Observing (Phase II)

Observing with NRAO Telescopes

All observations on NRAO telescopes are executed using Scheduling Blocks. An accepted proposal might require tens or hundreds of Scheduling Blocks to gather the data necessary for exploring that project's objectives. The following sections describe the tools and techniques needed to create Scheduling Blocks for each telescopes.

VLA Observing

To use the VLA, an observing file must be prepared and submitted to VLA Operations. This file may be generated by the NRAO-supplied program JObserve, which is a GUI-based version of the older OBSERVE program, offering a more modern graphical user interface without OBSERVE's keypad mapping problems. New capabilities (such as support for VLA observing using the Pie Town antena) have been added to JObserve only.

After your file is prepared, e-mail it to the operators at observe@nrao.edu. Include the program name in the subject line. The operators always acknowledge receipt of the observing file by e-mail. If you do not receive a timely response, call the telescope operators at 575-835-7180. Please complete these operations at least two working days before your observing.

GBT Observing

Scheduling Blocks for the GBT are prepared using the Astronomer's Integrated Desktop (Astrid), or alternatively, your favorite text editor. Before your observations you need to prepare for your observations. You will be assigned a scientific contact person. They will help you develop an appropriate observing strategy for your proposal. They will also help you with any technical questions, e.g. dealing with RFI. At this time you should develop your Scheduling Blocks.

You will travel to Green Bank for your observations or if you are an experienced GBT observer you can observe remotely. You should arrive in Green Bank at least one business day before your observations. This will allow you to meet with the contact scientist and also with the scientific staff person who will be "on call" during your observations (these might be different people).

Shortly before your observations begin you should go to the GBT control room. You can log into one of the computers and bring up any programs that you need so that you are prepared when you observation time begins. If you are observing remotely you should contact the GBT operator (304-456-2341 or 304-456-2346) about 30 minutes before your observations. You should give the operator your contact information (phone numbers, emails) so that they can contact you during the observations if necessary. You will also need to let the operator know what computer you will be using during your observations. At this time you will begin to open a Virtual Network Computer (VNC) session that you will use for the remote observations. Starting this early will allow for any problems encountered while preparing to observe remotely to be solved before the observations are to begin. You can find information about GBT remote observing policies and you can find information about opening a VNC session. The operator on duty will handle several tasks for you at the beginning of your observations. They will "put you in the gateway" (give you security access) so that you can control the GBT. They will also get the correct receiver into the focus position of the GBT, get the antenna motor drives ready for movement, place the correct pointing models into the system, and set the GBT's AS into the proper state. The operator is there to take care of all safety issues concerning the GBT.

Now you are ready to observe. You will use Astrid to perform your observations by submitting your Scheduling Blocks and monitoring progress.