7. Second-Look Observations
Second-look observations are not allowed as part of Cycle-5
proposals.
A scientifically important factor in planning and implementing any
category of observational investigation with the Spitzer Space Telescope
is the ability to discover new phenomena or peculiar objects and then to
characterize a sub-sample of them in a timely manner -- for the benefit of
the entire user community. Second-look observations (SLOs) are
deemed to be a predictable element of an integrated Spitzer
observing program, even if they cannot be completely described at the time
of proposal submission. Requests for SLOs must be included in the original
proposal and must be described in as much detail as possible. The SLO
concept applies to GTO, GO, and Legacy Science investigations.
For example, an investigator can propose to conduct IRAC or MIPS imaging
observations to identify objects with extreme color ratios, and then
conduct IRS spectroscopy to characterize these objects. The spectroscopic
observations comprise the second-look observations, and comprise a
legitimate portion of the proposed scientific investigation. No more than
ten percent of the total observing time being requested in a GO proposal
may be allocated towards SLOs. Moreover, SLOs can include generic targets
(see Section 6). In all cases, the SLOs must be
justified as an integral part of the proposed science program at the time
of proposal submission. The targets and AORs for approved second-look
observations must be completely specified within two months of the time
that the data from Spitzer necessary for their specification is made
available in the archive.
Proprietary data periods for SLOs that are part of an approved program are
the same as for any other element of that program.
Go back to rules page or
go on to Section 8: Commissioning of AOTs
| 
