The LWA is open for astronomical observations across its three stations. The LWA operates similar to a "single-dish" radio telescope at each station, but also has all-sky modes. Invitations for proposals are issued regularly. For questions regarding LWA capabilities, please email lwa@unm.edu.
All three LWA stations are undergoing upgrades in 2025–2026:
All prospective observers should read the LWA Technical and Observational Information document. This document is updated regularly.
The Expanded LWA (eLWA) combines the LWA stations with antennas from the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) to form a long-baseline interferometer operating at low frequencies. eLWA observations are proposed and scheduled through NRAO as part of the VLA, not through the LWA. For details on eLWA capabilities and how to propose, see the eLWA section of the VLA Observational Status Summary .
The spectrum at frequencies below 100 MHz is contaminated by Radio Frequency Interference that could impact your observations. See Obenberger & Dowell (2011), LWA Memo 183. Keep in mind that the RFI environment below 30 MHz is substantially better at night than during daytime. For a current view of the RFI environment, see the health check and Orville spectra on the OpScreen pages.