For Scientists NEWS GALLERY TELESCOPES + TECH ▼ VISIT US ▼ LEARN ▼ EXPLORE ▼ GIVE Home The NRAO Enables Forefront Research Into the Invisible Universe The NRAO Enables Forefront Research Into the Invisible Universe Radio astronomy has profoundly broadened our understanding of our universe, enabling new discoveries, opening new celestial windows, revealing an otherwise invisible universe. 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 NRAO is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the terms of a cooperative agreement between the NSF and Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), a science management corporation. Our advisors and team members who participated in the collaborative “On the Spot Assessment” Program, funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The program’s aim is to advance new approaches in the design and development of STEM learning in informal environments. Astronomical observations at radio wavelengths allow scientists to address fundamental questions about our Universe such as: When and how did galaxies form in the early Universe? How do supermassive black holes form at the hearts of most galaxies? How are stars and planets born? Connect with NRAO Tweets by TheNRAO 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