability to submit proposals, access to the Helpdesk and retrieval of observational data from the Herschel Science Archive.
Proposal entering and submission is done through the HSpot tool (see Section 6.1, “Introduction to HSpot”), the Herschel Observation Planning Software. A scientific proposal contains at least one AOR, or Astronomical Observation Request. Each AOR is based on an AOT, or Astronomical Observation Template, which is a pre-defined observing mode, characterised by an instrument configuration and way of operation that have been optimised for the execution of a particular type of observation (see Chapter 6, Observing with Herschel). An AOR is generated when the proposer provides the parameters required for the selected AOT, and is equivalent to the term "observation" used in this document.
A proposal submitted through HSpot is stored in the Herschel Space Observatory database. The proposer, and co-proposers selected by the principal investigator, are allowed to retrieve, modify and upload their proposal(s) until the closing date of the AO. At that time, the database is closed to HSpot, and the HSC distributes the stored proposals to the HOTAC panels. Proposers can check the status of their proposal(s) in relation to the HOTAC review in the Proposal status Web page (http://herschel.esac.esa.int). During the review process, the HSC provides support to the HOTAC and, on request, assesses the technical feasibility of the observations. In addition, a systematic technical feasibility assessment is carried out on all accepted proposals.
The period of proposal submission before the HOTAC review is called Phase-1. After the HOTAC review results are public, proposal submission Phase-2 starts. In this period, observers are allowed to refine their accepted proposals, modify them following the HOTAC guidelines, and use updated AOTs and the latest available observatory knowledge. Please see the "Herschel Space Observatory Call for Proposals: Policies and Procedures" document for a definition of proposal submission Phase-1 and Phase-2, and for the policies on proposal modifications. The end of proposal submission Phase-2 results in a consolidated database of accepted proposals and its corresponding AORs.