Video

Planning Begins For Next Leap Forward in Research Capability

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) are launching a new initiative to design a next-generation radio telescope with scientific capabilities far beyond those provided by any existing or currently proposed observatory. Building on the success of one of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) flagship observatories, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), NRAO and AUI are beginning a two-year project to explore the science opportunities, design concepts, and technologies needed to construct a new class of radio telescope. This proposed array, consisting of more than 200 antennas, would extend across the desert southwest of the United States and into northern Mexico. Currently dubbed the next-generation Very Large Array, or ngVLA for short, the new research facility will be designed to provide the next leap forward in our understanding of planets, galaxies, black holes, and fundamental physics.

#WAWUA – ALMA and the Cold Interstellar Clouds

With colorful artwork and clever animations, these short videos delve into topics that explain the fundamentals of radio astronomy, including interferometry (why an array of antennas works as one telescope), astrochemistry (the molecules and elements found in space), the basics of light and the electromagnetic spectrum, the hidden features of the “cold” universe, and the origin and destiny of stardust.

Credit: María Corrêa-Mendes et al. – ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)

Episode 05 | Season 01

Planning Begins For Next Leap Forward in Research Capability

#WAWUA – ALMA and the Cold Interstellar Clouds

#WAWUA – ALMA is a Timemachine!

#WAWUA – We are Stardust!

#WAWUA – ALMA is State of the Art Technology

#WAWUA – ALMA Observes the Invisible Universe

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.