MEMORANDUM
TO:
Distribution
DATE:
August 15, 2002
SUBJECT:
Questions and Answers from August 15, 2002 TIPS Meeting
SMOV3B Summary
Presenter – Carl Biagetti
Q: What is the number of external orbits predicted for SMOV3B? How does the actual number of external
orbits executed during SMOV3B compare to SMOV2?
A: SMOV3B was predicted to have about 380-390 external orbits. In actuality, 419 external orbits were
executed, which is much smaller than SMOV2 during which 780 external orbits were used.
Q: Should NICMOS be preparing for SMOV4 as well?
A: Yes, but at this point we do not know how NCS will be handled.
HST Metrics Website
Presenter – Ron Downes
Q: Is there any need to have Instrument Scientists and others to review the content of the website?
A: The content of the website has already been reviewed by the appropriate people, and we will contact
other individuals for input when needed.
Q: Has GSFC been briefed on the scope of this project? The website might be useful for them and can
potentially help the Institute with our reporting requirements? Have we solicited input from them?
A: The website was just recently released, and we will brief GSFC and solicit their input when the site
development has been completed more fully.
ACS Status
Presenter – Mark Clampin
Q: Regarding the 1% precision for the WFC flats calibration, is that pixel-to-pixel?
A: The estimates were based on analysis with stellar fields using L-flats. Formal error estimates gave a
pixel-to-pixel precision of much less than 1%. However, to account for systematic effects that are not fully
understood yet, a conservative estimate of 1% precision is being stated.
Q: At the upcoming calibration workshop, will we be presenting Pydrizzle for ACS?
A: Yes, we will have demos and posters for ACS Pydrizzle at the calibration workshop.
NICMOS Status
Presenter – Daniela Calzetti
Q: How different is the sensitivity between the values used for cycle 11 proposals and what we are seeing
right now?
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A: The difference is about 10%.
Q: When did we execute the first GO science program after SM3B?
A: The first GO science program was executed on June 12th.
Q: Since OTFR has not yet been updated, how would that impact the GO programs?
A: All GO data will be impacted. We will need to provide updated reference files as soon as possible.
Q: Given the high linear dark current on the edges, should we be defining an aperture in the dithering
pattern to allow the avoidance of the edges?
A: We have been suggesting users to dither to the optimum aperture, and we will further considering the
suggestion of defining an aperture in the dithering pattern.
STIS Status
Presenter – Jeff Valenti
Q: Regarding the application of a global wavelength calibration solution over the entire chip to recover the
accuracy for the echelle wavelengths, would it be possible to apply individual separate solution to the
different order positions?
A: It is not possible because AUTOWAVECAL cannot generate the individual solution base on positions.
WFPC2 Status
Presenter – Lori Lubin
No questions.
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