Enabling New ALMA Science with Improved Support for Time-Domain Observations

TL;DR

This paper discusses how ALMA's current policies limit its effectiveness in time-domain astrophysics and proposes policy changes to enhance its scientific impact on variable and transient sources.

Contribution

It identifies specific policy barriers and suggests modifications to improve ALMA's support for time-domain observations in future cycles.

Findings

Policies currently hinder time-domain science with ALMA.

Proposed policy changes could significantly enhance ALMA's capabilities.

Encourages community involvement through the ALMA Time-domain SIG.

Abstract

While the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is a uniquely powerful telescope, its impact in certain fields of astrophysics has been limited by observatory policies rather than the telescope's innate technical capabilities. In particular, several observatory policies present challenges for observations of variable, mobile, and/or transient sources --- collectively referred to here as "time-domain" observations. In this whitepaper we identify some of these policies, describe the scientific applications they impair, and suggest changes that would increase ALMA's science impact in Cycle 6 and beyond. Parties interested in time-domain science with ALMA are encouraged to join the ALMA Time-domain Special Interest Group (ATSIG) by signing up for the ATSIG mailing list at https://groups.google.com/group/alma-td-sig .