8.14 Targets

Your proposal can include observations of fixed targets (i.e., all targets outside the solar system whose positions can be defined by specific celestial coordinates), generic targets (i.e., targets defined by certain general properties, rather than by specific coordinates), and solar-system targets (i.e., moving targets). Targets that have not yet been discovered or identified may generally be included only under special circumstances (see Section 4.1.3), and should be given generic target names.

8.14.1 Target Name

The target naming conventions for HST are defined in detail in the STScI Phase II Proposal Instructions. A direct internet link to these conventions is available on the Cycle 13 Announcement Web Page. Please adhere to these naming conventions throughout your proposal. For generic targets use a short text description either of the target location (e.g., RANDOM-FIELD) or of the target itself (e.g., NEXT-SUPERNOVA).

8.14.2 Provisional Coordinates

Supply the coordinates for fixed targets only. In Phase I, target positions with accuracies of order ±1 arcmin are sufficient for the TAC and panel review (except in crowded fields where the identity of the target may be in question). However, in Phase II significantly more accurate coordinates will be required, and it is the responsibility of the proposers to provide these. See the STScI Phase II documentation for details.

8.14.3 V-Magnitude

A magnitude or flux must be specified for every target. The target V-magnitude is required for observations which use one of the MAMA detectors. Supply the apparent total magnitude in the V passband for the entire target (galaxy, planet, etc.), if known. For variable targets, please give the brightest V magnitude expected during the observations. This information is used only for scientific review, not for exposure-time calculations. Note that the MAMAs have bright object safety limits. Observations that violate these limits are infeasible. See Section 5.1 of the HST Primer, or the Instrument Handbooks (see Section 1.4.3) for details.

8.14.4 Other Fluxes

For each target you must specify either a V-magnitude (above, required for MAMA observations) or another magnitude or flux. Supply the apparent total magnitude or flux in the relevant passband for the entire target (galaxy, planet, etc.), if known. For variable targets, please give the brightest magnitude expected during the observations. This information is used only for scientific review, not for exposure-time calculations. The format is free text.