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

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Activities

🎤 Special Talks (in the Cafeteria)

Talks are still being finalized, but topics are likely to include the next generation Very Large Array, National Radio Astronomy Observatory highlights from 2025, and more!

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

Very Large Array &#8211; Open House, Spring 2026

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.