Data Archive

NRAO Data Archive

 All scientific data ever taken with NRAO instruments are available online.

NRAO Archive Tool Enhancements

 On May 2, 2022, the NRAO transitioned to the new Archive Access Tool (AAT) for the VLA, VLBA, Legacy VLA, and GBT data. This new tool also includes ALMA data in its search returns. While the capabilities of this new archive tool go above and beyond what was possible with the legacy archive tool, we recognize that the transition for our users has not been entirely smooth. Here we summarize the current status of features of the new AAT.

VLA Calibrator Monitoring (CALMON)

 Since 2017 the default CASA pipeline runs on VLA programs and VLA test observations. Successfully determined calibrator flux densities are automatically extracted and, to first order, presented as a spectral overview and a time series per source.

VLA Archive Survey (NVAS)

 Eligible archival continuum VLA observations during 1982-2005 were provisionally pipelined using AIPS and archived. Raw and calibrated calibrator and target source visibilities and images are available and may be useful for further processing or analysis.

Known problems with Archived Data

 Historical overview of problems with archived data.

Observing Logs

 The array operator logs are being merged with the new e2e archive system, this lookup tool has been provided as a stopgap measure to tide us over until the work is done. The logs here are from October 2003 onwards, older logs can be found using the previous tool.

Image Gallery

 This gallery contains a collection of astronomical images taken with NRAO instruments, as well as photographs of NRAO telescopes and facilities.

Archive Policy

 All scientific data from NRAO telescopes are stored in an archive. The archive contains the raw data: GBT files in FITS binary table format, export files from the old VLA, ASDM formatted files from the current VLA, and FITS-IDI files from the VLBA, including correlated data from any non-VLBA telescopes that have been used in conjunction with the VLBA. These data are reserved for the exclusive use of the observing team for a fixed period after the last observing session of a project has been completed. This proprietary period is 12 months following the last observation.

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.