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Very Large Array – Open House, Spring 2026

Name: Very Large Array – Open House, Spring 2026
Start: 2026-04-18T09:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-04-18T16:00:00-06:00
Location: The Very Large Array

April 18 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm MDT

Free

this image is purely decorative, it features a velociraptor encouraging you to visit the VLA Open House.

Explore the Universe at the Very Large Array!
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Very Large Array, New Mexico (50 miles west of Socorro, NM)

Join us for a free day of tours, talks, and hands-on activities at the world-famous Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA)! Meet the scientists and engineers behind groundbreaking discoveries, enjoy family-friendly fun, and learn more about the mysteries of our universe.

🌟 Guided Tours

Led by NRAO scientists and engineers, tours will depart every half hour from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

🍴 Food Trucks On-Site for Lunch

Red Wagon Coffee Co – https://www.facebook.com/RedWagonCoffeeCompany/

Marts Mexican and More – https://www.facebook.com/MartsMexicanandMore/

Sancho’s Hot Rod Kitchen – https://www.facebook.com/people/Sanchos-hot-rod-kitchen/61586282415047/

Educational Activities

UltraViolet Bracelets!

DIY Kaelediscope!

Straw Rockets!

Make Your Own Button of Famous Radio Sources!

Guest Talks

1000 – The Next Generation Very Large Array

1100 – Joe McMullin, Assistant Director, New Mexico Operations – “Radio Astronomy in New Mexico.”

1200 – Jill Malusky, News & Public Information Manager – ‘The Very Large Co‑Star: NRAO Telescopes on Screen”

1300 – Dana Dunbar, ngVLA Antenna Lead, – The Next Generation Very Large Array

1400 – Joe McMullin, Assistant Director, New Mexico Operations – “Radio Astronomy in New Mexico.”

1500 – Jill Malusky, News & Public Information Manager – ‘The Very Large Co‑Star: NRAO Telescopes on Screen”

Admission

This event is free and open to the public, but advance tickets are required to manage parking.

VLA members can purchase tickets now, and tickets will be available to the general public starting February 15.
👉 [Reserve your free tickets here]

Interested in becoming a VLA member? Click here to join the membership program.

Details

Date: April 18
Time:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm MDT
Cost: Free
Event Categories: New Mexico, STEAM
Website: https://nraoepo.ticketapp.org/portal/product/36

Organizer

STEAM Ed
Email VisitVLA@nrao.edu

Venue

The Very Large Array
The Very Large Array NM 87825 United States + Google Map
View Venue Website

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.