Palomar @ JPL/IPAC
This is an informational website for the Palomar Observatory enthusiasts at JPL and IPAC. It is a one stop site with Palomar related activities in the Pasadena area, proposal calls, deadlines, shortcuts to important Palomar Observatory links, and news.
News!
Solicitation for Palomar 200-inch telescope observing time proposals in Semester 2026B (01 August 2026 through 31 January 2027) is closed.
The JPL-Palomar 2026B Proposal Deadline was Monday, April 13, 2026 at 4 PM PDT.
The 2026B solicitation may be found at:
Proposal Call
The semi-annual call for telescope time proposals is issued by various Palomar constituencies. For the JPL-Palomar call and proposal instructions:
For scheduling constraints (e.g. occultations, transits, ...) check the Date-Specific box on the proposal cover sheet, and include the Date-Specific supplement in your proposal as an addendum to the cover sheet:
Date-Specific Work Sheet (2026B)
You must prepare your Caltech coversheet and save it in PDF format:
Ready to submit your Palomar observing proposal for the 200-inch telescope? Upload both your Caltech coversheet and your proposal in PDF format at:
Tools
For a list of instruments and their specifications, sensitivities, and observing cookbooks, please consult the documentation.
For recent Talks on 5-m Science and Instruments:
For information regarding the PALM-3000 adaptive optics instrument.
For observing/astronomer support questions contact the Palomar support team.
Info for Observer
Restrictions on Observatory access have been lifted:
The Lead Observer (LO) identified for each P200 night is the single contact point for all scheduling and logistical matters associated with the observing run.
New Observer? Request an account. Once approved, you will receive an email to activate your account and set a password.
Lodging at the Palomar Monastery must be booked in advance.
A summary checklist and 'Frequently Asked Questions' for P200 observers.
Checklist & Frequent Questions
For information to support observers to propose, plan, conduct, and analyze their Palomar observations:
Most P200/Hale Telescope instruments may be used in remote observing mode, both from home and from Cahill. For additional information, see P200 Observer Information.
To submit your remote observing request (one-month in advance):
JPL Engineering Time
A limited number of JPL engineering nights can be made available to JPL scientists each semester. No more than two nights will be awarded to any PI (or team). This time can be used to test new instruments or observing techniques on the Hale Telescope, but requires the agreement of the Observatory Director. If you wish to apply for engineering time or for any other questions, please contact Eric Mamajek (eric.mamajek@jpl.nasa.gov) and Jason Rhodes (jason.d.rhodes@jpl.nasa.gov) at least one week prior to the proposal deadline.