Observing proposals on the Web at the National Optical Astronomy Observatories

Catherine A. Pilachowski; Jeannette Barnes; David J. Bell

doi:10.1117/12.316513

3 July 1998 Observing proposals on the Web at the National Optical Astronomy Observatories

Catherine A. Pilachowski, Jeannette Barnes, David J. Bell

Proceedings Volume 3349, Observatory Operations to Optimize Scientific Return; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.316513
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 1998, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

Proposals for telescope time at facilities available through the National Optical Astronomy Observatories can now be prepared and submitted via the WWW. Investigators submit proposal information through a series of HTML forms to the NOAO server, where the information is processed by Perl CGI scripts. PostScript figures and ASCII files may be attached by investigators for inclusion in their proposals using their browser's upload feature. Proposal information is saved on the server so that investigators can return in later sessions to continue work on a proposal and so that collaborators can participate in writing the proposal if they have access to the proposal account name and password. The system provides on-line verification of LATEX syntax and a spellchecker, and confirms that all sections of the proposal are filled out. Users can request a LATEX or PostScript copy of their proposal by e-mail, or view the proposal on line. The advantages of the Web-based process for our users are convenience, access to on-line documentation, and the simple interface which avoids direct confrontation with LATEX. From the NOAO point of view, the advantage is the use of standardized formats and syntax, particularly as we begin to receive proposals for the Gemini telescopes and some independent observatories.

Citation Download Citation

Catherine A. Pilachowski, Jeannette Barnes, and David J. Bell "Observing proposals on the Web at the National Optical Astronomy Observatories", Proc. SPIE 3349, Observatory Operations to Optimize Scientific Return, (3 July 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.316513

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available