News Feature – Page 9 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

The Cold Case of Carbon Monoxide

Fifty years ago, astronomers discovered carbon monoxide in space. It allowed us to see dark regions of the universe, and helped us understand it more clearly.

Featured Video: Measuring the Expanding Universe

Join Melissa Hoffman of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory as she explains how astronomers are using new observations to answer a cosmic mystery.

Hollywood Comes to Socorro: Filming Contact at the VLA

Socorro, New Mexico, has a written history going back more than 400 years. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope is well known to professional and amateur astronomers around the world. However, millions of people undoubtedly first heard of Socorro and the VLA when Warner Brothers released the movie Contact in July of 1997.

NRAO Science Continues Despite the Virus

Something done routinely for decades — move VLA antennas into a new configuration — suddenly became challenging because of COVID-19. With careful planning and a lot of teamwork, the NRAO staff got the job done to keep the scientific research going.

Five Jansky Fellows Look to the Future of Radio Astronomy

A central mission of the NRAO is to nurture and inspire the next generation of radio astronomers. One way NRAO does this is through the Jansky Fellowship Program.

Featured Video: Viewing Active Galaxies

What does an active black hole look like? It depends on your point of view.

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.