The first steps in preparing an HST program are to establish a set of science goals and to explore whether
HST can be used to achieve those science goals (using the information provided in the
HST Call for Proposals, the
HST Primer and the instrument handbooks). Once an observer has decided that
HST can achieve the science goals, they must prepare a formal proposal.
In this Chapter we give an overview of the steps that are taken in preparing an HST observing proposal that involves WFC3 observations. “
Phase I” refers to the initial proposal that is reviewed by the Telescope Allocation Committee (TAC). The Phase I proposal presents the scientific justification for the project, lists the targets to be observed and the instrument(s) and spectral elements to be used, and includes a request for a specific number of spacecraft orbits. (See the
HST Call for Proposals and
HST Primer for a full discussion of all policy issues and additional guidance.)
The Phase I proposal does not contain many of the details that are actually required to carry out observations with HST. These are included in a “
Phase II” proposal that will be needed if and after the proposal is recommended by the TAC and approved by the STScI Director. The
Phase II Proposal Instructions are a vital resource at that time.
