Photo – Page 76 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

The VLA at Sunset

The silhouettes of the Y-shaped Very Large Array working hard against a gorgeous sunset in central New Mexico.

VLA Lone Antenna Near Sunset

Clouds thicken in the east as the Sun sets over the Very Large Array in central New Mexico.

VLA from the Air

An aerial shot looking down toward the center of the Very Large Array in New Mexico.

No other radio telescope on Earth has the power and versatility of the Very Large Array in New Mexico. All 27 antennas of the array work in unison to collect radio waves streaming across space from a myriad of fascinating objects that are invisible to other kinds of telescopes.

The VLA Wye in D Configuration

Looking down the north arm of the Y-shaped Very Large Array in New Mexico.

The Backs of the VLA Dishes

The Very Large Array antennas dip in formation to observe a target in the southwest sky. Radio telescopes can observe day or night.

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.