# ESO's Exposure Time Calculator 2.0

**Authors:** Henri M. J. Boffin, Jakob Vinther, Lars K. Lundin, Gurvan Bazin  
**arXiv:** [2012.09860](https://arxiv.org/abs/2012.09860)  
**Date:** 2020-12-16  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2012.09860v1/

## Key points

- La Silla Paranal Observatory is using the ESO Exposure Time Calculator (ETC) for preparing observations
- ESO is modernizing the ETC by implementing a python backend and an angular-based front-end
- The new version, ETC 2.0, will have a programmatic interface for integrating results into an automated quality control loop
- ETC 2.0 will facilitate communication with various tools such as proposal preparation and observation preparation tools, science archive, and external user/instrument scripts
- Integration aims to streamline observation preparation workflow and improve efficiency
- Initial release of ETC 2.0 is designed for the 4MOST instrument, with future versions planned for all new instruments at La Silla, VLT, and ELT
- Plans to gradually migrate existing instruments to ETC 2.0 while enhancing their descriptions
- Modernization of the ETC signifies a significant advancement in observatory operations at La Silla Paranal Observatory
- Provides astronomers with a more sophisticated and user-friendly tool for planning observations effectively

## Summary

The La Silla Paranal Observatory relies on the ESO Exposure Time Calculator (ETC) for preparing observations. To enhance this process, ESO has initiated a project to modernize the ETC by implementing a python backend and an angular-based front-end. This new version, known as ETC 2.0, will feature a programmatic interface that enables the integration of results into an automated quality control loop. Additionally, the ETC 2.0 will facilitate communication with various tools such as the Phase 1 proposal preparation and Phase 2 observation preparation tools, the ESO science archive, and scripts executed by external users or instruments. This integration aims to streamline the observation preparation workflow and improve efficiency. The initial release of ETC 2.0 is specifically designed for the 4MOST instrument. However, future versions are planned for all new instruments at La Silla, VLT, and ELT over the coming years. Furthermore, there are plans to gradually migrate existing La Silla and VLT instruments to ETC 2.0 while also enhancing their instrument descriptions. This development signifies a significant advancement in observatory operations at La Silla Paranal Observatory, providing astronomers with a more sophisticated and user-friendly tool for planning their observations effectively. The modernization of the ETC will undoubtedly contribute to improved research outcomes and further advancements in astronomical studies conducted at this renowned observatory.