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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Apologies if you have received multiple copies of this announcement</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt">Dear LOFAR users,<br>
<br>
As an exceptional measure, the Cycle 19 proposal call will be skipped.<br>
<br>
A very high demand is foreseen in the coming months on the operational staff of SDCO: their participation will be required also for the timely completion of activities laying the groundwork for LOFAR2.0.<br>
<br>
Observing of the current Long Term project portfolio will be continued in Cycle 19, 1 Dec 2022 – 31 May 2023. All Priority A allocations already made will be honoured; the time designated as look-ahead will then be taken up in Priority B (i.e., on a best efforts
basis, subject to scheduling and logistical constraints, but there is likely to be a significant amount of Priority B observing possible). This will ensure strong scientific productivity will be maintained.<br>
<br>
The Director’s Discretionary Time (DDT) mechanism will operate in Cycle 19 as usual (with an enhanced amount of available time): it will provide a continuous entry point for some smaller projects, from any proposer(s), who will need to demonstrate both scientific
merit and urgency, to be scheduled on a best efforts basis.<br>
<br>
Cycle 18 will be completed on 31 Nov 2022; all Cycle 18 allocations are scheduled at their normal priority. In Cycle 19, the Cycle 18 Priority A observations that have failed will be taken along at priority B as usual.<br>
<br>
A Cycle 20 proposal call is expected with the usual timing (i.e., early February 2022), and will be open to proposals from the full community; the details of this call will be decided by the ILT Board in due course.<br>
<br>
If you have further questions related your LOFAR science and this unusual and one-time decision, please address them to me or to the ASTRON Director Jessica Dempsey.<br>
<br>
Ren<span lang="NL">é</span> Vermeulen<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt">Director ILT<o:p></o:p></p>
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