The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is thrilled to invite the public to the Very Large Array (VLA) Spring Open House event on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Located in 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 NRAO.
The VLA Spring Open House promises a day filled with enriching experiences, including guided tours, captivating talks, educational activities, and a variety of local food options. Visitors will have the chance to interact with NRAO staff, who will be on-site throughout the day to provide insights and answer questions about the VLA and its groundbreaking research.
The event will feature engaging presentations by NRAO staff speakers throughout the day:
– Dave Finley will delve into the fascinating History of VLA.
– Chris Carilli will enlighten attendees with a talk on ngVLA (next generation Very Large Array).
– Paul Demorest will share insights about nanoGRAV, an innovative research initiative.
Guided tours, led by 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 VLA’s operations and capabilities.
In addition to the educational programs, attendees can enjoy a variety of food options from local vendors, including:
The Wandering Scorpion https://roaminghunger.com/the-wandering-scorpion/
Red Wagon Coffee Truck https://www.facebook.com/RedWagonCoffeeCompany/
Rosie’s Burgers and More
Chavez Food Truck
For those interested in hands-on learning, educational activities such as sunspot observation, H-alpha telescope viewing, and solar bead crafts will be available, offering a unique and interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
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-spring-open-house-2024/.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of the 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 April 20th!
About NRAO
NRAO is a facility of the 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: April 20, 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/20?_gl=1*3d2rux*_ga*MTExNzUzNTEwNC4xNzA1NDMxMDg2*_ga_2PHM2Y21WB*MTcxMTYzMjU1OS40Ny4xLjE3MTE2MzI2NTQuMjkuMC4w
The event link can be found HERE: https://public.nrao.edu/event/very-large-array-spring-open-house-2024/
