National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO

@thenrao

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation. #RadioAstronomy 📡 VLA, ALMA, VLBA, GBT, ngVLA 🔗 public.nrao.edu

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National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· 4d

Radio #ImageoftheWeek 📡 In 2012, astronomers using the NSF Very Large Array to study a small patch of sky in the constellation Draco. In that region, pictured here - which is only about one-millionth of the whole sky! - they identified 2,000 discrete radio-emitting objects.

Many orange dots against a black background, representing about 2,000 discrete objects identified by the VLA.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· 5d

If you’re curious, you can find the full 72-page document - and lots of other interesting historical items! - in the NRAO/AUI Archives: www.nrao.edu/archives/ite... 🗓️ Countdown: 103 days til NRAO’s 70th anniversary! #NRAOat70 #NRAO70years

Black text on white background that says: Planning document for the establishment and operation of a radio astronomy observatory. Prepared for the National Science Foundation by Associated Universities, Inc. New York, New York. 1956. This is a general report on work done under NSF Grants 1415 and 2035. Additional reports on specific problems will be prepared as the study proceeds.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· 5d

Getting a little nostalgic looking back at old documents 🥹 Did you know that NSF NRAO is celebrating its 70th Anniversary later this year? In August 1956, Associated Universities Inc. prepared this “Plan for a Radio Astronomy Observatory” for the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Black text on blue background that says: Plan for a radio astronomy observatory. Prepared for the National Science Foundation. 1956. Associated Universities, Inc. New York, New York.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· 6d

The NSF NRAO and the North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC) are #hiring! We currently have job openings in Charlottesville, VA for: ➡️ NAASC Scientists (3 positions available) ➡️ ALMA2040 Project Director (Astronomer) Apply to join our team: https://bit.ly/4bs6VN5 #ALMA #NAASC #NRAO

Background: Photo of an ALMA telescope against a dark, starry sky. Logos of NSF, AUI, NRAO, and ALMA are included. Text: We are hiring. NAASC Scientists (3 positions). ALMA 2040 Project Director.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· 11d

As is tradition, Fire and EMS performed a push-in ceremony and a “wet down” ritual, anointing the new truck with water.

VLA Fire and EMS staff performing a "push in" ceremony with the new fire truck.

VLA Fire and EMS staff doing a "wet down," anointing the new fire truck with water.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· 11d

A hot new bombshell has entered the villa 🚒 The NSF Very Large Array recently acquired a new fire truck. Brush trucks like this one are designed specifically for combating wildfires in rough terrain, with four-wheel drive and built-in water tanks - perfect for the VLA site.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· 12d

The NSF NRAO Education team has been busy in Virginia lately, talking to Boys & Girls Club students about astronomy basics. Thanks for having us! We love seeing the next generation get excited about science! Want to bring the NRAO team to your school? ➡️ https://public.nrao.edu/outreach/

Group of children sitting on the floor, with some raising their hands, listening to two people talking at the front of the room. On the tv screen is a photo of the Next Generation Very Large Array prototype antenna.

Group of children sitting on the floor, listening to two people presenting at the front of the room. On the tv screen is a photo of a Very Large Array antenna and a question asking about the definition of astronomy.

Group of children sitting on a colorful floor, listening to two people presenting at the front of the room. On the tv screen is a photo of a celestial object.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· 29d

NAASC Call for Conference & Workshop Support Now Open The North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC) invites members of the North American scientific community to apply for funding in support of conferences and workshops - details below ⤵️ 🔗 https://bit.ly/4bnpsde 📸 Credit: Pablo Carillo

Two ALMA radio telescopes at sunset under a purple and yellow-orange sky.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jul 10

In honor of #ALMAObservatory reaching 5,000 scientific publications (‼️), this week’s #RadioImageoftheWeek is ALMA’s first image! Composite image of the merging cores of the Antennae Galaxies: 🩷🤍 Optical (white and pink) 💙 Radio (blue) 🧡💛 Millimeter/submillimeter (orange and gold) #RadioAstronomy

