ALMA Science Advisory Committee

ALMA Science Advisory Committee

Teleconference, 16 January 2002

Draft Minutes

Participants: R. Bachiller, A. Benz, G. Blake, R. Booth, L. Bronfman, P. Cox, R. Crutcher, N. Evans, S. Guilloteau, M. Gurwell, T. Hasegawa, A. Kemball, R. Kurz, R. Lucas, J. Mangum, H. Matsuo, N. Nakai, J. Richer, P. Schilke, P. Shaver, E. van Dishoeck, M. Walmsley, A. Wootten, M. Yun

The proposed agenda was adopted, and the minutes of the previous meeting were accepted.

1) Project Definition to be Presented to ACC

R. Kurz explained that the scope is as in the original bilateral project (including the long baselines). An effort is being made to get back to the original ($552 million) cost estimate. At the moment there is an overrun of $2 million, but this can be taken from the contingencies. The schedule still has all hardware on site by the end of 2010, with full operations in 2011. The first antenna should arrive on site in late 2005, with commissioning/operations starting in 2006 and interim science operations for the community in late 2007. The main cause of the slowdown is the intermediate-term funding profile, which is difficult. An AEC meeting on these matters will take place in Charlottesville next Thursday-Friday. The possibility of an ASAC statement about the long baselines was discussed, but it was decided that this is not necessary, at least at present.

(2) Prototype antennas

T. Hasegawa commented that the prototype spending in Japan is a very positive signal, and the prospect is very good of Japan’s joining the project in 2004 (or earlier). There is also additional funding for photonics research, and new funding for a building in Mitaka for ALMA. The call for tender for the prototype has started, and completion of the prototype is due in March 2003. In the U.S., J. Mangum said that the Vertex antenna is on track for April 23. Erection starts in late February, but it has been slowed somewhat by delivery of the panels. In Europe, R. Kurz said that the new contract with the Alcatel-led consortium ACE was signed on 18 December; delivery is due on 18 April 2003. R. Crutcher asked about plans for the first prototype antenna over the first year. R. Kurz and J. Mangum said they would mainly concern engineering tests.

(3) Plans for Configuration Design Review

A. Wootten described the Socorro meeting next week, which will include some external members. It will consider various compact designs (see links via agenda), and various hybrid arrays. Engineering data, and good maps, are need now, and are in preparation. Site development is due to start on 1 January 2003. E. van Dishoeck asked what the differences are from the PDR held in February 2001. A. Wootten replied that two major concepts were debated at that time. Subsequently one was chosen, but further discussion has led to three designs at present, and next week’s meeting will deal with these. A further meeting will be held during the "ALMA week" in Granada on 23-27 April (when several teams will meet there in parallel).

(4) Status of ASAC Charter

G. Blake reported that the ACC did not change the ASAC charter at its December telecon. One suggestions was the addition of a second Chilean member. Further comments on the ASAC charter by ACC members are due, and G. Blake will make sure the item is on the next ACC agenda.

(5) Chile Status

A. Wootten read the letter from R. Brown that was distributed to all ASAC members just before the telecon. R. Kurz added that the meeting with Bienes Nacionales did occur yesterday, and it was very positive, especially for the concept of a direct concession for the land. The meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not yet taken place. L. Bronfman commented that it was important that the Chilean scientists (and CONICYT) be involved, and that the project should use the support of the Chilean scientists. He reported that there will be a meeting with CONICYT next week.

(6) Discussions on the Regional Science Centers

P. Cox gave a brief summary of the telecon held in December on the European RSC. All had agreed that the RSCs are vital to the project, and the issue was how to fund and structure them. The next meeting will be held in Paris on 4 February. The minutes from the December telecon will be incorporated into the summary and recommendations following the Paris meeting. N. Evans said that no discussions had taken place on the subject in North America yet, but that a telecon would be held sometime after 4 February.

(7) Results from PdBI AIPS++ tests

A. Kemball reported that the evaluation involves two phases: tests using data sets from PdB, and subsequently a fuller data set representative of ALMA. Also, a review is being made of the algorithms used in AIPS++. Phase 1 is a month late, but will be completed in February. The aim is completion in April, when a report will be produced.

(8) Next ASAC face-to-face meeting

T. Hasegawa described plans for the Science Day to be held after the ASAC meeting. It will be comprised of two parts, (1) lectures on astronomy and ALMA, and (2) a discussion session. Y. Fukui and T. Hasegawa will serve on the organization committee, and two members from each of the U.S. and Europe are requested. G. Blake and P. Cox volunteered to take part. Concerning the ASAC meeting, T. Hasagawa said that continuous world-wide support for Japanese participation was regarded as crucial, and the ASAC meeting was a good opportunity to impress the Japanese government of this. G. Blake asked for suggestions for the ASAC agenda. E. van Dishoeck suggested that the first day focus on the baseline project, and G. Blake said that the ASAC report should be on the bilateral project. R. Crutcher suggested that, in view of the progress made last year towards a trilateral project, some discussion should consider how to move smoothly from bilateral to trilateral. E. van Dishoeck asked about TAC discussions, and N. Evans said that they are about to start as part of the operations discussion.

(9) Next teleconference

The next ASAC teleconference will take place on Wednesday 6 February at 14:30 UT.