Subject: One Observing Algorithm or Many?

From: Robert Nemiroff

Submitted: Tue, 22 Apr 2003 15:28:49 -0400

Message number: 111 (previous: 110, next: 112 up: Index)

One Observing Algorithm or Many?

I think it would be a good idea to decide early if LSST is to 
follow one simple single observing algorithm (always) or break
up into multiple science-specific observing algorithms.  The
choice would create a real difference in everything from planned
science return to the creation of real-time image crunching 
algorithms.

The later would, in my opinion, create more LSST science but
pit LSST science groups against each other for the cadence/
filter equivalent of observing time.  This, in turn, might cause
the creation of a "time allocation committee", and so may even
affect the internal organization of LSST.  Still, I think this issue
is better settled sooner than later.

Since an observing algorithm that maximizes one science goal
would not affect all other science goals equally, perhaps a time
allocation committee could decide first on primary and secondary
science goals during some periods of time, and only then could
a cadence/filter observing algorithm be created for that time 
period.  

Other factors that don't directly depend on the nightly details
of the cadence (such as weak lensing) can be built in, such as 
the need to observe each piece of the entire  visible sky to a
given magnitude limit over the course of a year.

I see from some recent LSST-list postings that people are 
beginning to make assumptions about cadence, but so far,
as Michael Strauss indicates to me, no global policy has 
really been set.   

- Robert Nemiroff

PS: Another email will follow soon on "static" vs. "dynamic" 
observing algorithms.



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