How would a professional astronomer get viewing time at a local observatory?

Answer 1

Observatories with telescopes and facilities intended for professional use typically accept research proposals and allocate observing time each semester, with proposals due some months before the start of the semester. A professional astronomer, having devised a research project, would typically consider multiple observatory sites, telescopes and instruments, and send a proposal to the best two or three options. The proposal would describe the planned research, the rationale for using a particular telescope and instrument for that research, and the nature of the viewing time needed - number of nights, sky conditions, phase of the moon, and so on. In support of the proposal, the astronomer would include lists of collaborators (especially famous ones), observing time previously granted on the telescope, and recent publications. Some observatories provide funding to support operations for grants of observing time; in other cases, the astronomer may also need to apply for grants from a national research council or other funding body.