The impact of science operations on science return at the Very Large Telescope

M. Sterzik; U. Grothkopf; A. Kaufer; B. Leibundgut; S. Mieske; F. Patat; M. Rejkuba; M. Romaniello; L. E. Tacconi-Garman

doi:10.1117/12.2232521

15 July 2016 The impact of science operations on science return at the Very Large Telescope

M. Sterzik, U. Grothkopf, A. Kaufer, B. Leibundgut, S. Mieske, F. Patat, M. Rejkuba, M. Romaniello, L. E. Tacconi-Garman

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9910, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems VI; 991003 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232521
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

The operational implementation of observing programs influences the scientific return of an Observatory. More than 15 years of observations with the VLT/Paranal Observatory allow us to assess the impact of science operations and program implementation. Bibliometric parameters are used to derive program productivities and citation rates and their relation to scheduling realizations (such as service and visitor mode), program types and service mode rank classes. In this contribution we present a set of performance indicators comparing specific program execution parameters. Results of this analysis help us to identify strengths and weaknesses of the adopted operational model, as well as possible improvements for an integrated VLT and ELT operations scheme in the next decade.

Citation Download Citation

M. Sterzik, U. Grothkopf, A. Kaufer, B. Leibundgut, S. Mieske, F. Patat, M. Rejkuba, M. Romaniello, and L. E. Tacconi-Garman "The impact of science operations on science return at the Very Large Telescope", Proc. SPIE 9910, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems VI, 991003 (15 July 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232521

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available