These are the rules for observers at the MDM Observatory:

1. The Principal Investigator of any run should send in the observing run preparation form at least two weeks before the run. One form should be submitted for each telescope/instrument combination, and must detail all instrument needs precisely and completely. List all observers who will be present, and the time and date of their arrival.

2. Observers should arrive at the observatory early enough in the day to check in with the staff and to test that all of their needed equipment is functioning correctly. It is not a good idea to arrive at or after 4:00 PM, which is when the staff leave.

3. New observers need to be "checked out" on the telescope and instrument by an experienced observer. It is the responsibility of the institutional representatives to arrange suitable training for their observers. Do not send new observers to MDM with the expectation that "someone" will show them what to do. There are no night assistants, telescope operators, or on-site technical help available during the night.

4. Dorm rooms must be vacated by 2:00 PM of the afternoon following your run unless special arrangements are made in advance.

5. Observe the shutdown limits for wind (40 mph) and humidity (85%) that are posted in the telescope control rooms. In particular, if there is moisture on the railings or car windows outside, it is definitely time to close up. It is extremely expensive to aluminize the mirror, and thus a considerable savings in money (and observing time) if we can avoid doing this because of observers' negligence.

6. For the same reason, do not observe if there is blowing dust. Use your flashlight beam to check for this.

7. Observers must familiarize themselves with the lightning shutdown procedure, and be ever vigilant to its implementation. The instructions are posted in each control room.

8. MDM vehicles are to be used ONLY for observing-related business, i.e., transportation between Tucson and MDM, and between MDM and the top of Kitt Peak. No sightseeing or tourism is permitted with these vehicles. There will be a vehicle for your use AT the Observatory. However, it would be preferable for you to arrange your own transportation to and from MDM via the KPNO shuttle or rental car, keeping in mind point #2 above. Although we will try, it will not always be possible to have an Observatory vehicle waiting for you at NOAO.

9. Pay your bills, at the KPNO administration building BEFORE leaving the mountain. If you are leaving on a weekend, see the receptionist on Friday.

10. Long-distance telephone calls must be billed to a credit card or calling card.

11. In case of fire or medical emergency dial 8777, which rings a variety of numbers at Kitt Peak sequentially. If no one answers after a while, dial 8721, which patches to the hand-held radios that are carried by most of the mountain staff. Remember to dial # to disconnect from the radios before hanging up.

12. There is an "emergency" cell phone located in the 2.4-m lounge. This phone is to be used only if needed when the regular telephones are out.

13. In order to reduce radio interference at the VLBA station, the use of cell phones and KPNO radios should be kept to a minimum. In particular, observers should not use their personal cell phones at all on the mountain, except in an emergency.

14. Similarly, optical "interference" should be kept to a minimum. In particular, lights in dorm rooms and lounges should not be allowed to shine through the windows at night. Be careful with car lights.

15. No alcoholic beverages are allowed anywhere on the Tohono O'Odham Reservation, on which MDM and KPNO are located.

More information on lodging, transport, and meals is available here