<title>Improvements to science operations at Kitt Peak National Observatory</title>

Abstract

ABSTRACT In recent years Kitt Peak National Observatory has undertaken a number of innovative projects tooptimize science operations with the suite of telescopes we operate on Kitt Peak, Arizona. Changingscientific requirements and expectations of our users, evolving technology and declining budgets have motivated the changes. The operations improvements have included telescope performance enhancements — with the focus on the Mayall 4-m — modes of observing and scheduling, telescope control and observing systems, planning and communication, and data archiving. Keywords: science operations, astronomical telescopes, control systems, computers 1. iNTRODUCTION Effective astronomical observations are the product of the site, the telescope, the instrumentation, and the broad infrastructure supporting the research. The infrastructure in turn is the intersection oftechnology, science and operations, all of which must be combined to realize maximum scientificreturn. Recent management philosophy at Kitt Peak National Observatory has been to establish benchmarks tojudge the effectiveness of our operations (2) and to tackle first those areas where we would expect the