help

Very Large Array Visitor Statistics

-- | March 20, 2015

Question: I am currently working on a research project about dark skies for one of my master classes. I would really appreciate some of your time in getting information about the VLA. Does the VLA keep track of the number of visitors each year? Are they separated by paid tour and self guided? If so is it possible to get this information for the last 5 years? — Weylin

Answer: From my colleagues at the Very Large Array in Socorro, New Mexico, I gathered the following information. We have collected visitor data only dating back to 2003. Before 2003 all we have are visitor registry sheets which were simply available to visitors at our unstaffed (at that time) Visitor Center. The average yearly visitation is between 15,000 to 20,000 people. The price of gas, and the state of the economy greatly impact visitation most likely because people tend to limit travel during those times.

Regarding admission charges, NRAO started charging admission for visiting the VLA site on March 1, 2015. If there happens to be a tour scheduled (currently on the First Saturday and every Sunday) the admission charge is the same. Educational groups that schedule a guided tour though the NRAO do not pay admission. NRAO conducts two Open House events each year, on the first Saturday in April and October, where admission is free. For further information on visits to the VLA site see NRAO’s Visit VLA website.

Jeff Mangum

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. 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 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress 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.