ALMA North American Science Advisory Committee

ALMA ALMA North American Science Advisory Committee F2F 2010

Seven at the AOS

Seven ALMA antennas in operation at the AOS, seen in this photo of unknown provenance 2010 August 10.

Contents

Duration

Location

NRAO - Stone Hall Building, 520 Edgemont Road, Room 230, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

Contact

  • People dialing in can use either of Room 230 Hub numbers: 434-972-7268 or 877-803-9367.
  • Video Hub: CV-ER230 192.33.117.16
  • Leader: Al Wootten; Carol Lonsdale
For additional information contact: Jennifer Neighbours

Agenda

  1. ANASAC_charges_cjl_Sept03.pdf: ANASAC Charges and Agenda September 2010
  2. Items pertaining to ANASAC Charges are in Blue; items pertaining to ASAC charges in Green; items of relevance to both are in Black.

Monday

08.30 – 09.00 Light breakfast buffet

09.00 – 09.30 Welcome & charges; time allocation process – Fred Lo

  • RELEVANT CHARGES:
    • ASAC Charge 3: The document Principles of ALMA Proposal Review Process has been approved by the Board. ASAC should review progress on the implementation of these principles and provide comments to the Board.
    • ANASAC Charge 4. “ALMA Users Grant Program”: As the NSF will likely only support ALMA research under its PI grants program, what further recommendations can be made to suggest to improve the efficiency and effectiveness (e.g. minimizing double jeopardy hazards of independent reviews of ALMA observing time and NSF funding proposals) of the NSF PI grants program to support ALMA preparatory research currently (see recent NSF announcement on pre-ALMA research proposals) and research activities during ALMA full science operations?
  • REQUIRED READING:

09.30 – 10.30 ALMA Construction Status – Mark McKinnon

  • RELEVANT CHARGES:
    • ASAC Activity 6: ASAC will continue to look for ways in which ALMA construction and operations might be more environmentally friendly, especially in terms of energy use (without compromising science). (Issues of energy use are discussed in the Marshall et al. Decadal Survey white paper.)

10.30 – 10.45 Break

10.45 - 11.45 CSV talk: ALMA CSV status and array readiness for ES – Al Wootten

  • RELEVANT CHARGES:
    • ASAC Charge 1. The principal item for this meeting is the readiness of the Project to start Early Science and the content and timing of the Call for Proposals. Key issues include:
      • the status and reliability of the infrastructure, hardware and software (including both the real-time aspects and the suite of software for supporting observations) and of the calibration systems and methods;
      • the completeness of AIV, CSV and System Verification tasks;
      • and the preparedness of the user support system, as well as the expectations and needs of the user community.
      • The ASAC will have reports from the CSV Status Review and the Science Operations Readiness Review. (Note that these reviews will be happening immediately before the ASAC meeting so final reports will not be available but members of the ASAC will have participated in those reviews and summaries of the conclusions will be presented.) In addition, reports on the status of construction and of the observatory infrastructure will be presented, along with details of current limitations and developments which relate to the question of which capabilities should be offered at which stage. Further considerations are whether or not the burden of supporting Early Science will delay the completion of the full construction program and, conversely, whether exposure, at this stage, to the problems of providing a service to users will help or hinder the project in achieving its final goals. The ASAC should provide commentary on these topics and make recommendations on how to proceed with the Call for Proposals.
  • REQUIRED READING:

11.45 – 13.00 Lunch. 12.45: Meet the NAASC

13.00 - 13.30 Panel open discussion session

13.30 – 14.00 The 5th NAASC Workshop, status and plans - Anthony Remijan

  1. ALMA: Extending the Limits of Astrophysical Spectroscopy in Victoria, British Columbia, 15-17 January 2011
    • Registration is open!
    • ALMA Observing tutorials 18 January 2011 added in response to community interest.
    • Occurring just after the 217th AAS meeting, which includes several sessions of interest.
      • Observing with ALMA - Special Session- 217th AAS Meeting Jan 12, 2011 | 2:00 PM Seattle, WA
      • NRAO Town Hall - 217th AAS Meeting Jan 11, 2011 | 6:30 PM Seattle, WA
      • Early Science with the EVLA - Special Session - 217th AAS Meeting Jan 12, 2011 | 10:00 AM Seattle, WA

14.00 – 15.00 NAASC status, including NSF proposal review & recommendations – Carol Lonsdale

  • RELEVANT CHARGES:
    • ANASAC Charge 1: Please review the key recommendations that were made to the NAASC by the panel which reviewed the FY2012-2016 NA ALMA Operations proposal to the NSF, and provide guidance on behalf of the community on the importance and priority of these recommendations. Specifically:
      • a. What balance should NAASC seek between “managing the expectations of the user community” for Early Science (ES) and raising interest in ALMA amongst non-expert users?
      • b. How should NAASC define the scope of data re-processing capabilities, which the panel has put at a high priority? What services can NAASC cut to accommodate increased data processing services and advanced algorithm development?
    • ASAC Activity 5. Community sounding on expectations for early science, and ALMA information resources for the general community.
  • REQUIRED READING:

