Observing support, training, and remote observing qualification requirements are described on the ATNF Observing Support and Training page. 

Observations with ASKAP are automated, and all other ATNF telescopes are remotely user-operated. Observations from the Marsfield or Perth Science Operations Centres are supported but not required. 

Telescope time that is unallocated when the observing schedules for the semester are released can be requested as Director’s Discretionary Time (sometimes referred to as “green time”, as that’s how it appears in the graphical version of the schedules). Additional information and guidance can be found in slides presented by Jamie Stevens at the April 2024 ATUC Open Session. 

Target of Opportunity proposals can be submitted at any time. This is intended for observations which are time critical. Proposals that are not time critical should be submitted through the regular TAC process when possible, rather than relying on applications for Director’s time or Target of Opportunity time. 

Large Projects are projects that require a total of more than 400 hours of observing time over the lifetime of the project. Please read the Large Projects page in addition to the information on this page. Large Proposals are required to include in their justifications a section describing team roles/contributions (see the OPAL Users Guide, Section 4.3 for more details). 

Long-Term Projects are designed to maximise the scientific outputs from ATNF facilities by building on experience gained during ATCA Legacy projects, including the incorporation of feedback from Legacy project principal investigators. By design, Long-Term Projects are able to combine allocations on: ATCA; Murriyang, the 64-m Parkes radio telescope; ASKAP; and LBA. More details of the scheme including policy and guidelines are available in the OPAL Users Guide under “3.6 Long Term Projects”. Long-Term Proposals will be considered for 2026APR. 

A document outlining Time Assignment Committee procedures is available on the Time Assignment Committee page.