Major Initiatives

Besides operating premier observatories for the astronomical community, NRAO has undertaken two major initiatives in service to the broader science community.

Affiliated Telescopes

These are some telescopes with which we have strong ties.

Historic Telescopes

For over 50 years, we have been building and running radio antennas of all shapes and sizes, sometimes hauling them around the countryside.

Telescope Technology

Interested in the technology and engineering that go into the telescopes themselves? Read about it here.

As Seen on TV!

Into Deepest Space: The Story of Alma

Enjoy this 52-minute public television documentary that reveals the motivations, struggles, and ultimate triumphs of the people designing and building the most elaborate ground-based astronomical observatory ever, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).

As Seen on TV!

Beyond The Visible: The Story of the Very Large Array

This 24-minute production explores the synergies of technology and human curiosity that power the world's most productive radio telescope. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster (star of the film "Contact," which was based on the novel by Carl Sagan and filmed at the VLA), the program depicts many of the people whose diverse efforts enable the VLA to be a cutting-edge resource for astronomers and humanity worldwide.