The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is thrilled to invite the public to the NSF Very Large Array (NSF VLA) Fall Open House on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Located about an hour east of Socorro, New Mexico, this free event offers an exciting opportunity for visitors to explore the iconic VLA and engage with leading scientists and engineers from the NSF NRAO.
The VLA Fall Open House promises a day filled with enriching experiences, including guided tours, captivating talks, educational activities, and a variety of local food trucks. Visitors will have the chance to interact with NSF NRAO staff, who will be on-site throughout the day to provide insights and answer questions about the NSF VLA and its groundbreaking research.
The event will feature engaging presentations by NSF NRAO staff speakers throughout the day:
11:00 AM – Unveiling the Universe: Explore the VLA & VLBA
Presented by Dr. Patricia Henning
Join Dr. Patricia Henning for a captivating presentation on the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). Discover how these cutting-edge instruments have revolutionized our understanding of the universe, from mapping distant galaxies to uncovering the mysteries of black holes. This session will highlight the groundbreaking research being conducted right here in New Mexico.
12:00 PM – Optics and Receivers on the VLA
Presented by Wes Grammer
Explore the fascinating world of cryogenic receivers and optics with Wes Grammer, a specialist in the technology that powers the Very Large Array (VLA). In this session, Wes will provide insight into the cutting-edge optics and receiver systems that enable the VLA to capture incredibly detailed data from distant objects in space. Learn about the advanced cryogenic techniques that play a critical role in enhancing the sensitivity of this world-renowned observatory.
1:00 PM – The Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA)
Presented by Rob Selina
Rob Selina will provide an exciting overview of the future of radio astronomy with the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA). Learn about the visionary technology behind this ambitious project and how it will build on the legacy of the VLA, offering unprecedented detail in exploring the cosmos and answering fundamental questions about the universe.
2:00 PM – Unveiling the Universe: Explore the VLA & VLBA
Presented by Dr. Patricia Henning
Dr. Patricia Henning returns for another deep dive into the world of radio astronomy, exploring the NSF VLA and NSF VLBA. In this session, attendees will learn how these powerful observatories have expanded our knowledge of the cosmos, including their key role in studying celestial phenomena that are invisible to the human eye.
3:00 PM – The Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA)
Presented by Rob Selina
Don’t miss Rob Selina’s second presentation on the ngVLA, the future of radio astronomy. This session will explore how the ngVLA will dramatically enhance our ability to observe the universe, with cutting-edge technology designed to capture high-resolution images of distant stars, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena, opening a new era of discovery.
Guided tours, led by NSF NRAO scientist and engineer volunteers, will be offered every half hour between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm, providing visitors with an immersive behind-the-scenes look at the NSF VLA’s operations and capabilities.
In addition to the educational programs, attendees can enjoy a variety of food options from local vendors, including:
Little Red Wagon
Cubish
Frying Saucer
For those interested in hands-on learning, we will have educational activities throughout the day, such as:
- Sponge paint galaxies – Create galaxies using glow-in-the-dark sponge paint, simulating the structure and distribution of stars in a galaxy. This activity highlights how astronomers use radio waves to map galaxies, revealing details that are invisible in other wavelengths of light.
- UV beads – bracelets and keychains- Astronomers study different wavelengths of light from stars and galaxies to learn about their temperature, composition, and age, which are invisible in visible light alone. Create bracelets and keychains using UV-sensitive beads that change color when exposed to sunlight, demonstrating the effects of ultraviolet radiation.
- Straw rockets – Design and launch straw rockets, learning about rocket motion and trajectory
- Telescopes – Safely observe the sun with a variety of telescopes
As the event takes place outdoors, attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and bring sunscreen and plenty of water. In the event of adverse weather conditions, activities will be moved indoors to the visitor’s center to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.
Admission to the VLA Spring Open House is free, but advance tickets are required. To secure your spot and learn more about the event, please visit the official event page at https://public.nrao.edu/event/very-large-array-open-house-fall-2024/
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of the NSF Very Large Array and engage with the world-renowned scientists driving groundbreaking discoveries in radio astronomy. We look forward to welcoming you to the VLA Spring Open House on October 12th!
About NRAO
The NRAO is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
NRAO Media Contact
Corrina C. Jaramillo Feldman
Public Information Officer – New Mexico
VLA, VLBA, ngVLA
Tel: +1 505-366-7267
cfeldman@nrao.edu
Event Details:
Date: October 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Very Large Array, Socorro, NM
Admission: Free (Advance tickets required)
Tickets can be found HERE: https://nraoepo.ticketapp.org/portal/product/37?_gl=1*1yyhmzg*_ga*MTY3NzUzMjYwMC4xNzE5OTQ0NDM0*_ga_2PHM2Y21WB*MTcyNzk4MjYyOC45LjEuMTcyNzk4MjY1NC4zNC4wLjA.
The event link can be found HERE: https://public.nrao.edu/event/very-large-array-open-house-fall-2024/
