Zone Regulatory Services

NRAO Zone Regulatory Services (ZRS) is responsible for all concurrence work in the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ), the New Mexico Radio Coordination Zone (NMRCZ) and the Puerto Rico Coordination Zone (PRCZ). The NRQZ and PRCZ have legal protections related to the placement of fixed transmitters in these two graphically defined regions. While the NMRCZ does not have legal protections like the other two Zones, it does engage in coordination efforts with operators of radio frequency transmitters in the Plains of St. Augustin (home of the VLA) and at each of the 10 Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) sites.

National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ)

 This division is responsible for all concurrence work in the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). Follow this link for details about the NRQZ and concurrence requirements in this Zone.

New Mexico Radio Coordination Zone (NMRCZ)

 This division is responsible for coordination efforts in the regions surrounding the VLA (Plains of St. Augustin) and at VLBA sites across the continental US and in Hawaii and St. Croix (Virgin Islands). Follow this link for details about the NMRCZ and coordination efforts in this Zone.

Puerto Rico Coordination Zone (PRCZ)

 This division is responsible for all concurrence work in Puerto Rico Coordination Zone (PRCZ). Follow this link for details about the NRQZ and concurrence requirements in this Zone.

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.