POLICY

1. How can I tell which sources are available for GO observations?
2. Can I propose to look for exoplanets around non-main sequence stars?
3. What happens if I unexpectedly find an exoplanet around my source?
4. What is the difference between the GO program and the KASC program?

DATA

1. What are the consequences of choosing a custom target?

PROPOSING

1. I've missed the deadlines for Cycle 1 - can I still propose for observing time?
2. Can I propose a source which is *not* in the KIC?
3. Can I observe a source brighter than the saturation level?
4. What do I need to include in my proposal? A budget? A CV
5. I'm breaking the page limit due to a long target table! What can I do?

MISCELLANEOUS

1. What is a .bz2 file?

How can I tell which sources are available for GO observations?

There is a column in the Kepler Input Catalog (KIC) and the Kepler Target Search labeled Availability Flag. If the value in this column is 0 or 1, this source is available for Cycle 1 GO observations. Any source listed as having an availability flag of 2 is included witin the Kepler planet-finding program and is not a permissible GO target unless the proposer can demonstrate that the star is known to vary in brightness by at least 0.01 magnitudes(V). Objects not listed in the KIC are also permissible GO targets.

Can I propose to look for exoplanets around non-main sequence stars?

While giant stars are allowed for Kepler GO observations, the Kepler pipeline will search for planets around all sources, even GO sources. Any planets detected by the Kepler pipeline will be researched, announced and published by the Kepler project. If a planet is found around a GO source, the GO will be invited to participate in the investigation and will be suitably acknowledged in any resulting paper.

What happens if I unexpectedly find an exoplanet around my source?

The Kepler Key Project will perform follow-up observations. If confirmed the detection will be announced and published by the Kepler project. You will be invited to participate in the exoplanet investigation and will be suitably acknowledged in any resulting papers.

What is the difference between the GO program and the KASC program?

The KASC program belongs to the Kepler Astroseismology Science Consortium. The KASC program has been instigated by the Kepler project to exploit the missions astroseismological potential using guaranteed short- and long-cadence targets each quarter. However the KASC program does not constrain the GO program, GOs can propose the same targets and science as the KASC with no limitations, plus GOs have the following advantages over KASC members:

1. KASC short cadence data are Fourier filtered to remove potential transits. No transit filtering is performed on GO data.
2. GO observations are funded through NASA grants, KASC programs are unfunded.
3. KASC members abide by specific Kepler Team publication policies, GOs do not.

What are the consequences of choosing a custom target?

A custom target is a source which requires the GO to submit a non-standard custom aperture. Examples are extended sources, saturated sources and sources without KIC entries. Custom targets will be processed at the Science Operations Center so that pixels are calibrated, but light curve products will not be generated for the archive. Guest Observers will need to construct their own light curves from pixel data.

I've missed the deadlines for Cycle 1 - can I still propose for observing time?

Yes. The Cycle 2 Kepler Guest Observers Program Announcement of Opportunity has been released as part of NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) Program for 2009. Updates can be found at the NSPIRES website.

Can I propose a source which is *not* in the KIC?

Yes. Follow the instructions in the AO and target table preparation guide carefully so we'll know how to best observe your source.

Can I observe a source brighter than the saturation level?

Yes. Contact the GO Office to understand the implications of proposing such an observation.

What do I need to include in my proposal? A budget? A CV?

For a checklist of required proposal components, please see the Proposal Preparation page.

I'm breaking the page limit due to a long target table! What can I do?

Exceptions to the page limits will be made for long target tables. It is essential, however, that the scientific justification section adhere to the standard page limits.

What is a .bz2 file?

A file ending in .bz2 has been encoded using the bzip2 data compression algorithm. For more information on bzip2 files, see the bzip2 project pages.