For several years the National Science Foundation has provided funding, administered by NOAO, to support travel to large or unique foreign optical telescopes. The telescopes normally covered by this policy include:
Anglo-Australian Telescope (Australia)
European Southern Observatory (Chile)
Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (Hawaii)
United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (Hawaii)
Las Campanas 2.5-m Telescope (Chile)
La Palma Observatory (Spain)
Special Astrophysical Observatory (Russia)
The proposal for foreign telescope time should be initiated by the PI, who must be a US-based astronomer. Generally, the foreign observatory should not require a local collaborator as a condition for telescope time, and the presence of the US-based PI should be essential for the successful pursuit of the research program. Reimbursement under this program is not available to staff employed at national observatories.
Reimbursement covers round-trip airfare only. Subsistence and incidental expenses are not covered. Normally only one trip per fiscal year per investigator can be supported (our fiscal year begins 1 October).
To apply, send a letter requesting support and explaining why your presence is essential, together with a copy of your proposal and a copy of the letter or observing schedule that indicates you have been granted observing time on one of the above telescopes to:
David De Young
National Optical Astronomy Observatories
PO Box 26732
Tucson, AZ 85726-6732
Applications should be received at least one month before travel commences. Travel must be on a US carrier if available.
Sidney Wolff