Observing

Observer News

 Recent news for VLBA/HSA/VLBI proposers and observers.

Guide to Observing with the VLBA

 The guide to observing with the VLBA, including information on HSA/Global VLBI.

Observation Prep Tool (SCHED)

 SCHED is a program for planning and scheduling VLBA, Global VLBI, EVN, and some VLA observations. This manual describes how to use the program, provides extensive information on possible inputs, and gives detailed information and advice on scheduling VLBI observations.

Scheduling

 Details on monthly schedules, Schedsoc home page, UT1-UTC observations, dynamic scheduling, site weather.

Conversion of Legacy System Schedules

 The Digital Downconverter (DDC) subsystem is the final stage of the VLBA Sensitivity Upgrade Project. This page describes the relatively straightforward changes required to convert SCHED “keyin” files constructed for the legacy system, to control the DDC.

Calibration

 The VLBA Calibrator List is accessed via a search engine that locates calibrators near a specified celestial position. The VLBA data calibration pipeline is running selected data through an automated AIPS process that provides a best effort apriori calibration.The VLBA polarization calibration program calibrates the polarization electric vector position angle for a network of sources suitable for observing compact sources.

DiFX Pulsar Guide

 The pulsar capabilities of the DiFX software correlator (PDF).

RFI

 Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is an increasingly significant problem at VLBA sites, particularly at wavelengths of 18cm and longer. This page provides information on known RFI at each VLBA antenna, current developments, and plans for managing RFI.

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.