Composite image of the merging cores of the Antennae Galaxies, showing swirls of blue, orange, yellow, pink, and white against a dark background.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jul 3

🎵Baby, you’re a firework!🎆 #RadioImageoftheWeek Composite image of the Orion Molecular Cloud 1 (OMC-1), a dense + active star factory about 1,500 light-years from Earth. Roughly 500 years ago ... ⤵️ (1/3) 📸 Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), J. Bally; B. Saxton (NRAO/AUI/NSF); Gemini Observatory/AURA

Composite image of the Orion Molecular Cloud 1, as captured by ALMA and Gemini Observatory. Streaks of bright colors erupt from the center, resembling fireworks.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jul 2

The NSF Very Large Array in New Mexico is open daily for visitors to explore - but did you know that we also offer free guided tours on the weekends? Guided tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday. Info + Admission: http://VisitVLA.com 📸 Credit: NSF/AUI/NSF NRAO #RadioAstronomy #NewMexico

A large white radio telescope on an open desert landscape at the Very Large Array. A group of people are gathering near the dish, while two individuals - one walking and one on a motorized scooter - approach in the foreground.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jun 29

The NSF NRAO invites scientists to participate in the Semester 2027A Call for Proposals: Very Large Array (VLA) Green Bank Telescope (GBT) Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) High Sensitivity Array (HSA) Global mm VLBI Array (GMVA) 🚨 Deadline: 29 July 2026 🚨 🔗 https://bit.ly/4eG3hQe

Graphic displaying images of radio telescopes across the bottom, including the Very Large Array, a VLBA antenna, and the Green Bank Telescope. Text says: Semester 2027A NSF NRAO Call for Proposals. Deadline 29 July 2026.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jun 25

The NSF NRAO is #hiring! We currently have job openings for: ➡️ Assistant Scientist, ngVLA (📍Charlottesville, VA) ➡️ Electronics Engineer III (📍Albuquerque, NM) ➡️ FPGA System Architect, Central Development Lab (📍Charlottesville, VA) Apply: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/aui/CANDIDATEPORTAL

Background: Composite image of the Antennae Galaxies, using ALMA and Hubble data. Logos of NSF, AUI, and NRAO are included. Text: We are hiring. Assistant Scientist, ngVLA. Electronics Engineer 3. FFGA System Architect, CDL.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jun 18

CosmicAI Virtual Winter School applications now open! @nsfsimonscosmicai.bsky.social 🚨 Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2026, 11:59 PM ET 🗓️ Program Dates: December 14-23, 2026 (5 hours/weekday) 🔗 public.nrao.edu/cosmic-ai/ Winter School application - under "Opportunities at NRAO."

Promotional graphic for CosmicAI Virtual Winter School. Background: starry dark blue sky. Text: Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Program Dates: December 14-23, 2026, 5 hours each weekday. Logos at the bottom include the Artificial Intelligence Institute for Cosmic Origins, Simons Foundation, NSF, and National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jun 16

Are you at #AAS248 in Pasadena? Come say hi to us in the Exhibit Hall - Booth 100! 👋📡 More NSF NRAO science results to be unveiled today at press conferences ... stay tuned! @aas.org @press.aas.org

Exhibit booth at AAS 248 featuring displays for the NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The booth includes large banners with NRAO branding and images of the Green Bank Telescope and ALMA telescopes. There are also promotional materials, a sofa set, and a monitor displaying images.

NRAO's exhibit booth at AAS 248 featuring Brian Kent (Director of Science Communications) talking to a conference attendee. Behind the booth is a large banner featuring the ngVLA (Next Generation Very Large Array).

NRAO's exhibit booth at AAS 248 featuring a group of conference attendees and GBO employees at the Green Bank Observatory table. Behind the booth is a large banner featuring the Green Bank Telescope.

