Photo – Page 3 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

The Milky Way Galaxy Blankets the ALMA Operations Support Facility

It takes a village to run the most sophisticated radio observatory in the world. Sitting at 3000 meters, the ALMA Operations Support Facility (OSF) contains everything from housing and food services to generators and potable water supply – anything that’s needed to support the hundreds of people that live and work at the site.

Green ALMA Telescopes with the Milky Way

Individual antennas in the ALMA array appear green to show, thanks to lights that signal observing is taking place. The Milky Way glows overhead the Chajnantor plateau of the Chilean Andes.

ALMA with Large Magellanic Cloud Meteor

A meteor tries to steal the focus from the highly visible Large Magellanic Cloud, which is primarily visible to just the Southern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, one of ALMA’s 66 antennas focuses its attention elsewhere in the Universe.

ALMA Telescope Workers Suit Up!

While the Chajnantor plateau of the Chilean Andes is incredibly beautiful and clear, at an elevation of 5,000 meters, the environment can also be very harsh. There are restrictions in place to protect workers from the often cold and windy conditions. The temperature on this particular night was well below 0° F. The orange suits provide a durable layer of warmth and protection as well as increase worker visibility in dusty and dark conditions.

West Arm of the VLA

Photo taken by Jeff Hellerman as part of an astrophotography project with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Very Large Array (VLA).

VLA with Visible Andromeda Galaxy

Photo taken by Bettymaya Foott as part of an astrophotography project with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Very Large Array (VLA).

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.