Should your Phase I proposal be awarded telescope time by the relevant TAC(s), you will again need the latest version of the PIPT to prepare and submit your phase II proposal.

Please note: you need version 1.96 of the PIPT to prepare your phase II proposal.

Observing commenced on 1 September 2011.

On average, it takes several iterations between PIs and the liaison SA to finalise a phase II proposal so that it is telescope-ready. It is your responsibility as PI to ensure your proposal can be observed. So please don't leave things for the last minute!

A phase II proposal is made up mostly of observing blocks to be scheduled at the telescope.

Each observing block must contain all the relevant information required to perform the observation, such as

• target(s)
• detailed instrument configuration(s)
• observing constraints, such as visibility windows.
• Finding charts

It is strongly advised to read the PIPT User's guide (accessible from the Web Manager) for a full description of each proposal element, and/or click on the ? symbols throughout the PIPT for item-specific information.

1. The target list may not be changed between Phase 1 and 2 submissions. If changes are found to be necessary, requests should be sent to the SALT Science Director (currently David Buckley), who may need to consult with the relevant TAC, depending on the significance of the change.

2. For a Phase 2 proposal, the PIPT will ensure that:
• It does not require more observing time than allocated by the TAC.
• It does not contain any observation blocks with sky conditions tighter than those requested during Phase 1 and approved by the TACs, though the conditions can be relaxed.

3. Any significant change in the Phase 2 instrumentation requirements compared to what was requested in Phase 1 needs to be approved by the SALT Science Director, who may need to consult with the relevant TAC, particularly if the science aims are materially different.

Please note the following rules for phase II proposals:

1. A phase II proposal consists of blocks, which are a sequence of observations that must be performed in a continuous manner with no interruptions. Normally, a block consists of one acquisition and one science procedure. A block will be executed under the specified weather conditions or it will be repeated.

2. Whether or not the object remains accessible to SALT, for blocks longer than one track, a new acquisition will be necessary (and charged for). If the weather changes during the first track, the block will be cancelled and no time will be charged. If the weather changes during subsequent tracks, the full block will be charged.

3. In blocks containing multiple targets, it is the PIs responsibility to ensure that the objects visibility windows overlap. Any time gaps will be charged for.

Our requirements for finding charts are as follows:

Please provide good quality JPEG finding charts, at least 500x500 pixels in size. FCs have to be readable both on-screen and printed, and should have following attributes and information marked on them:

• Black sources on a white background.
• Field of view of ~10x10', with additional blow-ups (in a separate file) if more accurate information is needed.
• Scale of the image (preferably a bar showing its length in arcminutes).
• PI name
• Proposal ID
• Target name
• Orientation of North and East (use a compass if possible).
• Position angle (for slotmode, long slit and MOS observations).
• The filter used for the image e.g. V band, R band, H-alpha. Images in non-visible bands (eg. K-band) should be avoided if possible, as they cannot be directly compared to the acquisition camera. If using a DSS image, you still need to specify which photographic band (in most cases this will be 'DSS blue', 'DSS red' or 'DSS infrared').
• The target position must clearly and unambiguously marked using an arrow, circle, box or similar. If necessary, add a second chart with a zoomed-in view.
• Colours might be useful on screen, but be aware that we print only greyscale.
• For MOS, mark the targets and the reference stars with different symbols.
• Any other observing mode dependent info, such as comparison stars.

Please don't hesitate to contact salthelp(at)salt.ac.za with your proposal code as the subject of your email if you need further information.