Proposal Prep

Joint Proposals

Proposals for observing time at any of the AUI operational research facilities — VLA, VLBA, and GBT — must be submitted to the Observatory using the Proposal Submission Tool (PST) available from NRAO Interactive Services.

A detailed guide to the NRAO Interactive Services and the Proposal Submission Tool is available.

To report errors or problems encountered while using the Proposal Submission Tool, please use the NRAO Helpdesk.

VLBA-High Sensitivity Array (HSA) observing proposals must use the Proposal Submission Tool.

Proposals for Global centimeter Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), or proposals involving only the European VLBI Network (EVN) should be submitted through NorthStar.

For Global 3mm proposals (GMVA), proposal preparation is via the NRAO Proposal Submission Tool.

In addition to the operational AUI research facilities — VLA, VLBA, and GBT — the following non-AUI telescopes are available:

  • High Sensitivity Array (HSA): By adding the GBT, phased VLA, and/or Effelsberg to a VLBA experiment the sensitivity can be increased by an order of magnitude. This capability opens up promising new avenues for scientific discovery (e.g., studies of low-power AGN, extragalactic masers, gravitational lenses). The aim of the HSA initiative is to facilitate the planning, scheduling, and calibration of observations making use of this array.
  • European VLBI Network (EVN): The EVN is a collaboration of major radio astronomical institutes in Europe, Asia, and South Africa, used to provide observations with high angular resolution. VLBA correlators are sometimes used in conjunction with EVN observations.  EVN Sensitivity Calculator
  • Fermi Collaborative Observing: Through an agreement with the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (Fermi) mission, up to 10% of the total observing time on AUI telescopes may be allocated for collaborative observing with Fermi.

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.