Allocation of telescope time does not imply certification for observing, i.e., operation of telescope and/or peripheral equipment. It is the sole responsibility of the observer to become properly checked out prior to their scheduled observing time. Non-certified observers should contact Paul Smith for the Catalina Observatories and 90-inch certification procedures.
At least one certified observer must always be at the telescope. Observing time will be forfeited if this condition is not met.
It is highly recommended that observers needing certification make the appropriate arrangements before the observing trimester starts. This is especially important if you have asked to be given telescope time early in the trimester, or believe that you will be scheduled during the early portion of the trimester. Remember that the schedule constraints of certifiers (these individuals are identified at the Web sites of the various telescopes) may prevent you from being certified before your run, so give yourself and the certifiers a good range of options and identify certification opportunities early. Please carefully read the check-out procedures at the UAO telescopes in ``Guidelines for Observing" that can be found at http://james.as.arizona.edu/~psmith/90inch/guidelines.html.