Proposing to Use the NRAO Telescopes

American Astronomical Society – Austin Splinter Session

NRAO staff will present practical introductions to proposing for time on the four world-class facilities operated by the Observatory: the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), the Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA), the Green Bank Telescope (GBT), and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA).

This Splinter Session will focus on capabilities available at the 1 February 2012 (EVLA,GBT,VLBA) and spring 2012 (ALMA Cycle 1) proposal deadlines. NRAO staff will introduce these capabilities, describe the primary technical considerations for writing a feasible proposal, and demonstrate proposal and observation preparation software. A short introduction will be provided to the CASA software data processing package, which in the case of ALMA includes the capability for simulating interferometer observations. Each session will include Q&A.

Presentation Schedule
Austin Convention Center, Level 3, Room 8

Wednesday 11 January 2012
ALMA                 5:30 - 7:30 p.m

ALMA Overview (Jim Braatz)

Technical Considerations for a Proposal (Scott Schnee)

Preparing a Proposal with the ALMA Observing Tool (Mark Lacy)

Thursday 12 January 2012
EVLA & VLBA      9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

GBT                 12:45 -  1:45 p.m.

CASA                 1:45 -  2:45 p.m.

Staff from each NRAO facility will also be available to consult with users at the NRAO booth in the AAS Exhibit Hall throughout the Austin AAS meeting.

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.