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Paper: The GBT Dynamic Scheduling System: An Update
Volume: 442, Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems XX (ADASSXX)
Page: 293
Authors: Clark, M. H.; Balser, D. S.; Braatz, J.; Condon, J.; Creager, R. E.; McCarty, M. T.; Maddalena, R. J.; Marganian, P.; O'Neil, K.; Sessoms, E.; Shelton, A. L.
Abstract: The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope's (GBT) Dynamic Scheduling System (DSS), in production use since September 2009, was designed to maximize observing efficiency while maintaining the GBT's flexibility, improving data quality, and minimizing any undue adversity for the observers. Using observing criteria, observer availability and qualifications, three-dimensional weather forecasts, and telescope state, the DSS software is capable of optimally scheduling observers 24 to 48 hours in advance on a telescope having a wide-range of capabilities in a geographical location with variable weather patterns. Recent improvements for the GBT include an expanded frequency coverage (0.390–90 GHz), proper treatment of fully sampled array receivers, increasingly diverse observing criteria, the ability to account for atmospheric instability from clouds, and new tools for scheduling staff to control and interact with generated schedules and the underlying database.
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