NASA Keck Remote Observing
NASA Keck observers now have access to two remote observing facilities (ROFs) at Caltech and at Yale. Please note that other ROFs are also available and NASA users with access to these may use them, however access arrangements must be made with those ROFs directly (i.e. independent of NExScI). Note that use of the Caltech or Yale ROFs is not required of NASA Keck users wanting to observe remotely.
NASA Keck observers who do want to make use of the Caltech or Yale ROFs are required to follow the procedure described at the WMKO Mainland Observing Policies page and summarized below. This process should be started at least 4 weeks prior to the scheduled observing run.
- Log into the WMKO observer web portal: https://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/inst/PILogin/login.php
- From your observer login page, you can request mainland observing on the access form in one of two ways:
- For programs on which you are the PI, your observer home page displays upcoming observing runs. Click the appropriate link to submit a mainland observing request page for that particular run.
- If you are not the PI, or the run is not listed, use the link "Click here to submit a mainland observing request"
- Complete the form with the requested information and submit. You will receive an email confirmation following submission.
- What happens next?
- Your request is reviewed by the WMKO remote observing coordinator. If approved, it is then sent to (1) the support astronomer assigned to the run; (2) the mainland site manager at the observer's requested ROF; and (3) the NASA representative (if NASA Keck time is used) for approval (or denial) by each.
- Once all approvals have been granted, email is sent to the (1) requestor, (2) program PI, (3) support astronomer, (4) mainland site manager, (5) and the NASA representative.
- If you are using the ROF at Caltech, fill out the Caltech ROF Facilties Use Agreement (FUA). Scan and submit the signed FUAs to Caltech ROF (rof@astro.caltech.edu), or fax it to Marcia Brown (mjb@astro.caltech.edu) at 626/568-1517. Then follow the directions on the Caltech ROF page to gain access. Please also email your travel plans to the NExScI Keck Operations Scientist (KeckCFP@ipac.caltech.edu) at least 2 weeks in advance.
- If you are using the ROF at Yale, read the Quick guide to the Yale ROF and contact the ROF coordinator to arrange for training (for first time users) and access to the building.
- Read the instructions and information on mainland observing:
W. M. Keck Observatory Policy on Mainland Observing
Additional Information/Links for Caltech ROF Users:
Pasadena area hotels and motels
Pasadena dining on South Lake Ave., and in Old Town Pasadena
The Cahill Building and Parking at Caltech
The ROF at Caltech is located in the Cahill building (1216 East California Blvd.) shown near the bottom of this campus map. Caltech parking regulations may be found here.
Between the hours of 7 am and 5 pm on weekdays, you must have a Caltech parking permit in order to park in one of the Caltech parking areas or parking structures. Street parking is regulated by the city of Pasadena and overnight parking on the street is not allowed without a permit. Therefore, parking on the street is not recommended. Parking structure #3, along California Blvd., is just south of the Cahill building and we suggest you park here, using the commuter stalls only. Overnight parking is allowed in this structure.
Visitor permits may be purchased at the rate of $2 for the first hour, $1 per subsequent hour up to $6 per day, or $18 per week. A $6 daily permit is valid through the end of the business day on which the permit is purchased. Visitor parking permits may be purchased at automated pay stations (see map). Alternatively, one-time use, scratch off daily parking passes can be purchased for $3 ahead of time from the Caltech parking office during normal business hours.
Please note that hourly or daily parking permits are valid only on the day they are purchased. For example, if you arrive on a weekday afternoon, you must purchase a permit to cover the time until 5 pm on that day and a new permit must be purchased for use on the next day starting at 7 am.
updated May 13, 2011