Observing Rules: 9: Routine Calibrations

9. Routine Calibrations

The initial on-orbit calibration of the Observatory, including the three science instruments, was performed during the In-Orbit Checkout period and Science Verification phase as part of the commissioning of each observing mode (or Astronomical Observation Template, AOT). Observations of celestial targets necessary to establish the calibration of each AOT is part of the commissioning process for the AOT, and will not be subject to rules regarding duplicate observations (Section 2).

If the SSC must use an observation that duplicates a previously approved science program AOR for routine calibration purposes, the resultant calibration data will be embargoed from scientific utilization until the proprietary period of the original observer end.

The initial on-orbit calibration of the telescope was performed as part of the commissioning of each observing mode. After an AOT is commissioned for general use, the SSC conducts the periodic observations necessary to maintain such calibrations. Calibration observations make up from 5-15% of the observing time per instrument campaign. Celestial and internal calibrations are a component of each 7-21 day instrument campaign. Observations of celestial targets necessary to maintain the calibration of each AOT are not subject to policies regarding duplicate observations.

Expected and achieved calibration accuracy for AORs processed with the normal calibration pipelines is published as part of the Spitzer Observer's Manual (SOM). For observations that require a higher level of calibration, and therefore special calibration observations (see Section 10), it is the responsibility of the requesting investigator to include those special calibration observations as part of their proposed observational program.

Go back to rules page or go on to Section 10: Special Calibrations