NASA Keck Remote Observing
NASA Keck observers now have access to Caltech's Remote Observing Facilities (ROF) for their Keck observations. Please note that other remote observing facilities are also available and NASA users with access to these facilities through co-I's or other collaborations can use these. However, since NExScI has not arranged for support from these other facilities, the NASA PI must make all arrangements directly with that facility.
NASA Keck observers who do want to make use of Caltech's ROF are required to follow the procedure described below.
- Send an email to Dr. Dawn Gelino, the NExScI Keck Operations Scientist (KeckCFP@ipac.caltech.edu) at least 5 weeks before your scheduled time with the information listed below. This must be done even if you have already indicated remote observing in your proposal cover sheet.
- Dates of observing
- Instruments
- Mode: mainland-only vs. eavesdropping (click here for a description)
- Your experience with this instrument
- Your remote observing experience
- We will reply within 1 week on approval to proceed or not. Please note that access to the ROF is not guaranteed.
- Make a remote observing request with Keck Observatory and cc Dr. Dawn Gelino, the NExScI Keck Operations Scientist (KeckCFP@ipac.caltech.edu) and Caltech (mainland_observing@astro.caltech.edu) following the instructions for the use of the facilities at Caltech.
- After you are approved by WMKO, fill out a Facilties Use Agreement (FUA). Signed FUAs should be scanned and submitted to Caltech ROF (rof@astro.caltech.edu), or faxed to Marcia Brown (mjb@astro.caltech.edu) at 626/568-1517.
- Email your travel plans to the NExScI Keck Operations Scientist (KeckCFP@ipac.caltech.edu) at least 2 weeks in advance so we can arrange for your key card and training.
Useful links and information:
Caltech remote observing facility
W. M. Keck Observatory Policy on Mainland Observing
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.) which opened in 2009. Cahill is located at 1216 East California Blvd., shown near the bottom of this campus map. Note that the map is slightly out of date and shows Cahill as still under construction.
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 an automated pay station (see map). Alternatively, one-time use, scratch off daily parking passes can be purchased for $6 ahead of time from the Caltech parking office during normal business hours. Visitors must abide by Caltech parking regulations.
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.
A map of Caltech parking lots and the locations of automated pay stations is available here. Note that the Cahill Building is not actually shown on these maps since they predate building construction.