TAP provides all astronomers based in China access to medium- and large-aperture optical-infrared telescopes at internationally competitive observatories.
The main goals for TAP are: 1) To allow Chinese astronomers to lead cutting-edge optical-IR observational programs, 2) Build the base of experienced optical-IR observers in China, 3) Facilitate collaboration between astronomers within China, and between astronomers in China and those in the user communities of telescopes participating in TAP, 4) Provide complementary observational facilities to ongoing large projects.
TAP currently provides access to a number of telescopes: CFHT (3.6m), Palomar Hale (5.1m), MMT (6.5m), Magellan (2 x 6.5m), and Steward Observatory Small Telescopes (Bok 2.3m, VATT 1.8m, etc). From 2015A to 2016B, TAP provided access to the UCO/Lick Automated Planet Finder. We highly encourage all interested parties to form teams and develop programs. Proposals are accepted twice per year, in March and September.
Starting in 2014, an expanded program supports "Key Projects", which are large or long-term programs independet of the semester proposal process. These programs do not need to be on current TAP facilities, and should be ambitious, high-impact programs that require dedicated time on domestic or international telescope facilities.
For more detail: http://info.bao.ac.cn/tap/
