Call for White Papers on LSST Cadence Optimization

The science community is invited to play a key role in the definition of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) Observing Strategy by submitting white papers to:

The LSST Science Requirements Document (SDR) places minimal constraints on the observing strategy, recognizing that science evolves and that the initial (by now more than a decade old) survey strategy would have to be redefined closer to first light.

With LSST first light expected in 2020, and the LSST operations phase starting in 2022, now is the time to undertake the final planning for the initial LSST observing strategy. While the existing candidate baseline survey strategy has been primarily defined by the LSST Project, the final planning must be undertaken hand-in-hand with the community. There are no specific limitations on what kind of science programs will be considered, except that the four primary LSST science themes (for a brief introduction, please see ls.st/os9) must remain the cornerstones of the LSST survey.

We seek science-driven input for observing strategy properties such as:

• the sky coverage
• per-bandpass imaging depth
• temporal coverage, and
• various detailed observing constraints

The LSST Project is soliciting white papers from the entire science community (not only LSST data-right holders) to help plan these aspects of the LSST survey strategy. Details are provided in the Call for White Papers on LSST Cadence Optimization. The deadline for white paper submission is 30 November 2018.

An open, searchable resource for asking questions is available on LSST Community. Team members will monitor and respond in a timely manner to questions posted. 

In addition, there is a mailing list available (email: [email protected]) to contact the survey strategy team for specific questions and/or concerns. Messages posted to the mailing list are broadcasted to the survey strategy team and archived. The same list will be used for white paper submission.