Major Initiatives – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

The Next Generation Very Large Array – ngVLA

As part of the mandate to the Observatory, the NRAO is looking toward the long-range future of radio astronomy, engaging with the broad science and technical community to design the next generation of VLA.

VLASS

The Very Large Array will survey the entire sky visible taken from their location three times over the next seven years. The survey, VLASS, will provide unprecedented resolution with improved sensitivity and this data will flow directly into the archives to the community to mine for discoveries.

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.