Open House showcases VLA to visitors

The National Science Foundation’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) hosted more than 800 visitors at the Very Large Array (VLA) Fall Open House on Saturday, October 12. The visitors -- who came from throughout New Mexico and the U.S. -- learned about radio astronomy and how the VLA works and the scientific discoveries it has made over more than four decades of operation. The event included guided tours, lectures, and hands-on science activities.

The free open house also gave visitors an early look at the future of radio astronomy, as they could view the prototype antenna for the Next Generation VLA (ngVLA), currently being assembled at the VLA site. The ngVLA is a 263-antenna array that will stretch across North America. The ngVLA will provide the world’s astronomers with greatly expanded research capabilities to help answer fundamental questions about the Universe. The prototype antenna will undergo extensive testing to ensure the design meets the scientific requirements.

“This time, our visitors could not only get a close-up view of the VLA’s giant, 230-ton antennas, but they also could see the start of the ngVLA, which will take radio astronomy into a new era,” said Barbara Gruber, NRAO’s Assistant Director for Education and Public Outreach.

Guided tours started every 30 minutes, and lectures by NRAO scientists and engineers covered the operations and science of the VLA and VLBA, plans for the ngVLA, and details on how radio astronomy antennas work. Hands-on activities for all ages included making jewelry using ultraviolet-sensitive beads, astronomy-themed sponge painting, and experiments making and launching straw rockets and paper airplanes. Socorro Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members assisted with the straw rockets and paper airplanes.

“These activities are not only fun but educational, and we enjoy teaching a little bit about aerospace technology,” said CAP Capt. Christine Kurtnaker, commander of the CAP’s Socorro Composite Squadron.

A set of telescopes allowed visitors to safely get excellent views of the Sun. These telescopes showed the large sunspot group that launched the outburst responsible for the recent dramatic auroral displays seen even as far south as New Mexico, including in Socorro. Special filters on these telescopes provided different ways of seeing solar details.

Visitors also could see the displays inside the VLA Visitor Center and watch the introductory video about the VLA, narrated by actress Jodie Foster. A temporary outdoor food court provided a variety of choices from food vendors, and the gift shop offered souvenirs, apparel, jewelry, books, and science-related toys.

The VLA is open to the public seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the gift shop is open Monday to Friday.

The VLA is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve Day (Dec. 31). Open Houses are held twice a year, in April and October.