Photo – Page 12 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

On-the-Spot Assessment to Improve Scientist Engagement with the Public

Our advisors and team members who participated in the collaborative “On the Spot Assessment” Program, funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The program’s aim is to advance new approaches in the design and development of STEM learning in informal environments.

Grote Reber, Attu Alaska Solar Eclipse Expedition

While at National Bureau of Standards, Grote Reber participated in Naval Research Laboratories solar eclipse expedition to Attu, Alaska, August-September 1950. The weather was terrible but, because they were making radio observations, Reber was able to write in a 5 November 1950 letter to Dutch radio astronomer Jan Oort, “This was probably the first total eclipse which was successfully observed during a torrential downpour of rain in a gale!”

Happy New Year 2019!

Moonset over the Very Large Array in New Mexico. NRAO/AUI/NSF Jeff Hellerman

Sunrise at the VLA

Sunrise breaks over the Plains of San Agustin, New Mexico.

Brett McGuire Wins 2019 LAD Early Career Award

The Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) has named Dr. Brett McGuire of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) the recipient of its 2019 Early Career Award. Given to an individual who has made important contributions to laboratory astrophysics within 10 years of receiving their PhD, the award recognizes McGuire for significant laboratory and observational advancements in our knowledge of the inventory and evolution of complex molecules in the interstellar medium.

Trio of ALMA Antennas

Three of the first ALMA antennas to be moved to the Array Operations Site (AOS). Getting multiple antennas to the AOS was integral to testing the array’s interferometric capabilities. The two antennas on either end of the image are North American antennas, while the center antenna is the Japanese design.

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.