Dear ASAC members,

    The ALMA board has given the following charge to the ASAC for its  
next meeting. Some of the items will 
require substantial amount of work, and it would be good if we could  
discuss briefly the tasks assignments at
our next teleconference
 Best regards

        Stephane


         CHARGE TO ASAC
***********************************

1. The ASAC is asked to evaluate all available site (225 GHz opacity, 12
GHz phase stability, 350 micron and >1 THz) data for Chajnantor, and
to discuss any significant trends and issues which may impact the  
scientific mission, design or mission emphasis of the baseline instrument.

2. The ASAC is requested to make an assessment of ALMA early science.  
What kinds of scientific data (including the balance between spectroscopic  
and continuum data) are likely to be most desired as ALMA begins operations?
Based on this probable interest, what are the commissioning and  
operational implications for the array's baseline capabilities, frequency 
coverage  and operating modes?

3. The ASAC is requested to summarize the scientific and technical  
issues associated with the long baseline array geometries currently under
consideration and to advise the ACC/ad hoc ALMA Board as to possible  
cost, land use, and land access impacts of which it should be aware.

4. The ASAC is requested to reassess the list of prioritized  
enhancements that Japan should be asked to contribute to the baseline ALMA  
instrument, understanding that Japanese participation in ALMA is likely to be  
proposed at a level significantly below that of North America and Europe in the
baseline project. The ASAC should take into account the fact that given  
the schedule, these enhancements are to be contributed by Japan and cannot  
be redistributed among the partners.