Observatory Users

Registering with the Observatory

Unauthenticated users (unregistered users, or users who are registered but have not logged in) have access to non-proprietary data from Observatory facilities, documentation, tools (e.g., sensitivity calculator, Archive Access Tool), and the NRAO Science Helpdesk Knowledgebase articles describing solutions to common questions and problems.

Authenticated users, i.e., those who register for a NRAO account and are logged in, may participate in Observatory proposals, access their proprietary data through the Archive Access Tool, track the progress of their projects, and submit tickets to the NRAO Science Helpdesk.

Anyone can register for a NRAO account through the online portal. A user may have one (1) NRAO account, which is identified by a unique, user-selected username. Users are required to provide their first and last names, their affiliation, a street address, an email address, and a phone number. The fields requesting demographic information, such as career stage, gender, and graduation year, are voluntary. User information follows the Observatory’s Confidentiality of Information Policy in Section 2.2. If a duplicate user profile exists or is mistakenly created, please contact the NRAO Science Helpdesk for assistance.

Users are responsible for ensuring that their profile information is correct and up-to-date. The Observatory strongly encourages users to check the spam folder of their email in case official communication is mistakenly directed there.

Confidentiality of User Profile Information

With the Proposal Submission Tool, any authenticated NRAO user has access to the following information: title, first and last name, preferred name, email address, phone number, affiliation, student status, and username of registered users. All other user information is available only to the user themselves and Observatory staff. With regard to the demographic information requested in the user profile, this information is collected to allow the Observatory to analyze systematics in the proposal review process, which include but are not limited to gender bias and prestige bias. No personal, identifying information will be disclosed as a result of this analysis. The Science Helpdesk Knowledgebase articles will not contain any information which would identify users or reveal confidential proposal information. The full Information Privacy Policy is available online at https://info.nrao.edu/computing/compAndSecPolicy/info-privacy-policy.

User Support

For all questions related to proposing, observing, data reduction, etc. with Observatory facilities, users are required to use the NRAO Science Helpdesk. During the ticket submission process, please select the appropriate department related to the query. If users have specific questions about observing with the GBT, please email .

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.