observing time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observing time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is paying attention to or monitoring the passage of time, often in relation to events or activities. Example: "While observing time during the experiment, we noticed significant changes in the reaction rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New instruments installed on large telescopes, substantial allocations of observing time, and collaboration between observers as well as theorists are some of the requirements for progress.

University of Chicago

From there you should simulate the observation to determine the ideal instrument settings, observing time, constraints (etc.).

Harvard University

After choosing an instrument, you should simulate the observation to determine the ideal instrument settings, observing time, constraints, etc.

Harvard University

In a very controversial decision, the telescope's director granted 11 days of observing time to this proposal, with the observations occurring in December of 1995.

Forbes

Despite the publicity surrounding the telescope's tracking of space probes, this only took up a fraction of its observing time, with the remainder used for scientific observations.

Wikipedia

The answer is simple: observing time.

Harvard University

On average, less than a quarter of applications for observing time succeed.

The Economist

Indeed, it will be necessary to book observing time, just as with a real observatory.

The Economist

Calibration information can be obtained with better statistical precision with reduced loss of observing time.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

A new Chandra image of M51 contains nearly a million seconds of observing time.

Harvard University

Harvard and Caltech — like Princeton, powerhouses in cosmology — have kicked in funding to get observing time.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about astronomy or scientific experiments, use "observing time" to clearly indicate the allocated duration for using observational instruments like telescopes.

Common error

Avoid using "observation time" when "observing time" is more appropriate. "Observing time" refers to a scheduled or allocated period for observation, while "observation time" could refer to any instance when someone observes something. Be specific about the scheduling aspect when relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observing time" primarily functions as a noun phrase that designates a scheduled or allocated period for observation, particularly in scientific and astronomical contexts. Ludwig provides many examples supporting this definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

41%

Science

27%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "observing time" is a common noun phrase primarily used in scientific and academic contexts to denote a scheduled period for observation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. Its register is formal, and it serves the communicative purpose of specifying the allocated duration for observational activities. While alternatives like "telescope time" or "monitoring duration" exist, "observing time" is widely accepted and understood in relevant fields. It's crucial to differentiate it from "observation time", which lacks the scheduled or allocated nuance of "observing time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

telescope time

Refers specifically to the allocation of time on a telescope for astronomical observations.

viewing period

Focuses on the duration allocated or available for watching or observing something.

monitoring duration

Highlights the length of time during which something is monitored or tracked.

data acquisition window

Refers to the period dedicated to collecting data through observation.

exposure duration

Emphasizes the length of time an instrument is exposed to a phenomenon for observation.

time on task

Highlights the duration an observer is actively observing a task

study timeframe

Focuses on the time allocated for conducting a study involving observation.

time spent observing

Specifically notes the amount of time dedicated to the act of observing.

period of observation

Highlights the timeframe during which observations are conducted.

research timeline

Broadly relates to the schedule and duration of a research project, which may include observation.

FAQs

What does "observing time" mean in astronomy?

In astronomy, "observing time" refers to a specific allocation of time on a telescope or other astronomical instrument that is granted to researchers for their observations. It's a valuable and often competitive resource.

How do researchers get "observing time" on a telescope?

Researchers typically need to submit a proposal to a telescope's time allocation committee, outlining their research goals and the amount of "observing time" they require. These proposals are then peer-reviewed and ranked based on scientific merit.

What factors influence the amount of "observing time" needed for a project?

The amount of "observing time" required depends on factors such as the brightness of the object being observed, the desired level of detail, and the sensitivity of the instrument used. Certain projects may need longer "exposure duration" to gather sufficient data.

Are there alternatives to "observing time" I can use in scientific writing?

While "observing time" is widely accepted, you could use alternatives like "telescope time" when specifically referring to telescope usage, or "monitoring duration" when discussing a period of surveillance or tracking.