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A New Science Opportunity at KPNO (1Jun94)
(from KPNO, NOAO Newsletter No. 38, 1 June 1994)

KPNO has recently initiated a program whereby large observing projects
with broad implications (Key Projects) can be supported at Kitt Peak.
The purpose of this program is not only to provide a wider variety of
scientific opportunities to the community, but also to develop
expertise within the Observatory to review, allocate, and support large
programs.  A key project is an observing program which seeks to answer
a significant scientific question of general interest.  Key Projects
can be awarded up to 20 nights per semester for up to 3 years.

Several proposals for Key Projects were received for the fall observing
semester, and these proposals will be reviewed by the Telescope
Allocation Committee.  In addition to scientific merit, evaluation
criteria relevant to Key Projects will include:

o   whether access to significant amounts of telescope time is
    necessary to make progress on the scientific problem;

o   whether KPNO telescope time will comprise most of the observing
    for the project;

o   that the projects selected be distributed among several KPNO
    telescopes, and not be concentrated on the 4-m; and

o   will the large body of data collected be made available to the
    community?

During July, August, or September, KPNO will again host small groups of
astronomers who wish to develop Key Project Proposals for submission
for telescope time in the spring 1995 semester.  We will provide travel
funds, pay room and board expenses, and provide access to local
expertise in the capabilities of any of the Kitt Peak telescopes and
instruments for up to three such exploratory workshops, based on a
written submission (less than one page) that indicates the nature of
the problem to be addressed, the general approaches to be explored, the
makeup of the proposing team (limited to six participants from outside
Tucson), and the dates desired for the meeting.  We point out the
desirability of including a KPNO collaborator, but will not insist that
one be included.  Proposals for Key Projects on KPNO telescopes will
also be accepted from individuals and groups which are not funded for
project development workshops or which do not apply for such funding.
Requests for Key Project development workshops received by 1 July 1994,
will be considered for support.

Please submit requests by mail, e-mail, or FAX to:  KPNO Director's
Office, National Optical Astronomy Observatories, P.O. Box 26732
Tucson, AZ 85726-6732, kpno@noao.edu, (602) 325-9360 (FAX).

Caty Pilachowski

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