DDT Target of Opportunity Proposals

DDT Target of Opportunity (ToO) proposals are for unexpected or unpredicted phenomena such as extreme X-ray or radio flares. If you are uncertain whether the phenomenon is covered under an active proposal of type Triggered, please submit a ticket to the Proposal Review department of the Observatory's Helpdesk.

ToO proposals are evaluated rapidly, with scheduling done as quickly as possible and as warranted by the nature of the transient phenomenon. ToO proposals are evaluated on the basis of scientific merit by Observatory scientific staff. Those staff also asses the technical feasibility of the ToO proposals. 

Section 3 of the NRAO and GBO Users' Policy  contains the requirements for proposal preparation for DDTs, and the NRAO data policy is available in Section 5.5 of the NRAO and GBO Users' Policy.

In the PST, select a proposal type of Director's Discretionary Time and then select Target of Opportunity.

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.