Title: The Arecibo Galaxy Environments Survey (GES) - A precursor proposal

Author(s): J. I. Davies

Project: A1961

Ref A4; Grade: 8.0;Avg.= 7.33; Recommended % of time 100
Comments:
A nice proposal. The authors make a good science case
for the Arecibo Galaxy Environments Survey (AGES) and balance system
tests (calibration, observing strategies, etc.) with early science.
The have carefully chosen their targets to make direct comparison with
other surveys. It is important that the results of these observations
are well coordinated with other ALFA projects.

Ref A3; Grade: 8.0;Avg.= 7.38; Recommended % of time 100
Comments:
A good precursor proposal. Environmental studies are particularly
useful.

Ref A5Grade: 6.0; Avg.= 6.44; Recommended % of time 60
Comments:
It seems that the other ALFA precursor observations will accomplish many
of the same goals as this proposal. Some prioritization amongst the 
various extragalactic proposals would be good. The justification for the
leapfrog mode seems based on searching for pulsars which is not one of 
the stated science goals in the list at the end of section 2. The 
justification for the drift scanning mode is based on observations of 
NGC 628. This is a good target, especially considering there is a wealth
of WSRT mosaic data with which to compare (the authors should have 
mentioned this). I am not familiar enough with the HIPASS Zone of 
Avoidance coverage, but if possible it would be good for this group to 
observe the same chunk of sky for these precursor observations.

Ref A1; Grade: 8.0;Avg.= 7.4; Recommended % of time 100
Comments:
An essential precursor to the AGES observing program. A well-defined set
of observing and calibration stategies are defined.




Arecibo Scheduling Advisory Committee Report

This proposal has been placed in the following category: A

The categories are explained as follows:
A - We intend to schedule this proposal and it will remain active until 
this happens. You do not need to resubmit.

B - This proposal will be scheduled only if time is available. You will 
have to resubmit this (or a revised version) if not scheduled within the
next two 4-month scheduling periods.

C - This proposal is unlikely to be scheduled. You are invited to submit
a revised version.

Note to proposers: Despite your ’¡ÈA’¡É grade, we cannot guarantee that all 
of your requested 100 hours will be scheduled during the limited ALFA 
precursor period.