NRAO's exhibit booth at AAS 248 featuring Brian Kent (Director of Science Communications) talking to a group of conference attendees. Behind them is a monitor screen featuring astronomical images, as well as promotional NRAO banners.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jun 12

New scientific research soon to be unveiled! 👀⏳🤫 From TDEs and turbulent galactic centers to Europa + Io, new observations with #ALMA, the NSF #VLA, and the NSF #GBT radar will be presented next week at @aas.org #AAS248. Will we see you in Pasadena? https://public.nrao.edu/news/aas-248/

Graphic with three photos of radio telescopes: ALMA, the Very Large Array, and the Green Bank Telescope. Text says: NSF NRAO at 248th American Astronomical Society (AAS) Meeting, Science Featured in 6 Press Releases. Logos for the NSF, AUI, NRAO, and AAS are included.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jun 9

The NSF NRAO's Central Development Laboratory (CDL) is at the International Microwave Symposium (IEEE-IMS) in Boston this week! #IMS2026 Stop by Exhibit 23010 for some great conference giveaways and to learn about career opportunities / technology developed for #RadioAstronomy and #RF applications.

NRAO's exhibit booth at the International Microwave Symposium. A monitor says "Central Development Laboratory" on the screen. A large banner behind the table displays the ngVLA prototype radio antenna and a second, smaller banner on the right displays CDL photos. The table, covered in a blue tablecloth, has baskets and brochures on it.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jun 5

#RadioImageoftheWeek In the 1970s, the NSF Very Large Array was still under construction. In this aerial photo, a completed 25-meter antenna is being tested on the Master Pad and a headless antenna awaits a dish inside the Antenna Assembly Building, aka "the Barn." 📸 Credit: NSF/AUI/NSF NRAO

Black and white aerial photo of the Very Large Array site. On the left, a completed 25-meter antenna is being tested on the Master Pad. On the right, headless antenna awaits a dish inside the Antenna Assembly Building, also referred to as "the Barn."

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Jun 2

What are we looking at? 📡 Check out NRAO's Mission Control to see what's being observed by the Very Large Array, Green Bank Telescope, and ALMA in real time: https://public.nrao.edu/explore/mission-control/ * Current VLA Observation: The Seasons of Ice Giant Planets * #RadioAstro #Astronomy #VLA

Map displaying labeled constellations. Blue, red, and green circles, squares, and triangles highlight specific areas across the map where the Very Large Array, ALMA, and Green Bank Telescope are currently / previously observing.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· May 28

The NSF Very Large Array in New Mexico is open daily for visitors to explore - but did you know that we also offer free guided tours on the weekends? Guided tours are offered every Saturday (at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM) and every Sunday (as needed). public.nrao.edu/events/ 📸 Credit: NSF/AUI/NSF NRAO

An array of large white radio telescope dishes on a vast, open desert landscape. The dishes are part of the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico. In the background, distant mountains are visible on the horizon below a clear blue sky.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· May 22

Photos from our Astrophotography Workshop on 4/18/2026. The ngVLA prototype looks pretty ✨stellar✨ under all those stars! 📸 1: Alin Sosnovici 📸 2: Vlad Rebek 📸 3: Scott Broadwell 📸 4: Lilla Hangay

Astrophotography image of the ngVLA prototype, a large radio astronomy telescope, under a starry night sky. There is a faint glow on the horizon and a few streaks of light in the sky.

Astrophotography image of the ngVLA prototype, a large radio astronomy telescope, under a starry night sky. The telescope dish is lit with a multicolor glow.

Astrophotography image of the ngVLA prototype, a large radio astronomy telescope, under a starry night sky. The telescope is on the right side of the image, while red lights and structures are on the left.

Astrophotography image of the ngVLA prototype, a large radio astronomy telescope, under a starry night sky. The telescope is lit with a red glow and a few streak of light crosses the sky.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· May 18

AUI/NRAO announces a Request for Information – High Resolution Subarray antennas. If your company is interested in this opportunity, please see the posting at: https://info.nrao.edu/oas/cap/open-rfps/. Responses are due no later than 2:00 pm EST on 29 May 2026.

