5. Target Acquisitions
COS will have several target acquisition procedures designed for accurate positioning of astronomical sources in the science apertures. These procedures will include standard target searches, dispersed light peak-ups, autonomous NUV imaging acquisitions, and offset acquisitions. All target acquisitions will occur using light at ultraviolet (not optical) wavelengths; the exact wavelength will depend upon the acquisition mode chosen. The algorithms for these procedures will be optimized for point sources, but extended source acquisitions should be possible as well. Typical imaging target acquisition sequences are expected to require approximately 5 minutes. Times for dispersed light acquisitions will depend on source flux levels. Details about these procedures will be given in the full COS Instrument Handbook released with the Cycle 17 HST Call for Proposals.
