AAS Splinter Session

Proposal & Observing Preparation with NRAO Telescopes

Hosted by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) scientific staff, this Splinter Session is designed to assist members of the astronomy community who are unfamiliar with radio-wavelength observing. This Session will provide practical advice and hands-on guidance regarding observing proposals and observation preparation for each of the four state-of-the-art NRAO telescopes: the international Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), the Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). This Session will feature an overview of on-going and new NRAO telescope and instrument capabilities, interactive walk-throughs for proposing to each facility and guided, hands-on tutorials of the proposal and observing preparation tools for each telescope.

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.