The Spectroscopist's Decision Tree

 

  
Figure 3: Factors Affecting Spectral Line Observing Strategy--A Suggested Decision Tree.

The constraints to be balanced when designing a spectroscopic experiment differ slightly from those that face continuum observers, though some decisions are in common between the two styles of observing. Figure 3 shows a decision tree for spectral line observing.

• Observing frequency
• Spectroscopy: IF bandwidth
• Averaging time
• Sensitivity and total integration time
• Time of day