40m RT call for proposals

Standard Call for 2026A is cancelled

We regret to inform that the Yebes RT40m 2026A Call for proposals is cancelled due to telescope technical downtime. Approved pending projects from semesters 2025A and 2025B will be observed as soon as the telescope is back on operation again. PIs do not need to resubmit their proposals.

The 40 m radiotelescope is operated by the Observatory of Yebes, Instituto Geográfico Nacional. It is equipped with receivers at different frequency bands between 2 GHz and 90 GHz. Single-dish observations are offered at 7 mm and 3 mm wavelengths (the latter only in night time). Position, frequency switching, wobbler-switching, and on-the-fly mapping can be used at both bands. Note that single-dish observations at 35 and 60 mm (X, and C bands) are currently offered in Director's Discretionary Time only (see below). For more information on the telescope, modes offered and useful advices concerning this call, please refer to the 40m RT page.

The proposal preparation tool, RAYO, can be accessed here.

Proprietary period

The Yebes Observatory offers a 3-year proprietary period for all single-dish and non-EVN, non-GMVA VLBI projects. This period begins counting upon the full completion of each project.

Director's Discretionary Time (DDT)

Since 2019, a small fraction of the observing time is open, through the whole year, to proposals classified as Director's Discretionary Time (DDT). Under this type we consider:

• Target-of-Oportunity (ToO) proposals for sources which show transients.
• Urgent proposals which require immediate observations due to their high impact or highly competitive goals that lead to exceptional results or continuation observations of recent discoveries that need to be complemented.
• Proposals that want to test new ideas which are potentially disruptive and which can be performed in a short time.

Long Term Programs (LTP)

Long Term Proposals are regular-like proposals meant for projects needing observations to span across 2, 3, or 4 semesters (e.g. long term monitoring programs). The need for splitting observations across semesters must be adequately justified in the proposal text. Note that up to 10% of the total time for semester will be devoted to LTP observations. To create a LTP, check the appropriate box during proposal creation in RAYO, and specify the number of semesters requested.

Instructions

Apart from filling the application form, it is mandatory to include a scientific and technical justification that must be uploaded as a separate PDF file. The maximum extension of regular and LTP proposals is 2 pages of text + 2 pages for Figures, Tables and References. The format must be A4, with a font size 11pt or larger, and single spacing. The scientific justification of DDT proposals has a maximum extension of 2 pages for everything, in the same format. A simple LaTeX template is provided here for these purposes. Please note that failure to comply with these rules could result in proposal rejection.

Any questions regarding the submission process should be addressed to m.santander at oan.es.