Blue background with a rendering of an ngVLA radio telescope prototype at the top. Text: AUI / NRAO announce a Request for Information – High Resolution Subarray antennas. Deadline May 29, 2026.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· May 12

NSF NRAO Announces 2026 Jansky Fellows Congratulations to Jacob Turner, Ryan Boyden, and Alexander (Sasha) Plavin, 2026 Jansky Fellows! https://public.nrao.edu/news/2026-jansky-fellows/

Yellow text against a blue background reads, "NSF NRAO announced 2026 Jansky Fellows." A collage of three images is included. The top image shows a person in a blue plaid shirt and red hard hat, with one of Green Bank's radio telescopes in the background. The left photo features a person with glasses and a beard in a green plaid shirt. The right photo shows a person with long curly hair and a red t-shirt.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· May 6

See those pixels? There are 4 people in them. Yes - that's the crewed Orion spacecraft from NASA's Artemis II mission, as tracked by the NSF Green Bank Telescope throughout its historic journey around the Moon! 🚀🌕 🔗 https://bit.ly/4noi9a3 #ArtemisII #Artemis2 #Astronomy #GreenBankTelescope #GBT

Background: Green Bank Telescope at night, with a Range-Doppler plot overlaid. The pixels in the data represent the Orion spacecraft, as seen by the GBT in radar. Text: There are 4 people in those pixels. NSF Green Bank Observatory shared images, data from Artemis 2 mission.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· May 4

A long time ago (right now) in a galaxy far, far away (the Very Large Array gift shop) ... #MayTheFourth be with you, astronomy fans! ✨ Who else is repping their VLA shirt today?

Photo of a black t-shirt featuring a sci-fi-inspired design in yellow. The top reads "Very Large Array" above an image of two radio telescopes pointed towards a starry sky and moon. Below, it says "May the Signals Be With You."

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Apr 30

Support the Very Large Array (VLA) by joining our Membership Program! Inspire the next generation of scientists by supporting K-12 #STEM education initiatives like field trips - for as low as $25/year! Join today: https://public.nrao.edu/join #Astronomy #RadioAstronomy #AstroEdu

Promotional image for VLA Membership Program. Background image: Very Large Array radio telescopes against a scenic landscape with bright sunlight. Text: Join Today! public.nrao.edu/join

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Apr 22

AUI/NRAO announce a new Sources Sought Notice for “Commercial and Institutional Building Construction IDIQ TOC.” If your company is interested in this opportunity, please see the posting at: https://info.nrao.edu/oas/cap/open-rfps/. Responses are due no later than 2:00 pm EST on May 4, 2026.

Blue background with a photo of the Very Large Array telescopes in a line across the top. Text: AUI / NRAO announce a new Sources Sought Notice for “Commercial and Institutional Building Construction IDIQ TOC.” Deadline May 4, 2026.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Apr 16

The Very Large Array Spring Open House is almost here! Don't forget to get your (free!) tickets before arriving: https://nraoepo.ticketapp.org/portal/product/36 🗓️ Saturday, April 18 ⏰ 9 AM - 4 PM 📍 NRAO Very Large Array - Magdalena, NM Guided tours, talks, hands-on learning activities, and more!

Group of people standing near a large radio telescope at the Very Large Array. The landscape is flat and open, with grasses and distant mountains under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Apr 14

Listen to Associated Universities' latest podcast episode now! 🎙️🎧 Anica Miller-Rushing, STEM Education Research, discusses expanding opportunities for astronomy educators + barriers to collaboration. YouTube: https://bit.ly/3O15ufW Spotify: https://bit.ly/4bM2RXg Podbean: https://bit.ly/487uyZo

National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NSF NRAO@thenrao· Apr 9

Congratulations to Joe Pesce—newly appointed Assistant Director of the NSF NRAO's North American ALMA Science Center (NAASC)—on being named a 2026 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). #Astronomy #RadioAstronomy