2009B NASA Keck Call for Proposals
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about the call, please contact KeckCFP@ipac.caltech.edu. Submitted questions and responses will be posted below.
Proposals are due by March 6, 2009 at 4PM PST.
Q: Will a proposal on any extra-galactic topic be accepted?
A: Extragalactic proposals that support Cosmic Origins theme science (including stars, star formation, galaxies/AGN, and galaxy formation as described in the NASA Strategic Plan will be accepted. Please note that Cosmic Origins does not include cosmic background, dark matter, and dark energy.
Q: What does the following criteria really mean?: Investigations in support of Cosmic Origins science goals and missions
A: Cosmic Origins theme science includes stars, star formation, galaxies/AGN, and galaxy formation as described in the NASA Strategic Plan. Cosmic Origins does not include cosmic background, dark matter, and dark energy.
Q: I have questions regarding about Keck proposals in support of ongoing (approved) NASA missions. I would like to ask about the Herschel Open Time and Guaranteed Time Key Projects, and in particular, those that are centered on the science of Star Formation and AGN.
The Herschel Space Observatory, an joint ESA/NASA project, has two categories of Key Projects - Open Time (OTKP) and Guaranteed Time Key Projects (GTKP). Each involve US and European PIs. I mention 2 cases:
1) The OTKPs, in most cases, have European PIs and US PIs. (We US PIs coordinate the US contributions to the effort.)
2) Likewise, The European GTKPs often have US "Project Leads" for parts of the GTKP.
So my question is - Am I allowed to propose for Keck time for 1) and/or 2) ?
A: Star formation and AGN are included in the cosmic origins theme, so you are allowed to propose for Keck time for both types of Herschel projects. Just make sure you stress the US involvement in the project, and have a US-based PI. Your proposal should not be classified as a mission-support proposal, however, as the success of the mission does not hang on your proposed Keck time.
Q: Is there a standard latex proposal template to use for the proposals?
A: We do not currently have a latex template for the NASA Keck proposals. Please read the call for proposals carefully to ensure that you include all the information requested and follow the page limit guidelines.
Q: I'm planning to submit a proposal for NASA Keck time and I have a question about mission support status. My project is aligned with the goals of the Juno mission and this kind of data will provide good preparatory data for the mission, which is one of the reasons why the observations are timely. However, as Juno has not yet launched, should I be providing Mission Support Verification?
A: If the Juno mission says that your observations are necessary for their mission, then obtain the documentation from them and submit your proposal as a mission support proposal. If not, then you are encouraged to submit your application without the mission support documents as a solar system submission.
Q: What specific information should be included in the section "status of allocated time on large telescopes"?
A: An overview of recent and pending large telescope time, NASA or otherwise, is advised. If the time pertains directly to your proposed program, feel free to offer details. It is also prudent to note any publications resulting from previous telescope time, NASA or otherwise.
Q: Should I apply for Keck time through NASA or NOAO?
A: NASA and NOAO administer different portions of the Keck time and have different deadlines for proposal submission. Researchers can apply for time through either program. Each program has different evaluation criteria and NASA generally allocates more nights per semester. Please keep in mind that proposals to the NASA call must fit within the listed strategic goals. Click here for more information on the NOAO call for proposals.
updated March 5, 2009