Proposal Types

Three types of proposals may be submitted for the NRAO deadlines of Feb 1 and Aug 1 each year:

  • Regular proposals: Proposals that request < 200 hours total observing time on the GBT, VLA, and/or VLBA/HSA.
  • Large proposals: Proposals that request ≥ 200 hours total observing on the GBT, VLA, and/or VLBA/HSA. NRAO policy regarding Large proposals may be found here.
  • Triggered proposals: Proposals for pre-planned observations of transients whose event times are unknown a priori. Well-defined triggering criteria are required.

These three types of proposals may request time on more than one NRAO telescope, in which case they are referred to as joint proposals.

One other type of proposal is available and may be submitted at any time:

It is anticipated that up to 5% of the observing time available on each telescope will be reserved for DDT proposals. NRAO data policy for each proposal type is discussed here.

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.