Using the Very Large Array (NSF VLA), astronomers have revealed for the first time the huge flow of gas near a massive star in the making which allows its rapid growth.
Recent News
NSF NRAO Announces 2025 Jansky Fellows
The NRAO Jansky Fellowship Program is designed to support outstanding early-career scientists and engineers in conducting independent research related to the mission of the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO).
University of Florida and NSF NRAO Forge Path for Discovery
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) and the University of Florida (UF) have announced a dynamic new partnership to advance science education and public outreach at a future Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) antenna site in Florida.
$21 Million NSF Award Will Bring ngVLA Design to Life
Artist’s conception of the mtex design for the ngVLA prototype antenna. Credit: Sophia Dagnello, NRAO/AUI/NSF
The largest astronomical array in North America is one step closer to becoming a reality. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is pleased to announce that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a 3-year, $21 million grant to Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) to further the design of the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA). Said Tony Beasley, Director of NRAO, “Despite challenging economic times, this award demonstrates a strong commitment from the research community and the NSF to create astronomy’s next great instrument, and continue U.S. radio astronomy leadership. NRAO is committed to begin construction of the ngVLA later this decade.”
Late this summer, the NSF formally entered the ngVLA project into the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) design process at the Conceptual Design Phase. The NSF-led Conceptual Design Review (CDR) is expected next Spring and will be supported by this most recent award. While this does not yet represent a commitment to construct the telescope, the review signals the project’s strong scientific and technical promise and growing project readiness. The three MREFC reviews (Conceptual, Preliminary, and Final) will provide NSF with the critical information needed to consider adding ngVLA construction to a budget request later this decade.
The concept for the ngVLA was created in 2016, and the telescope was presented to the ASTRO2020 Decadal Survey in 2019. Delivery of the ngVLA prototype antenna to the VLA site is expected in summer 2024.
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation, operated under a cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
This news article was originally published on NRAO website on September 14, 2023.
Recent News
Unveiling the Birth Secrets of Massive Stars with the NSF NRAO Very Large Array
Using the Very Large Array (NSF VLA), astronomers have revealed for the first time the huge flow of gas near a massive star in the making which allows its rapid growth.
NSF NRAO Announces 2025 Jansky Fellows
The NRAO Jansky Fellowship Program is designed to support outstanding early-career scientists and engineers in conducting independent research related to the mission of the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO).
University of Florida and NSF NRAO Forge Path for Discovery
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) and the University of Florida (UF) have announced a dynamic new partnership to advance science education and public outreach at a future Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) antenna site in Florida.