15.00 – 15.15 Break

15.15 – 16.15 ALMA Science Operations: User-facing Aspects – John Hibbard

  • RELEVANT CHARGES:
    • ANASAC Charge 2. Continue to monitor the readiness of the ALMA software systems and the NAASC user support services. ANASAC should examine the capabilities of the latest release of CASA and the Observing Tool, and the NAASC web-based outreach/education services, and comment on their readiness for the start of Early Science.
    • ASAC Charge 2. Issuing the Call for Suggestions for Science Verifications targets has been postponed several times. It is now proposed to do this as soon as possible after the reviews and the ASAC meeting, in order to take advantage of the improved perspective that will have been gained. The ASAC should advise on the content of that call.
  • REQUIRED READING:

16.15 – 17.00 Questions; discussion

18.30 Dinner at local restaurant

Tuesday

09.00 – 10.00 ALMA Development – Al Wootten

  • RELEVANT CHARGES:
    • ANASAC Charge 4. Comment on the process and status on the definition of the ALMA Development activities within the NA community (US, Canada and Taiwan) and on how to promote a strong NA development program within the international context.
    • ASAC Charge 4. Although the immediate question of readiness for Early Science will be dominant at this meeting, the ASAC should nonetheless also pay attention to the broader picture of the progress of the Project towards Full Operation and for its further development, and bring any concerns to the notice of the Board, particularly in the areas of scientific commissioning, software development and implementation and user support.
  • REQUIRED READING:

10.00 – 10.30 Discussion of Decadal Panel results – Neal Evans

11.00 – 11.15 Break

11.15 – 12.15 NAASC data processing capabilities and re-processing scope – Mark Lacy

  • RELEVANT CHARGES:
    • ANASAC Charge 1b and 2, above.
    • ASAC Charge 4. Although the immediate question of readiness for Early Science will be dominant at this meeting, the ASAC should nonetheless also pay attention to the broader picture of the progress of the Project towards Full Operation and for its further development, and bring any concerns to the notice of the Board, particularly in the areas of scientific commissioning, software development and implementation and user support.
  • REQUIRED READING: * rawlings_2010.pdf: SPIE Paper: ALMA Science Operations and User Support (Software): Rawlings, Nyman, Vila-Vilar; NAASC Computing plan

12.15 – 13.30 Lunch

13.30 – 17.00 ANASAC executive session / question session; preliminary report

Attendees

ANASAC Members

  • Andrew Baker
  • Andrew Blain
  • Alberto Bolatto
  • John Carpenter
  • Richard Crutcher
  • Neal Evans
  • Mike Fall
  • Alyssa Goodman
  • Tim Heckman
  • Shardha Jogee (Video)
  • Kelsey Johnson
  • Doug Johnstone
  • Leslie Looney
  • Mike Mumma (Video)
  • David Neufeld
  • Rachel Osten
  • Deborah Padgett
  • J. Xavier Prochaska (Video)
  • Hsien Shang (Video)
  • Gordon Stacey
  • Alycia Weinberger
  • Johnathon Williams
  • David Wilner

NRAO

  • Darrell Emerson
  • John Hibbard
  • Phil Jewell
  • Mark Lacy
  • Fred Lo
  • Carol Lonsdale
  • Mark McKinnon
  • Kartik Sheth
  • Al Wootten

NSF

  • Rich Barvainis
  • Phil Puxley

Topics

  1. Old Business The enhanced Agenda from last meeting is available. minutes from the 27Aug2010 telecon are not yet available.

-- AlWootten - 2010-08-27

  • rawlings_2010.pdf: SPIE Paper: ALMA Science Operations and User Support (Software): Rawlings, Nyman, Vila-Vilaro

  • 7733-38_SPIE_ALMA.pdf: SPIE Paper: ALMA: Status Report on Construction and Early Results from Commissioning: Hills, Kurz, Peck

Lodging

The majority of you will be staying at the Courtyard Marriott-North. Please check the website for check-in and check-out procedures, directions, etc. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/choch-courtyard-charlottesville-north/

Full breakfast buffet is included with your stay at the Courtyard Marriott-North and is served from 6:30AM-10:00AM. This breakfast buffet includes freshly prepared waffles, made to order omelets, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, etc.

Please refer to the attached rooming list for your check-in and check-out details and please use the corresponding Confirmation # to check-in. If any corrections or adjustments need to be made to these details, please contact Holly Foster immediately.

  • Rooming_List.pdf: Courtyard Marriott - North Rooming List w/Confirmation Numbers

For those staying at the following, please check the website for check-in and check-out procedures, breakfast options, directions, etc.

* Residence Inn http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chori-residence-inn-charlottesville/

  • D Emerson - Conf# 86344548

  • J Williams - Conf# 86344526

* Omni http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Charlottesville.aspx

  • A Goodman - Conf# 15325751189

Ground Transportation

The Courtyard Marriott-North provides shuttle service which is available from 8:00AM-22:00PM daily to and from the airport, if the hotel has been given 24 hour notice. It is best if you call the hotel at least 24 hours in advance if you need a ride from the airport or to the airport.

