ALMA Science Advisory Committee

Teleconference, 10 April 2000

Draft Minutes

Participants: Bachiller, Brown, Cox, Crutcher, Emerson, Evans,
Guilloteau, Menten (chair), Nakai, Richer, Shaver, van Dishoeck, Welch,
Wilson, Wootten, Yun


The draft agenda was accepted with the addition of one item (point 7).


1. The ACC Meeting and Cost Review

R. Brown summarized the recent meeting of the ACC, and introduced the
draft document on the Scope, Schedule and Cost for Phase 2. Following
extended discussion about the cost realities and the proposed revised
scope, and considering that priorities had already been established at
the Leiden meeting, the ASAC endorsed the document. K. Menten will draft
a formal ASAC letter to this effect.


2. Receiver CoDR 20-21 Mar

D. Emerson and R. Brown summarized the receiver Conceptual Design Review
that took place on 20-21 March. Its purpose was to address points from
the Grenoble and Garching meetings, and take the next steps. An action
list was prepared, and the next meeting will take place by telecon in a
few weeks. D. Emerson said there had been uncertainty regarding the
interpretation of some of the specs set by the ASAC, but as A. Wootten
said the final ASAC report clarifies these and will now be made
available.

 
3. Configuration CoDR 20-21 Mar

Wootten said there was now good agreement on how to proceed. The
required simulations will begin within the next month. A standard set of
images is being prepared (some observed images and some models), and
five will be selected from the present set of about 15. M. Yun will send
the relevant website address, and welcomes comments and input.

There was brief discussion about the relative merits of Pampa La Bola
vs. Chajnantor, and geographical and cost constraints on the longest
baselines. M. Yun mentioned the issue of whether the long and short
configurations should have some special scaling relative to each other.
A. Wootten said that a new topological mask will soon be available. The
Configuration WG report should be available before the next face-to-face
ASAC meeting, which will be scheduled before the next ACC meeting on 13
October.


4. Site Review 22 Mar

Site developments were briefly discussed, in particular the repairs
following the lightening strike of 29 January. J. Richer mentioned the
need for additional manpower to support the activities of A. Otarola.


5. Test Interferometer Software PDR 24 Mar

A. Wootten mentioned that the test correlator is now available.  A
review is planned for next month.


6. SSR Group Report

The latest relevant document is Memo 293 (Software Requirements
Preliminary Report), and a SSR meeting will take place in Paris on 27-28
April. K. Menten will take any comments.


7. A.O.B.

Possible outreach activities at the IAU General Assembly in August were
discussed. A. Wootten mentioned that there will be an ALMA talk in one
of the Commission 40 sessions, and there may be others. A poster display
should be set up; ESO will take initiative along with NRAO, and J.
Richer volunteered to serve as local liaison in the U.K.


8. Next Meeting

The next ASAC meeting is on Monday 8th May (telecon) at 21:00 UT.