Scheduled for April 18, the workshop offers participants the rare opportunity to capture stunning images of the cosmos from one of the world’s most remarkable and bespoke astronomical settings.
Recent News
NSF NRAO to Host Spring 2026 VLA Open House
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) invites the public to the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array (NSF VLA) for its annual Spring Open House on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ALMA Detects Extremely Abundant Alcohol in Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
New research reveals that 3I/ATLAS is packed with an unusually large amount of the organic molecule methanol – more than almost all known comets in our own solar system.
International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly
Every year, astronomers from all around the globe gather for a couple of weeks at the IAU General Assembly to discuss their discoveries and observations, and to exchange ideas and challenges facing astronomy. This year the assembly is taking place in Honolulu, Hawaii. I had the privilege to give opening remarks this past Tuesday. As I said in my remarks, “it is a great honor to represent the Obama Administration at this historic event.”
NSF is one of the world’s leading institutions in astronomy. For decades, NSF-funded researchers have been exploring the most intriguing mysteries of the heavens. We hope to continue doing so!


Great catching up with the National Solar Observatory (NSO) and NSF solar astronomy program officer Dave Boboltz. One of NSO’s major projects is the NSF-funded Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Haleakala, Hawaii. This telescope will provide new insights into solar phenomena, including solar storms. Photo credit: NSF

With the recent announcement about Breakthrough Listen, I enjoyed talking with National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Tony Beasley about how NSF-funded radio astronomy will play a key role. Photo credit: NSF

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope in Chile has the world’s largest digital camera. Photo credit: NSF

NSF booth at the assembly. I’m with Patricia Knezek, NSF deputy division director for the Division of Astronomical Sciences. Photo credit: NSF
Follow and engage in the online conversation using #IAU2015 and #NSFastronomy.
Recent News
Astrophotography Workshop Announced at Iconic Very Large Array
Scheduled for April 18, the workshop offers participants the rare opportunity to capture stunning images of the cosmos from one of the world’s most remarkable and bespoke astronomical settings.
NSF NRAO to Host Spring 2026 VLA Open House
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) invites the public to the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array (NSF VLA) for its annual Spring Open House on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ALMA Detects Extremely Abundant Alcohol in Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
New research reveals that 3I/ATLAS is packed with an unusually large amount of the organic molecule methanol – more than almost all known comets in our own solar system.