Data Processing

Scientists using NRAO telescopes employ a variety of software and analysis packages to reduce and analyze their data, depending on their specific needs, experience, and skills.

The NRAO strives to make its facilities available to all professional astronomers, not only experts in radio astronomy. To that end, maintaining and developing data analysis software, algorithm development tools, and automated data analysis pipelines for specific observing modes. End to end systems that allow non-specialists to specify their observations easily and have them taken, processed, and archived automatically are being incrementally developed for each of the telescopes, utilizing several common elements. This will facilitate the multi-wavelength science that is advancing the field today.

NRAO aims to operate the GBT, VLA, VLBA, and ALMA as a unified system of telescopes so that the scientific community can easily: (1) access any of the suite of telescopes, (2) take advantage of the numerous NRAO services to the user community, and (3) create state-of-the-art images from a combination of automated pipelines and expert assistance. The calibrated data and images will be stored in archives that enable straightforward data mining and continued scientific use by other astronomers.

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.