First Light Observations

• check phase: This basically involves varying the phase at which the data are read(at the data system console) and choosing the phase which gives the maximum signal. For this test, a bright point source might be the best.
• measure relative gain matrix(RGM): The relative gain matrix is basically a measure of the flat field response. Essentially, by looking at something like the center of the moon, we can measure the relative response of all of the pixels and the analysis software will take pixel response into account to get accurate results in the tests that will follow.
• get rough boresight: Essentially, the boresight pixel is the pixel centered on the coordinates at which the telescope thinks it is pointing. Here, a bright point source can be centered in one of the pixels and its astronomical coordinates can be checked against Viper's control.
• measure chopper throw: Just for a sanity check it will be nice to know if the chopper throw is a degree.
• get rough focus: Here, center a point source in the center pixel and adjust focus until the minimum response occurs in the other pixels.
• take 3 polarization test scans: This test will let us practice taking polarization scans. We can do so using something like the center of the moon so that we may also get an idea of instrumental polarization. In addition, such a test will also make sure that the Half Wave Plate is working properly.