Observing with the WFI in Imaging Mode
General considerations are given for the design of Roman WFI Observations in its imaging mode.
This section of the WFI Imaging Mode User Guide provides considerations for the design of observational programs using the WFI in Imaging Mode (WIM). It aids in both the design of new observations, and in evaluating if the resulting archival data from a particular observing program addresses your scientific goals. Content is provided on the design of science observations and for calibration observations. The information here should be used in context with the Simulation Tools Handbook, the Data Handbook, and the Roman APT User's Guide (RAUG), as well as other sections of the WFI Imaging Mode User Guide.
Contents of the Observing Section
Below is a listing of the articles in the Observing with the WFI in Imaging Mode in the Instrument Handbook that are currently published in RDox.
Under Construction
The WFI Imaging Mode User Guide is currently being developed and written. Please note that some topics are not yet available, and that some details will change during ground testing and commissioning.
Planned Content
Articles on the following topics are planned for development in 2025:
- Pointing specifications
- Using the sRCS for Calibration Observations
- Overheads and Resource Usage
- Bright Object Constraints
- Sensitivity and Saturation Limits
Observing with WFI Documentation EcoSystem
A user will not find all information about designing new observations or assessing the utility of archival data in this section of the WFI Imaging Mode User Guide. To help navigate to other relevant content, a summary of other sections of the Roman Documentation is provided in the Table of the Observing with WFI Documentation Ecosystem.
Table of the Observing with WFI Documentation Ecosystem
| Handbook Icon | Content | Content Description | Relationship to the Observing in Imaging Mode Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| The RAUG provides information for implementing observations in the Astronomer's Proposal Tool (APT). | The Observing with the WFI in Imaging Mode section contextualizes how the design of the instrument and the effects seen in its data influence the design of observational programs. This information will guide choices in APT. | |
| Roman WFI Exposure Time Calculator (ETC) | This section of the Simulation Tools Handbook describes how to use the Roman WFI Exposure Time Calculator (ETC) to assess the feasibility of their proposed observations by simulating astronomical scenes and providing accurate estimates of signal-to-noise ratios. | A user can take the general considerations provided in the Observing with the WFI in Imaging Mode section to outline the needs for their science case that can be tested in the ETC or other Simulation Tools. |
| Introduction to WFI Imaging Data | This article provides a guide to understanding WFI imaging data, derived data products, and how to access them. | Choices in observational programs will have an impact on the quality of output data products and should be understood together. |
For additional questions not answered in this article, please contact the Roman Help Desk.