Unattended remote observing with the CSO is permitted under the following conditions:

• Prior approval is obtained from the CSO Manager, Simon Radford sradford@caltech.edu. Usually remote observations are prescheduled.
• Remote observing is permitted if and only if the weather is good and the forecast is stable. The CSO Manager will make a weather determination each night prior to the start of observations. Inclement weather that precludes remote observing includes, but is not limited to:
  • High optical depth, τ_{225 GHz} > 0.25 (soft limit),
  • Relative humidity > 60% outside,
  • High winds: sustained > 30 mph at JCMT, or
  • Thunderstorms, snow, ice, fog, or rain.
• Remote observing shall not commence, and the shutter shall not be opened, until one hour after sunset. By this time most, and we hope all, summit tourists have departed.
• Remote observing shall cease, and the shutter shall be closed, before sunrise. During the hour before sunrise, the target must be in the west.
  • For sunset and sunrise times, refer to the USNO or NOAA calculators or to the EAO Weather page.
• The two person rule still applies. If anyone goes to the telescope for any reason, for instance to clear a hardware problem, then a second person must also go along.

Remote observations are supported only with the 230/460 GHz sidecab receiver, with Sharc II and Sharp, with Zspec, and with Music. Support for other instruments, if possible, is experimental.

Hardware changes are only possible during the day when the technicians are at the telescope. Please request any hardware changes no later than 15 HST.

In case of problems during observations, CSO staff are available but can provide remote assistance only. In case of an insuperable malfunction, observations will cease for the night.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this policy, please contact the CSO Manager.