The ASKAP Early Science Program Updated Plan v1.1 – for community discussion Dr. Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith | ASKAP Project ScienEst October 2015 ASTRONOMY & SPACE SCIENCE This workshop is an opportunity to
discuss and provide feedback on the
ASKAP Early Science Program plan
v1.1, released September 2015..
…and to present early science plans.
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder | Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith What is ASKAP Early Science? •  ASKAP Early Science is an observing program aimed at
producing scientifically useful data.
•  It will begin when ASKAP-12 has been commissioned and
scientifically verified.
•  Early science observations happens in parallel with the
deployment of phased array feeds on further ASKAP
antennas.
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder | Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith Early Science PrioriEes •  Demonstrate the unique capabilities of ASKAP
•  Provide data sets to the astronomy community to facilitate the
development of analysis and interpretation techniques
•  Provide a mechanism for feedback to CASS on the performance and
characteristics of the system and opportunities for improvement
•  Achieve high scientific impact
Although early science is a high priority, the installation of the remaining
phased array feeds and commissioning of ASKAP will remain the
overarching goal.
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder | Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith The Early Science Program •  A wide area continuum survey
(1 MHz and 18.5 kHz resolution, full Stokes, 700-1800 MHz, 6-12 hours per field)
•  A few 30 square degree fields studied in neutral hydrogen
(18.5 kHz resolution, 1150-1450 MHz, 120 hours integration time per field (TBC).
•  A single deep HI field
(18.5 kHz resolution, 1000-1300 MHz)
•  A science program at high spectral resolution (details TBC – see GASKAP talk)
Other ideas requiring very small observing times (e.g. MWA EoR field) may be
observed on an “opportunistic” basis as part of commissioning.
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder | Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith EsEmated Eme available for early science Program duration: 12-14 months ≈ 9400 hours
Fraction for early science 25% ≈ 2300 hours
Minus ~20% overheads (beamforming, calibration etc.)
Total available on sky ≈ 1800 hours*
*These are estimated figures and may change
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder | Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith How we might divide the available Eme For discussion:
• 
• 
• 
• 
Continuum ~800 hours
HI fields ~800 hours
Deep HI field ~100 hours
High spectral resolution ~100 hours
Noting that:
Large continuum and HI surveys are a priority for ASKAP and these surveys will serve
several scientific purposes
Advanced observing modes (zoom & fast transient) may follow a different timeline
In some cases commissioning data may also provide scientific benefit
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder | Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith Pilot ObservaEons Pilot observations will enable CASS and science teams to test and verify end-to-end
performance before embarking on large observing programs.
1)  Pilot observations with ASKAP-6
To verify the ASKAP data pipeline and provide test data for science teams to develop
post-processing techniques
2) Pilot observations with ASKAP-12
An initial observation in each early science observing mode with ASKAP-12 to verify
the pipelines using this array
The satisfactory completion of (2) will be the trigger to begin the early science
observing program.
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder | Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith What Next? •  Lisa is preparing a proposal for the Magnus supercomputer at the Pawsey Centre to
facilitate ASKAP early science post-processing (deadline 16th October)
•  This workshop: discuss the ASKAP early science program v1.1, including estimated
observing times, pilot program and role of science teams
•  Monthly ASKAP early science forum meetings: detailed planning for pilot
observations
•  Science team splinter meetings: discuss science goals, target fields, writing and
testing post-processing pipelines, communicate with project scientist (invite me).
•  Commissioning/integration/software development – lots of work to do – see Adam/
Ian/Matt’s talks.
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder | Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith Thank you CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science Dr. Lisa Harvey-­‐Smith Research Astronomer | ASKAP Project ScienGst e lisa.harvey-­‐[email protected] w www.atnf.csiro.au w www.lisaharveysmith.com CSIRO ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCE