National Radio Astronomy Observatory

RADIO ASTRONOMY IS:

Revealing the Invisible Universe

Radio astronomy is the study of celestial objects that give off radio waves. With radio astronomy, we study astronomical phenomena that can be invisible.

Learn more about radio astronomy!

RADIO ASTRONOMY IS:

In the News!

Our cutting-edge telescopes are used to make new discoveries every day.

Find the latest discoveries here.

RADIO ASTRONOMY IS:

Exploration

Interactively learn about our Universe, our telescopes, and the people who make it all possible.

Start Exploring Now!

Radio Astronomy in the News

Radio “Eyes” Unlocking Secrets of Neutron-Star Collision

October 16, 2017 | News Release

The VLA made the first detection of radio waves coming from the neutron-star collision that generated a ripple of gravitational waves. Radio telescopes will continue to reveal new facts about this phenomenon in the coming months.

Canadian Data Center Will Augment VLASS Science

October 13, 2017 | Announcement

Astronomers from a Canadian consortium will develop a data center to perform advanced processing of VLA Sky Survey data to augment its scientific value.

VLBA Measurement Promises Complete Picture of Milky Way

October 9, 2017 | News Release

A new record for directly measuring distances within our home Galaxy gives astronomers the ability to finally produce an accurate map of the whole extent of the Milky Way.

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NRAO Telescopes

Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in the Atacama Desert, Chile, is the most complex observatory ever built.

Very Large Array

The VLA is the most advanced radio telescope array on Earth, a customizable interferometer that spans up to 22 miles across.

Learn About All NRAO's Telescopes

Image of the Week:

Formalhaut Disk

The narrow dust ring around the bright star Fomalhaut. Peach at top is the ALMA image, and the blue at bottom is Hubble Space Telescope image. The star is at the location of the bright gold emission at the center of the ring.

Special Features

Cosmic Coloring Compositor

Color different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum using multiwavelength images from space. Create your own background for your favorite device.

Milky Way Explorer

Check out our Milky Way Explorer, a guided trip through our spiral Galaxy and its neighborhood. You choose where to explore, and a radio astronomer talks to you about each stop.

Role Models

Hear from folks who work at NRAO about the many paths we've taken to get here. You don’t have to be a scientist or engineer to be part of our exciting mission!

See All Special Features

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progess of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.