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   #####    ASTRO-F Newsletter:                            #####
   #####           Special Edition for Open Time Proposals #####
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                                                   November 9, 2005

Dear ASTRO-F Open Time Observers,

This is a special edition of the ASTRO-F Newsletter for Open Time
Observers to inform you of the most up-to-date status of our user
support.

1. Deadline is just 9 days away!!!
------------------------------------

The Deadline of the Open Time Proposals is
      November 18, 2005 (Fri) 9:00 (UT)
      (18:00 of the same day in Japan and Korea)

There is a risk that too many simultaneous connections to the
submission system just before the deadline will slow down the
server or cause unexpected trouble. Please submit your proposal
as early as possible!!!


2. Observer's Manual ver. 3.1
-----------------------------

The ASTRO-F Observer's Manual has been updated on Nov. 9th to
version 3.1. There are a few things that are relevant for Open
Time observation planning.

*  The Visibility Map (Figure 3.4.3) has been replaced with
   a new version that is consistent with the updated Open Time
   visibility Tool (see below).

*  The saturation limits for FTS (FIS03) mode (Table 4.4.16)
   have been updated. The level for SW channel becomes higher
   (wider dynamic range).

*  The Worked examples (Appendix B) have been updated to be
   consistent with the latest versions of tools.

In addition numerous typos have been corrected.


3. Tools Updates
----------------

*  Visibility Tool
   We are sorry to report that there were a few bugs in the
   Open Time Visibility tool and the results were not correct.
   The system has been updated Nov. 7th. Please run the tool again.

*  Instrument Performance Tool
   The Tool has been updated according to the revision of FIS03
   saturation level.

*  Duplication Check Tool
   The tool had a problem to save the result into a file.
   The problem has been solved.

*  iris_sky version 1.5
   This minor update enables more stable image display in logarithmic
   scale when data contains negative value. It also now allows to
   specify only valid combinations of grism/prism and slit positions
   in AOT IRC04 (Spectroscopic mode).


4. Other issues relevant for Japanese / Korean observers
--------------------------------------------------------

*  "Guide to submit proposals" page has been opened.
   http://www.ir.isas.jaxa.jp/ASTRO-F/Observation/howtosub/

*  There is some confusion about the number of pages for the
   proposal main text. Here is the conclusion.

   -  Scientific Justification : up to 3 pages
   -  Technical Feasibility :    up to 1 page
   -  Figure and Tables:         up to 2 pages

   In addition it is strongly encouraged for Japanese observers to
   attach a direct translation of the Scientific Justification and
   Technical Feasibility within the same page limits. So, in total
   the proposal will be 10 pages at the most.

*  FAQ page is open.
   http://www.ir.isas.jaxa.jp/ASTRO-F/Observation/faq/

   At the moment the page is only in Japanese. English translation
   is being prepared.


5. ESAC Helpdesk contact address changed
----------------------------------------

Please send you query via the Web interface rather than e-mail:
   http://astro-f.esac.esa.int/esupport/

***
We are looking forward to see your nice proposals!
ASTRO-F User Support team

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#### ASTRO-F Newsletter Special Edition for Open Time (November 2005)
####  by ASTRO-F User Support Team in ISAS and ESAC
####
#### [Japan/Korea]  http://www.ir.isas.jaxa.jp/ASTRO-F/Observation/
#### [Europe]       http://astro-f.esac.esa.int/
####
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