2023A Call for Proposals
Overview
The MWA Semester 2023A Call for Proposals (CFP-2023-A) is now open, for observations during the period April 1, 2023 to August 15, 2023 (subject to availability of the array).
2023A Details
This Call is for the allocation of telescope observing time in the Guaranteed Time and Open Access categories. The array will be in the compact configuration throughout 2023. The Data Lifecycle Policy will come into effect, and PIs are encouraged to make use of pre-correlation fringe stopping.
- Open Access category: Non-MWA members can apply for time on the MWA telescope under the Open Access category. To read the MWA’s Time Allocation Policy and find more information on the categories, click here.
- Compact configuration: This subset of the array includes 72 tiles arranged in two regular hexagonal configurations near the existing MWA core for improved EoR capabilities. More details of the MWA Phase II upgraded array can be found in Wayth et al. (2018) The surveyed coordinates of the different array configurations can be found here (note the multiple pages within the spreadsheet): MWA Tile Coordinates.xlsx
- Data Lifecycle Policy: The MWA’s capacity to observe is more greatly limited by the volume of data products, than available time on sky. As a result, there are no particular restrictions on the number of available semester hours for 2023A, and scheduling priority will be given to the proposals ranked highest by the Time Allocation Committee. Following all proposal submissions for this Call, the MWA Operations Team will calculate the expected amount of data that will be ingested to the MWA data archive in 2023A. If there is inadequate storage space in the archive to support the requested observations, the MWA Operations Team will work with the MWA Principal Scientist to identify observations for deletion and begin a consultation process with the Collaboration. For more information on the MWA Data Retention Policy and Procedure, click here.
- Fringe stopping: A newly-implemented process of keeping the correlation pointing centre at a fixed RA/Dec, allowing the use of longer correlator integration times and lower frequency resolutions (depending on the science case), significantly reducing the volume of visibilities produced. Click through to read more details on fringe stopping, the correlator modes, and other relevant technical information.
For more information, please email info@mwatelescope.org. The MWA Scheduler has compiled a guide for writing observing proposals, accessible by clicking here.
Submission
The deadline for submission of proposals is 27 February 2023. Proposals can be brief, and we encourage the use of this template.
Proposals should be submitted to the MWA Principal Scientist, Dr Chris Riseley, at scientist@mwatelescope.org
