W. M. Keck Observatory next-generation adaptive optics facility: science operations

The W. M. Keck Observatory is currently engaged in the conceptual design of a powerful new adaptive optics (AO) science capability providing precision AO correction in the near infrared (NIR) and visible and faint object multiplexed integral field spectroscopy. In this poster, we present the conceptual design of the Science Operations for this Next Generation Adaptive Optics (NGAO) facility. We summarize the main requirements for science operations resulting from the science cases and the Observatory requirements. We give an overview of the science operation paradigm and design that will meet these requirements. We then illustrate the pre-observing, observing and post-observing interfaces by looking into various observing scenarios. We conclude by briefly outlining the project milestones.