NASA-Keck call for proposals for 2026B semester

The Call for Proposals for NASA time at the W. M. Keck Observatory in observing semester 2026B (1 August 2026 to 31 January 2027) is now open. The opportunity to propose as a Principal Investigator (PI) for NASA time on the Keck Telescopes is available to all U.S.-based astronomers (i.e., those whose principal affiliation is at a U.S. institution).

Key dates: 12 February 2026 — Call released. 25 February 2026 — Key Strategic Mission Support (KSMS) Notices of Intent due by 4 p.m. Pacific (7 p.m. Eastern) and requests for letters of endorsement for Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) proposals due at NASA HQ. 12 March 2026 — all NASA-Keck proposals due by 4 p.m. Pacific (7 p.m. Eastern). 1 June 2026 — notification of NASA-Keck TAC results. 1 August 2026 — start of the 2026B observing semester.

Please read the 2026B Semester Notes and Considerations for Keck and Subaru Instruments, and note especially the updates on KPF and SCALES.

United States

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