NRAO Science Program

NRAO observing proposal submission deadlines for North American facilities are the closest date to 01 February and 01 August that fall on a Wednesday each year. The February deadline (B semesters) applies to requests for observing time from 1 August–31 January; the August deadline (A semesters) applies to requests for time from 1 February–31 July.

The science programs for each semester are listed in the left column of this page. The GBT is only included between 2010A-2016B; see the Green Bank Observatory to view the science programs from 2017A and onward. The Large Proposal page summarizes the active and past Large proposals, and the Active Triggered Proposal page lists the active triggered proposals, including their expiration date.  VLA proposals that have been granted Director's Discretionary Time (DDT) are located on the Approved DDT Proposals page.  See the Proposal Finder Tool (PFT) to search cover sheets of proposals previously approved for time on NRAO telescopes.

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.