LUG Terms of Reference

Background

Lasair is the UK community broker for Rubin alerts. It aims to provide scientists a platform with which to filter the LSST alert stream in near real time, by creating and storing SQL-based filters. The alerts are run against the stored filters, and users receive the results in near real time. It can be used via a web interface, or by using Jupyter notebooks using the Lasair API. It is intended to work smoothly with the Rubin Science Platform as set up on the UK Data Access Centre, so that users can do science with both the alert stream and the annual Data Release datasets. Lasair has been prototyped on, and already provides a working science service for, the ZTF alert stream. The working ZTF version of Lasair and the prototype LSST version are accessed through separate URLs.

The Lasair Users Group (LUG) will provide user feedback, advice, and suggestions for Lasair for both development and operation, on a regular basis.

General nature of LUG

The LUG has a small group of scientists (5-6), who cover a reasonable range of science, and who are ideally diverse in career stage, gender and ethnicity. They can co-opt others with expertise as they see fit for specific meetings. They meet twice per year - normally once per year in person and once per year online (or both online if they prefer). One member will be appointed as Convener and work with the Lasair team to set an agenda for each meeting. One member of the Lasair team will act as secretary to the group, recording advice and decisions. At least two members of the Lasair Team, including the secretary, will be in attendance at each meeting. The LSST:UK project manager and LSST:UK Project Scientist will also normally be invited to attend, and may do so at their own discretion. The LUG can hold a closed session if they think appropriate and prefer to discuss issues before bringing to the Lasair Team.

Meetings will be relatively informal but will try to come to practical conclusions and recommendations based on the issues set out in the agenda. Occasionally written material other than the agenda will be provided in advance, but more normally discussion will be led by brief informal presentations by Lasair Team members and/or LUG members.

The LUG reports to the leader of WP3.5.

Remit

• Advise the Lasair Team on the general usability and quality of Lasair

• Respond to requests for advice and opinion on specific Lasair related issues

• Make recommendations on practical improvements to Lasair functionality

• Make recommendations on practical improvements to the Lasair user interface

• Assist the Lasair Team in developing a long term outlook