Q: Can moving targets be observed during Basic Science? Are there any constraints?

A: Moving targets can be observed during Basic Science. The observing constraints are outlined in a white paper, "Observing Moving Targets during Basic Science".

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A:For several target names that include the plus (+) or minus (-) sign, the VT/SIMBAD query mechanism does not correctly handle the string of text following the sign. As a consequence, the name is not recognized as a target, or the query defaults to a different target. For any such target name, we suggest querying SIMBAD directly and entering co-ordinates explicitly into VT.

Q. Are staff scientists at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Garching allowed to propose for Basic Science observing time?

A: Yes. Since ESO is an international organization, staff members are welcome to propose in response to the NASA sponsored call for Basic Science observations. However, since ESO is a non-US organization, successful proposers would not be eligible for grant support through USRA.

Q. Are scientists affiliated with German organizations allowed to be co-investigators on proposals submitted to the US-led part of Basic Science? If selected and implemented, would the proposed observations be counted against the German fraction of SOFIA observing time during Basic Science.

A: Scientists affiliated with German organizations are allowed to be co-investigators on proposals submitted to the US-led part of Basic Science. The proposed observations will not be counted against the German fraction of SOFIA time.

Q. Will including (or not including) an EPO program affect the evaluation of a Basic Science proposal?

A: No. While we will encourage investigators awarded Basic Science observing time to consider adding an E/PO component to their program, an E/PO component is not a requirement. An E/PO plan is not requested in the proposal, and will not be part of the proposal evaluation. (See section 1.8 of the Call for Proposals for the evaluation criteria.)

A: Examples of Basic Science E/PO activities might include: professional development workshop(s) for science educators in the GI's local area, establishing mentoring relationships between the GI and local teachers/classrooms, provision of SOFIA and NASA E/PO materials via the GI to local educators. Support for such activities could include: workshop logistics planning by the SOFIA E/PO group, 'per diem' and mileage for the GI to visit local schools and E/PO events, cost of material supplies and shipping. The PI of each successful Basic Science proposal will be contacted by the SOFIA E/PO team after the proposal selection is announced in order to discuss the possibility of an associated E/PO program. Plans and budgets will be finalized by mutual agreement between the GIs and the SOFIA E/PO team.