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What is the difference between a standard and a non-standard observing mode for Cycle 3? - Knowledgebase / Early Science - Cycle 3 - ALMA Science

What is the difference between a standard and a non-standard observing mode for Cycle 3?

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In Cycle 3, standard observing modes are those that have been used in previous Cycles and for which the data can be reduced by the pipeline.  

Non-standard modes are observing modes that are less well characterized, or for which the data need to be processed by ALMA staff. Up to 25% of the total observing time will be assigned to such projects (see Section 5.3 and Appendix A of the Cycle 3 Proposer's Guide and Capabilities).  

Non-standard mode observations will be conducted on a best-effort basis, while standard modes will no longer be subject to such limitations. ALMA has entered into a phase where PI-science observations dominate activities while continued improvements and developments are also explored. 

Non-standard modes are:

  • Bands 8, 9 & 10 observations
  • Long baselines (> 2km)

  • Polarization

  • Spectral Scans

  • Spectral setups with only narrow band spectral windows (aggregate bandwidth < 934 MHz)

  • User-defined calibrations