Applying For Time

Application Process

There are two avenues available to apply for observing time at the MMTO. If you or your collaborator work for one of the University of Arizona Observatories (UAO) or the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), you must apply through your own telescope Time Allocation Committee (TAC). Please follow the links below.

NOTE: No new time for community access proposals will be offered for non-affiliated astronomers. 

Use of PI instruments

If you wish to propose to use a PI instrument you must contact the Principal Investigator to obtain a letter of approval, consent and support which should be submitted with your proposal. Hectospec, Hectochelle, Blue Channel, MMIRS, and Binospec are not considered PI instruments for SAO and UAO observers. 

Proposal Timelines

For both UAO and SAO, each year is split into semesters with proposals accepted approximately three months before the semester begins (see the links above for the actual deadline dates). Semester dates are:

Approximate summer shutdown dates are July 15 – August 15. The MMTO is closed on December 24.