LOFAR is a powerful next-generation radio telescope for low frequencies, that will, from the outset, offer revolutionary new observing capabilities. In the first observing semester there will be a limited but diverse set of functionality, called LOFAR Version 1.0.

The first semester will have both Reserved Access and Open Skies shares. The Initial Calls will be used to fill the first semester.

It is anticipated that future reviewing of (revised) Reserved Access proposals will provide more definite look-ahead, while successive Regular Observing calls will continue to fill successive operational periods during which an expanding suite of functionality will become available.

In addition, there will from time-to-time be announcements of opportunity for technical experts to participate in in-depth commissioning activities.

Proposal Tool

Proposals should be submitted using the  "NorthStar for LOFAR" proposal submission tool.

The tool has been used for the submission of the "Reserved Access Proposals" (see below) but an expanded version  will be used for the "Initial LOFAR Regular Observing Proposal Call".

This version is now open to prospective users to familiarize themselves with the tool.

A short "Walk Though" manual of NorthStar [PDF file].

Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions for the use of NorthStar during the "Call for Proposals"

Proposers will be able to use the online  "LOFAR Data Volume Calculator" 

Further questions can be addressed to the Radio Observatory Science Support Group: sciencesupport_AT_astron.nl

Past and planned Proposal Calls

Initial LOFAR Reserved Access Proposal Call

Submission deadline passed on Monday March 05, at 12 UT. 

Applications were sought from parties that wish to obtain reserved LOFAR access shares from one or more of the LOFAR national consortia (GLOW, FLOW, NLLAC, LOFAR-Sweden, and LOFAR-UK), to carry out long-term, large-scale, astrophysically and observationally cohesive programmes, including in particular the well-established LOFAR Key Science Projects.

The available ‘must-sponsor’ reserved access shares available for the first  semester will be mostly or fully committed in response to the present call, but selection and scheduling of specific initial observations within the scope of the larger reserved access projects, as well as selection of some additional observations, will be based on subsequently submitted Regular Observing proposals.

Please read the  Reserved Access Proposal detailed instructions. (also here as PDF file & R.Vermulen's LSM presentation of 25/Jan/2012)

Initial LOFAR Regular Observing Proposal Call

Call will be issued in late Spring 2012; submission deadline projected ~8 weeks later

Submissions exclusively via the "NorthStar for LOFAR" online tool

Selection and scheduling of specific initial observations within the scope of the larger Reserved Access projects, as well as selection of some additional observations, will be based on subsequently submitted Regular Observing proposals. Details on the allocation mechanism are available onine.

Open Skies opportunities will also be offered in the initial operating semester: these projects will be selected as part of the follow-up call for Regular Observing proposals.

The Regular Observing proposal call is expected to be released in spring 2012, subject to completion of the planned LOFAR version 1 functionality.

Expert participation in commissioning activities

Commissioning issues and associated observations are at present being defined through the TAG and prioritized by the LCCG and the ILT Director. Requests for input and participation are expected to be issued roughly on a quarterly basis.

Further material

•  Reserved Access Proposals detailed instructions (here as PDF file)
•  LOFAR Observing Capabilities

This section will continue to be updated until 4 weeks before the deadline for regular observations  with more data on actual performance.

•  "NorthStar for LOFAR" proposal submission tool 

This tool is open since February 1st.  Functionality for the  "Initial LOFAR Regular Observing Proposal Call" was added in May 2012.