3. The Workflows

Think Like an Observer

The most important aspect of GRANDMA is ensuring rapid and efficient response. Timely follow-up and communication are essential. Below are the two types of general workflows within GRANDMA for follow up: new and ongoing follow up.

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New Event Workflow

1. Receive Alert

   • Via #gwalerts on Slack or GCN Circulars via email
     ↓

2. Read Alert Content

   • Check #gwalerts or the relevant GCN
     ↓

3. Determine Follow-Up

   • Assess whether the event warrants observation
     ↓

4. Create a Source Page in SkyPortal

   • Add the following details:

     • Classification

     • T0 (Trigger time)

     • GCN Crossmatch

     • Observability

     • Comments (ongoing, does not need to be done at source creation)

     • Summary (ongoing, does not need to be done at source creation)
       ↓

5. Generate Observability Plot & Determine Who Can Observe

   • Should be done at least twice in a shift
     ↓

6. Report Event Details to #observations

   • For GW: say FOLLOW UP or NO FOLLOW UP

   • For GRBs: report only interesting events
     ↓

7. Request Telescopes to Observe in #observations

   • For GWs: plans will take about 15 minutes to generate, unless event is HIGH PRIORITY

     • Report the event to #observations and alert the channel when plans are generated

     • If they are not generated, ask a core team member or your WC

   • For GRBs: proceed without delay
     ↓

8. Wait for Images
   ↓

9. Update Shift Documents & SkyPortal Comments

   • Make comments in SkyPortal on ALL activity

   • Every change in SkyPortal and every request/feedback in #observations should be reported in SkyPortal comments

   • This can be done periodically throughout your shift
     ↓

10. Check GCNs for Photometry, Redshift, Updated Coordinates
    ↓

11. Upload GCN Photometry to SkyPortal
    ↓

12. Add/Update Summary of Event
    ↓

13. End of Shift

• Clearly document all activity and telescopes contacted in your shift document for the next shifter

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Ongoing Observation Workflow

1. Check Shift Documents / SkyPortal Comments
   ↓

2. Determine Who Has Observed
   ↓

3. Generate Observability Plot & Determine Who Can Observe

   • Should be done at least twice in a shift
     ↓

4. Request Observations Again (if needed)

   • Especially if no observation has occurred in several hours

   • Clear documentation is important
     ↓

5. Check for New Images

   • Update comments/shift document
     ↓

6. Synthesize Images
   ↓

7. Check GCNs for Photometry, Redshift, Updated Coordinates
   ↓

8. Upload Additional Photometry to SkyPortal
   ↓

9. Update Summary of Event
   ↓

10. STOP?

• Stop when no counterpart is detected after 24 hours of observing,
  or the magnitude is reaching 21+.