With some weather related interuptions, the 3.5m has now been on the sky for two nights of engineering/re-commissioning observations. At *least* two more nights of pointing model generation, alignments, instrument block determinations etc. are required before we can again commence science operations. At this writing (12/15), it appears marginally possible to accomplish all these tasks during the next two nights and begin science ops on Friday night, 17 December, as per the plan announced on 1 December (apo35-general message #397). However and probably more likely, if there are any glitches or if any time is lost to weather (forecast is "partly cloudy"), a slight delay beyond the beginning of the night on the 17th will be required. Unless unexpected and serious problems are encountered, science operations should resume during the coming weekend in any case. Thus, the PIs and observers scheduled for 17-19 December inclusive (copied directly on this message) should be prepared to carry out their observations and should closely monitor the situation to determine exactly when/whether they will be able to use the telescope. The assistance of Users Cmte members and institutional schedulers is requested in making sure that all directly affected users are notified of this situation. There will be one operational limitation imposed on early operation of the telescope following this shutdown. Namely, if the secondary or tertiary runs away, becomes lost or otherwise needs to be re-homed and there are not two people available (usually the case in the second half of the night) to carry out this procedure, operations will be suspended for the remainder of the night, and recovery will be carried out the next day. It is expected that this will be a temporary restriction. Finally, let me again note that many long hours and enormous hard work have been required to get the telescope back on the sky and that we all owe thanks to those who have "gone the extra mile" to accomplish this goal. Ed Turner APO APO APO APO APO Apache Point Observatory 3.5m APO APO APO APO APO This is message 400 in the apo35-general archive. You can find APO the archive on http://www.astro.princeton.edu/APO/apo35-general/INDEX.html APO To join/leave the list, send mail to apo35-request@astro.princeton.edu APO To post a message, mail it to apo35-general@astro.princeton.edu APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO APO