4MOST Survey Strategy Plan

TL;DR

The paper outlines the 4MOST Survey Strategy, detailing sky coverage, observation planning, and optimization methods to accommodate diverse survey requirements and improve overall efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive survey strategy framework that manages diverse survey needs and optimizes observational resources for the 4MOST project.

Findings

Developed a strategy for diverse survey optimization

Proposed methods for efficient sky coverage and exposure planning

Guidelines for survey proposal alignment with the strategy

Abstract

The current status of and motivation for the 4MOST Survey Strategy, as developed by the Consortium science team, are presented here. Key elements of the strategy are described, such as sky coverage, number of visits and total exposure times in different parts of the sky, and how to deal with different observing conditions. The task of organising the strategy is not simple, with many different surveys that have vastly different target brightnesses and densities, sample completeness levels, and signal-to-noise requirements. We introduce here a number of concepts that we will use to ensure all surveys are optimised. Astronomers who are planning to submit a Participating Survey proposal are strongly encouraged to read this article and any relevant 4MOST Survey articles in this issue of The Messenger such that they can optimally complement and benefit from the planned surveys of the 4MOST Consortium.