Figure 1: Videoconference Hardware in 118 Cahill
Caltech Astronomy remote observing facilities (herein ROF) are maintained in 118 and 144 Cahill for remote observing/participation at Keck Observatory, Palomar Observatory, and other remote sites. The Cahill ROF are equipped with videoconference (Polycom; Figure 1) and computer (Figure 2) facilities to support observations and remote interaction.
Outline
We have an extensive manual for Cahill ROF, available in HTML and PDF. The ROF manual contains descriptions of operations procedures; recipes, and scripts for connecting to remote observatories; and contact lists for questions and support. The ROF manual is also available in hardcopy in the two ROF rooms.
Figure 1:
Videoconference Hardware in 118 Cahill
Reservations for using Cahill ROF are arranged either through your Keck remote observing request (see 4 below), or for other facilities by sending email to mainland_observing@astro.caltech.edu (see 5 below).
The on-line schedules for the Cahill ROF can be viewed at:
ROF1 – 118 Cahill
ROF2 – 144 Cahill
Access to Cahill and the ROF is through Caltech card keys. Many users will already have card-key access to Cahill ROF; if you don't, guest card-key access can be arranged through email to rof@astro.caltech.edu.
Note: Non-Caltech users of Cahill ROF are required to submit a signed Facilities Use Agreement (FUA; PDF) before they can be granted access to card-keys and Cahill ROF. Signed FUAs can be scanned and submitted to rof@astro.caltech.edu, or faxed to Marcia Brown (mjb@astro.caltech.edu) at 626/568-1517.
Cahill ROF user support can be requested at rof@astro.caltech.edu. First-time users are particularly encouraged to review the ROF Manual (HTML, PDF).
Figure 2: Remote NIRC2
VNC Session
If you are planning remote observing at Keck, then please see the WMKO Instructions for Keck Remote Observing. In particular, users wishing to use Cahill ROF for their Keck remote observing/monitoring sessions are requested to copy mainland_observing@astro.caltech.edu in their request to WMKO. Note that WMKO requires as much as four (4) weeks of lead time in filing the remote observing request – so please plan accordingly.
Users with approved remote observing sessions will be advised by WMKO of required checkout and coordination steps, and by Cahill ROF support personnel on reservation status and ROF demo appointments.
If you are planning remote observing/participation at another facility (e.g. Palomar, IRTF) you may request your ROF reservation directly with mainland_observing@astro.caltech.edu ; please request your reservation not less than 1 week in advance. In your request please indicate the UTC observing date(s) & hours, the remote facility and instrument, and any support requirements beyond videoconference and computer connection. ROF support staff will advise you on your request status within two business days.
Please note that support of Keck remote observing is our first priority for Cahill ROF.
The Cahill ROF are on the first floor of the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics on the Caltech campus.
Cahill is located on the South perimeter of campus, at 1216 E California Blvd, adjacent to the Keith Spaulding Bldg and the Caltech athletic facilities. For those unfamiliar with the Caltech campus, please see a (circa 2007) campus parking zone map (PDF; please note the Cahill location is labeled as the “BSB Lot” in this rendering). Alternatively, visitors may find the Caltech Interactive Map of some help, but it too does not yet reflect Cahill's addition to the Caltech campus.
Figure 3: NE Corner of
Cahill
Most consider Cahill striking in its architecture, and it's described as “impossible to miss” (and otherwise) in this architectural review (and associated video) in the LA Times.
[BTW, if you're completely unfamiliar with Pasadena, here's a Google Map link to get you started...]
For non-Caltech users, the biggest logistical issue will be parking (and it's not that big...).
Cahill is in close proximity (~50 m) to Caltech's Parking Structure #3. Parking in Structure 3 requires a parking pass – of either the Caltech or visitor variety. Visitor parking passes can be obtained at various places around campus – the most convenient being the automatic kiosk at the SE corner of Structure 3 (pictured below).
In addition to Parking Structures, limited street parking is available along California Blvd near Cahill.
Figure 4: Parking
Auto-Kiosk at SE Corner of Structure 3
Last Update: 29 June 2009
AFB