Abbreviations, Acronyms, Definitions, and Useful URLs

AAT Archive Access Tool; https://data.nrao.edu
DDT Director’s Discretionary Time
LBO Long Baseline Observatory
LST Local Sidereal Time
NRAO Science Helpdesk https://help.nrao.edu/
Open Skies Open Skies observing time is when any scientist, regardless of nationality or residence, can apply for time on an instrument through a peer-reviewed process. The percentage of time that is considered Open Skies depends on the facility.
OPT Observation Preparation Tool; https://obs.vla.nrao.edu/opt/; requires login
PFT Proposal Finder Tool; https://library.nrao.edu/proposals
PI Principal Investigator
PST Proposal Submission Tool; https://my.nrao.edu; requires login
RCT Resource Catalog Tool; https://obs.vla.nrao.edu/rct; requires login
SCT Source Catalog Tool; https://obs.vla.nrao.edu/sct; requires login
Science Program https://science.nrao.edu/science/science-program and https://greenbankobservatory.org/science/gbt-observers/proposals/past-proposal-calls/
SRDP Science Ready Data Products
SRP Science Review Panel
TAC Telescope Time Allocation Committee
TTA Telescope Time Allocation
ToO Target of Opportunity
VLA Configuration

The antennas in the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) are placed in specific configurations. There are four basic antenna arrangements, called configurations, whose scales vary by the ratios 1 : 3.28 : 10.8 : 35.5 from smallest to largest. These configurations are denoted D, C, B, and A, respectively.

VLA configuration cycle; The VLA completes one cycle through all four configurations in an approximately 16 month period. See https://public.nrao.edu/vla-configurations/ for current and up-to-date configuration schedules and associated proposal deadlines.

Connect with NRAO

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

Founded in 1956, the NSF NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NSF NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NSF 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. NSF NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (U.S. 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.