* NHSC Call for Proposals - Theoretical Research/Laboratory Astrophysics and Open Time Key Program Data Analysis
* NHSC Open Time Key Program Observation Planning Workshop
* Updates to the Key Program Announcement of Opportunity
* NHSC at the Hawaii AAS Meeting 27 – 31 May 2007

NHSC Call for Proposals - Theoretical Research/Laboratory Astrophysics and Open Time Key Program Data Analysis

As you already know, the ESA Herschel Science Centre (HSC) released its Herschel Key Program Announcement of Opportunity on 1 Feb 2007. A related Call for Proposals for US-based researchers has been issued by the NHSC.

Please see the following web page: http://www.ipac.caltech.edu/Herschel/nhsc.shtml for links to the full text of the Call for Proposals (CP). This CP describes how US-based proposers for Herschel Key Programs can apply for data analysis funding for accepted projects through the NHSC.

In addition to Data Analysis funding, the same CP solicits proposals for Theoretical Research and Laboratory Astrophysics research associated with Herschel science. Please inform your colleagues who might not be on this list and may not otherwise be aware of this Herschel research opportunity!

NHSC Open Time Key Program Observation Planning Workshop

The NHSC will be offering a hands-on Herschel Observation Planning Workshop oriented toward the Open Time Key Program submission. The workshop is currently planned to be two or three days and will be held in Pasadena at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena, CA. The dates are set for 18 - 20 July 2007. Mark your calendars!

The workshop will include:
- Overview of the Herschel Space Observatory.
- Instrument overviews.
- Discussion of the Reserved Observations List.
- Demonstration and hands on use of HSpot - the Herschel observation planning and proposal submission tool.
- Lots of hands on time!
- Lots of Q and A and time with NHSC experts!
- Suggestions are welcome.

The length (2 or 3 days) of the workshop will be determined during the final planning, which is happening now. In the very near future, information on registration and other details will be provided on the NHSC web pages. Please check periodically for updates.

Updates to the Key Program Announcement of Opportunity

There have been several news notes concerning the KP Announcement of Opportunity. The ESA HSC has provided this information on "AO Latest News" at http://herschel.esac.esa.int/ao_kp_latest_news.shtml.

Of particular note is that some inconsistencies in the AO package regarding 'slewing overheads' have been found, in particular for time constrained and/or concatenated observations. The importance to the observer in most cases is only minor, and certainly should fall well within the "robustness" criterion applicable to all proposals anyway. It does provide for less overheads for concatenated observations on the same pointing, and the applicable rules have been clarified.

Please consult this website periodically for other important updates.

NHSC at the Hawaii AAS Meeting 27-31 May 2007

Once again, the NHSC will be available at the coming American Astronomical Society meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. Detailed information, demos, and Q and A about anything Herschel will be available. Look for the latest information on the OT KP Observation Planning Workshop as well.

In addition to our booth, we have planned a dedicated set of poster presentations describing various aspects of the Herschel Observatory and the NHSC. Please come to our booth and meet us at our posters for extended discussions on the opportunities available to you in maximizing your Herschel scientific results.

Questions?

As always, please drop a note to our NHSC Help Desk at herschel@ipac.caltech.edu if there is anything you would like to know about Herschel and the NHSC. Suggestions are always welcome.