East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN)

Overview

We invite proposals for open-use observations on KaVA (KVN and VERA Array) and EAVN (East Asian VLBI Network), which is the international collaborative VLBI array between China, Korea, and Japan. In the 2019B semester, 10 telescopes (KaVA 7 telescopes (KVN 3 × 21 m and VERA 4 × 20 m), Nobeyama 45 m, Tianma 65 m, and Nanshan 26 m) will participate in the KaVA/EAVN open-use program.

Observing mode

This open use call provides the opportunity of VLBI observations at 22 and 43 GHz. Basic VLBI observations with single polarization (LHCP) and a data recording rate of 1 Gbps (total bandwidth of 256 MHz) is available for both KaVA and EAVN, while additional observing modes are available for KaVA. Especially, KaVA has a new observing mode, “astrometry mode”, available for the 2019B semester. Please refer to the KaVA/EAVN status report on KaVA/EAVN websites for more details.

Telescope time

The total available observation time for KaVA is up to 250 hours. Up to 100 hours out of KaVA’s observation time of 250 hours is allocated to EAVN observations. KaVA/EAVN observations will be scheduled between 1st September 2019 and 15th January 2020. Note that the total allocatable time and available observing frequencies are different between each telescope. Please refer to the KaVA/EAVN status report for more details.

Target of opportunity

KaVA/EAVN accepts target of opportunity (ToO) proposals. Although proposers can request the participation of Tianma and Nanshan as well as KaVA for ToO observations, both Tianma and Nanshan will join only on a best effort basis. Note that Nobeyama cannot be included for ToO proposals.

It is strongly recommended that ToO proposals (especially expected ToO) are submitted during the regular CfP. Unexpected or urgent ToO can be submitted as Director’s Discretionary Time (DDT) proposals at any time. ToO proposals must include clear triggering criteria to initiate an observation. ToOs are valid for one year after it is approved. ToO proposals for DDT should follow the same format of regular call and should be sent to eavnprop(at mark)kasi.re.kr.

Proposal submission

The maximum observation time for a KaVA proposal is limited to 100 hours. If requested, the observation time can be allocated over a year until 15th June 2020, however the total observation time is still limited to 100 hours even in this case. Note that the above-mentioned conditions are applicable only to the KaVA’s observing time, i.e., the maximum observing time for an EAVN proposal is limited to 24 hours and the observation will be allocated within a period in the 2019B semester.

Please refer to the KaVA/EAVN status report for detailed information about the proposal format. The designated coversheet form can be downloaded via KaVA/EAVN websites. Proposals should be submitted via EAVN website. Proposal submission deadline is 3rd June 2019, 08:00 UT.

Special condition for selecting proposals

All submitted proposals for KaVA/EAVN are reviewed by referees and the combined KaVA/EAVN Time Allocation Committee (TAC) allocates the observing time based on the referee’s ratings. A proposal submitted for EAVN observations could be allocated as KaVA observations depending on its rating and decisions made by TAC. Proposers thus should specify the necessity of including Tianma, Nanshan, and Nobeyama in your observations.

KaVA/EAVN websites

Please refer to the following KaVA and EAVN websites for more information about the array capabilities and detailed conditions for proposal submission.

KaVA website: http://kava.kasi.re.kr/

EAVN website: http://eavn.kasi.re.kr/

Sincerely,