Several of you will be using rental cars, personal vehicles, and others will take cabs. If you would like to ride share with someone to and from the meeting, please coordinate this option directly with other committee members.

13 September 2010 Menu Plan

  • 8:30-11:30 Signature Sunrise Starters; Coffee; Hot Tea; Water

  • 11:45-13:00 Country Bistro Sandwiches; Side Salad; Chips; Cookies; Assorted Cold Beverages; Coffee

14 September 2010 Menu Plan

  • 8:30-11:30 Brix Cafe Beginnings; Coffee; Hot Tea; Juice; Water

Topic attachments
I Attachment Action Size Date Who Comment
082310_CNsANASAC_Conference_091110.xlsmxlsm 082310_CNsANASAC_Conference_091110.xlsm manage 11 K 2010-09-01 - 15:11 UnknownUser Courtyard Marriott-North Rooming List w/Confirmation Numbers
7733-38_SPIE_ALMA.pdfpdf 7733-38_SPIE_ALMA.pdf manage 1 MB 2010-09-03 - 08:08 AlWootten SPIE Paper: ALMA: Status Report on Construction and Early Results from Commissioning: Hills, Kurz, Peck
AIV_SPIE.pdfpdf AIV_SPIE.pdf manage 447 K 2010-09-10 - 14:18 AlWootten Engineering within the Assembly, Verification and Integration (AIV) Process in ALMA Bernhard Lopez, Joseph P. McMullin, Nicholas D. Whyborn, Eugene Duvall
ALMA_Development_Chapter.pdfpdf ALMA_Development_Chapter.pdf manage 212 K 2010-09-12 - 22:44 AlWootten ALMA Development Chapter, NAASC Proposal to NSF
ANASAC_2010_ml.pptxpptx ANASAC_2010_ml.pptx manage 818 K 2010-09-13 - 11:10 MarkLacy Data processing talk
ANASAC_charges_cjl_Sept03.pdfpdf ANASAC_charges_cjl_Sept03.pdf manage 33 K 2010-09-08 - 16:13 AlWootten ANASAC Charges and Agenda September 2010
ANASACf2f2010_hibbard.pptppt ANASACf2f2010_hibbard.ppt manage 3 MB 2010-09-13 - 02:19 JohnHibbard ANASAC f2f presentation - Hibbard, Science Operations
AWootten_CSV.pdfpdf AWootten_CSV.pdf manage 7 MB 2010-09-12 - 13:15 AlWootten CSV talk
Charges_to_the_ASAC_-_November_2010.pdfpdf Charges_to_the_ASAC_-_November_2010.pdf manage 48 K 2010-09-06 - 21:20 AlWootten ASAC Charges for Report to Nov 2010 ALMA Board meeting revised
McKinnon_12SEP10v1.pdfpdf McKinnon_12SEP10v1.pdf manage 13 MB 2010-09-12 - 22:24 AlWootten ALMA Construction Status
MeetingANASAC.pptppt MeetingANASAC.ppt manage 1 MB 2010-09-12 - 16:00 AnthonyRemijan  
NAASC_Development_ANASAC.pdfpdf NAASC_Development_ANASAC.pdf manage 1001 K 2010-09-12 - 22:58 AlWootten ALMA Development
NAASC_Lonsdale.pptppt NAASC_Lonsdale.ppt manage 5 MB 2010-09-13 - 09:17 CarolLonsdale Lonsdale presentation
NAASC_computing_plan_v3.pdfpdf NAASC_computing_plan_v3.pdf manage 1 MB 2010-09-13 - 09:12 MarkLacy  
NSF_review_charges.pdfpdf NSF_review_charges.pdf manage 84 K 2010-09-12 - 12:41 CarolLonsdale  
Preparing_for_Early_Science.pdfpdf Preparing_for_Early_Science.pdf manage 48 K 2010-09-03 - 07:51 AlWootten Summary of Meetings to be held in preparation for the Early Science period.
Principles_of_ALMA_Proposal_Review_Process.pdfpdf Principles_of_ALMA_Proposal_Review_Process.pdf manage 40 K 2010-09-08 - 12:20 AlWootten Principles of the ALMA Proposal Review Process
Rooming_List.pdfpdf Rooming_List.pdf manage 13 K 2010-09-01 - 15:11 UnknownUser Courtyard Marriott-North Rooming List w/Confirmation Numbers
SPIE_Nyman_ALMA_7737-16.pdfpdf SPIE_Nyman_ALMA_7737-16.pdf manage 149 K 2010-09-03 - 07:54 AlWootten SPIE Paper: ALMA Science Operations, by Nyman, Andreani, Hibbard, Okumura
rawlings_2010.pdfpdf rawlings_2010.pdf manage 1 MB 2010-09-03 - 07:56 AlWootten SPIE Paper: ALMA Science Operations and User Support (Software): Rawlings, Nyman, Vila-Vilaro
Topic revision: r40 - 2011-07-30, JohnHibbard
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