Episode 118: Star-studded submissions

About this episode

Cormac and Cole discuss the process of submitting proposals for astronomical datasets and share their experiences with obtaining telescope time.

In this episode, as we (at the time of recording) approach Astronomy’s (JWST) awards season, Cormac and Cole shed some light on just how ideas become astronomical datasets. Our two putative principal investigators discuss why grad students should consider applying for telescope time, the main components and categories of proposals, and how successful proposals are finally selected and scheduled. We conclude with our most memorable moments from our own efforts to get time on facilities like JWST, Roman and Gemini. SPHEREx Data Tools:https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu/applications/spherex/

People in this episode

Hosts: Cormac, Cole

Topics covered

• astronomy
• telescope proposals
• data collection
• graduate students
• JWST awards
• research facilities

Keywords

• astronomy
• JWST
• telescope time
• proposals
• graduate students
• data tools
• research

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: JWST, Roman, Gemini, SPHEREx, IRSA

Places: Caltech

More episodes of astro[sound]bites

• Episode 121: No Country for Old Material · May 24, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 120: Old Galaxies, New Problems · May 11, 2026 · 45 min
• Episode 119: Gravitational Vibes · April 4, 2026 · 16 min
• Episode 117: A Field Day · March 2, 2026 · 51 min
• Episode 116: Love’s Gonna Get you killed, but Tide’s gonna be the death of you · February 7, 2026 · 56 min
• Episode 115: Star Wrapped Holiday Special · December 20, 2025 · 36 min