For Scientists NEWS GALLERY TELESCOPES + TECH ▼ VISIT US ▼ LEARN ▼ EXPLORE ▼ GIVE RADIO ASTRONOMY IS: Imaging the Incredible Universe Radio astronomy is the study of celestial objects that give off radio waves. With radio astronomy, we study astronomical phenomena that are often invisible or hidden in other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Home Explore Explore Learn more about NRAO and radio astronomy through explorers, interactives, and other special features. Interferometry Explained Using this web application, explore how interferometry is used in radio astronomy. Move antennae to create your own array and run observation simulations. Cosmic Coloring Compositor Color different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum using multiwavelength images from space. Create your own background for your favorite device. Milky Way Explorer Check out our Milky Way Explorer, a guided trip through our spiral Galaxy and its neighborhood. You choose where to explore, and a radio astronomer talks to you about each stop. The VLA Explorer Welcome to central New Mexico where the National Radio Astronomy Observatory operates the world’s most versatile radio telescope, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. Here, we have put together a collection of exclusive video tours we call the VLA Explorer. ALMA Explorer Welcome to the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Here, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, along with its international partners, is building ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. Role Models Hear from folks who work at NRAO about the many paths we’ve taken to get here. You don’t have to be a scientist or engineer to be part of our exciting mission! NRAO Mission Control Want to know what we’re observing in real time? NRAO’s Mission Control shows the entire sky surrounding the earth with color-coded targets, marking the place on the sky where each telescope is pointing right now. Previous Radio sources are all around! Explore the Milky Way Galaxy The Milky Way Explorer a guided trip through our spiral Galaxy and its neighborhood. You choose where to explore, and a radio astronomer talks to you about each stop. Start Exploring Now! 1 2 3 Next Connect with NRAO The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the 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 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. News Gallery Telescopes + Tech Visit Us Learn Explore Give For Scientists About NRAO Ask an Astronomer Historical Archives ACEAP Media Use Social Media Policy NRAO Library Central Development Lab Technology Transfer Careers at NRAO NRAO Diversity Employee Services Visitor Code of Conduct Contact Us NRAO Headquarters 520 Edgemont Road Charlottesville, VA 22903 434-296-0211 More Information Here © 2021 The National Radio Astronomy Observatory