[ASA] Next ATUC Meeting and ATUC Science Meeting: 29-31 October 2012

[John O'Byrne]

Dear Users of the Australia Telescope National Facility,

The Australia Telescope Users Committee (ATUC) meet regularly to discuss issues that affect users of the ATNF.  The next ATUC meeting will be held 30-31 October 2012 at the ATNF headquarters in Marsfield, and will be proceeded by an ATUC Science Meeting entitled “Time Domain Astronomy” on 29 October (see below for more details).

On 30 October, an ATUC Open Session will be held which consists of reports and updates on the various aspects of ATNF operations. All users are welcome to attend the Open Session. Videocon facilities will be available. An agenda for the Open Session will be made available on the ATUC web page closer to the meeting. In the afternoon of the 30th and on the 31st October, ATUC will hold a closed session, during which a report to the ATNF Director is drafted.

If you, as a user (or potential user) of the ATNF, are aware of any issues that need to be raised at the next ATUC meeting, would like to present a short topic for discussion, or would like to offer praise for the many ATNF achievements, please contact any member of ATUC over the next few weeks.

Information on ATUC and how to contact its members can be found at:

	http://www.atnf.csiro.au/management/atuc 


ATUC Science Meeting
Science Drivers for Parkes Receiver Development:
Monday 29 October, ATNF Marsfield Lecture Theatre

http://www.atnf.csiro.au/management/atuc/2012oct/science_meeting/

The AT Users Committee will hold a one day science discussion before its
October meeting in 2012, to consider priorities for new receivers for the Parkes
Telescope.  In order to reduce operations costs, the number of receiver changes
per semester at Parkes will be limited in future years.  In order to maximise the
science potential of the telescope, new receivers are planned, that may include
ultra-wideband and/or new phased-array feed systems.  Science priorities and
technical specifications will be determined in the coming year.  The ATUC seeks
community input through discussions at this symposium.

Regards
Chris Phillips (for)
John Dickey
ATUC Chair