Information for Observers

If you have been awarded observing time on Subaru Telescope, you are required to read and obey the following information and rules.

Limitations on Night Supports
Night supports by the telescope operation group is limited to the on-call off-site support by 9 pm due to increasing demand for maintenance work for the aging telescope and dome. On-site troubleshooting will be conducted the next day or later. Generally, night supports by other than night operators and support astronomers will be done on a best-effort basis after 12 am.
About Requiring Short Engineering Time
Subaru Telescope may request to use a part of observing time (1–2 hrs) for engineering purposes to verify the functions and performance of the telescope and instruments. This is because due to limited telescope time it is difficult to allocate sufficient engineering time in the telescope schedule. We appreciate your cooperation.
Procedure of Observations
See the procedure in English or Japanese.
This describes the information to be provided for your Subaru Open Use observations.
Remote Observations
At the moment, summit observation is only allowed for domestic proposals in which a student is the PI. (See document, in Japanese)
Japanese observers: Remote from Mitaka HQ
Foreign observers: Remote from Hilo Base Facility
Observations can be performed via GERS and Zoom. See procedures in English, Japanese, and the Zoom Connection Policy.
Travel Support Policy
Due to the severely tight budget, NAOJ's support of travel expenses is limited to Mitaka remote observation. Up to three researchers who are affiliated with Japanese institutes will be supported for each observing run.
Visiting Procedure
See visiting procedures in English or Japanese.
Safety Advisory
The summit of Mauna Kea is a hazardous environment. Read the safety advisory in English or Japanese.
Open Use Observations Policy
Subaru Telescope has policies on telescope operations and deviation from proposed observations.
See English or Japanese.
Target of Opportunity (ToO) Observations Procedure
See procedures in English or Japanese.
Observation Compensation and Dome Operation Policies
Rules for compensation and dome operation are available in English.
Filling Open Use report form
See Instructions (PDF).
Submit at Electronic report form.
How to get the observed data
See this PDF.

We are very keen for visitors to share their work with the scientific staff of Subaru Telescope via our Subaru seminars. Please contact sseminar_at_subaru.naoj.org if you are interested.

May 08, 2025