Community information
Observing opportunities
Herschel is an observatory offering both guaranteed time (GT) and
open time (OT). Approximately one third of the science time is GT, owned mainly by the consortia providing the science instruments to Herschel. The remaining two thirds of the science time is OT
which can be applied for by everyone, including the GT holders. The awarding of Herschel observing time is performed through a standard competitive proposal process initiated through an Announcement of Opportunity (AO).
Announcements of Opportunity
Currently there is no active 'Announcement of Opportunity' (AO). The initial AO for Herschel observing time was issued on 1 February 2007, and concerned 'Key Programme' (KP) proposals only.
The KP time allocation process has been completed for both guaranteed time (GT) and open time (OT) observations. By coincidence there is exactly the same number of KP GT and OT programmes, in both cases 21 programmes have been awarded observing time. The contents of these programmes are described under Key Programmes.
The next Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Herschel OT observations is planned for approximately 6 months after launch when inflight performance is in hand. In the early phases of the mission the best way of operating the scientific payload will be consolidated, the observatory performance will be established, and the observing planning tools and manuals will be updated accordingly before issuing this AO.
Observing planning
For the planning of (potential) Herschel of observations use the various links provided under the heading 'Herschel Observing' on the left, here the most up-to-date manuals and tools are available. The reading of the various 'Observers' manuals' will provide a good picture of the current best understadning of the capabilities and of the science payload and the observatory. The HSpot observing planning tool and its 'Users' Guide' will enable actual observation construction to be performed.
The material presented in the Herschel observation planning workshop held at ESAC on 20-21 September 2007 and the Herschel Open Time Key Program Workshop held in ESTEC, Noordwijk on 20-21 February 2007, can also be helpful but it must be remembered that this material represents that status at the time.
Herschel Science Team
The Herschel Science Team was formed in 1998, its membership comprises people from the instrument consortia, a number of Mission Scientists representing the astronomical community `at large', the Optical System Scientist, the Mission Manager and Project Scientist from ESA. The Herschel Science Team has as its overall objective to safeguard the scientific interests of the Herschel mission by providing advice to the Project Scientist.
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