NSF NRAO Very Large Array to Host Fall Open House October 11

Credit: NSF/AUI/NSF NRAO

The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) invites the public to the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array (NSF VLA) for its annual Fall Open House on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event offers a rare chance to explore one of the world’s most iconic astronomical observatories through guided tours, talks by experts, hands-on learning activities, and more. 

Advance entry tickets are required and can be reserved here: https://nraoepo.ticketapp.org/portal/product/35.

Visitors will enjoy guided tours from NRAO scientists and engineers, offered every half hour between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Educational activities include crowd favorites from past years along with new experiences such as a gravity well demonstration and a scavenger hunt for special open house stickers—available only to those who complete the challenge. Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to learn about radio astronomy directly from the people building and operating the VLA and its next-generation projects.

In addition to tours, guests can attend science talks held throughout the day in the VLA Visitor Center auditorium:

  • Tony Beasley, NRAO Director (10:00 a.m.) – The Next Generation Very Large Array
  • Joe McMullin, Assistant Director, New Mexico Operations (11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.) – “Radio Astronomy in New Mexico.”
  • Jill Malusky, Sr. News and Public Information Manager  (12:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.) – “The VLA and NRAO On the Big (And Little) Screens,” exploring how the observatory has been portrayed in film, television, and media worldwide.

Several food trucks will be on-site throughout the day:

Portable restrooms will also be available on-site for visitor convenience.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM (off U.S. Route 60)
  • Cost: Free admission with advance ticket reservation

 

For full details and tickets, please visit: https://nraoepo.ticketapp.org/portal/product/35.

**Please note: Government shutdown will not impact the Open House or NRAO operations

 

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