Dear HST Cycle 8 Proposers:
 
   Due to the fact that the FOC will be removed from HST in the next
Servicing Mission during Cycle 8, relatively low usage in preceding
cycles, the belief that nearly all FOC science can be accomplished
with existing or soon to be installed instruments, and limited
budgetary and human resources, the FOC is not being offered in Cycle
8. The need to make this adjustment in the instrument complement for
Cycle 8 was discussed with and approved by the Space Telescope Users
Committee (STUC).  The Institute and the HST Project have a strong
commitment to complete all programs previously approved for use of the
FOC, but are not accepting new programs in Cycle 8.
 
   We regret that there will be some astronomers who would like to
propose for FOC in Cycle 8 and will not be able to do so, but after
discussing the allocation of Institute resources with the Users
Committee, we have jointly concluded that the HST science program is
made stronger by shifting available resources to other areas of the
HST science program, especially the new instruments, at this time.
 
                                --Bob Williams
                                  Director