This partnership leverages JHU’s strengths in data science, artificial intelligence, and astrophysics, aligning with their investments in the Data Science and AI Institute and their leadership in multi-messenger astronomy. By combining the NSF NRAO’s expertise in radio astronomy with JHU’s cutting-edge computational resources, the collaboration will tackle the immense data processing and analysis challenges posed by the ngVLA and future astronomical surveys.
Recent News
NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory Collaborates with RIX Industries
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is excited to announce a collaboration with RIX Industries to explore innovative cryogenic cooling solutions for the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).
Lighting the Way: Cenca Bridge Wins Simons Foundation Funding for Expanding Astronomy Opportunities
The internationally recognized nonprofit organization Cenca Bridge has won $1.5 million, to be received over 5 years, from the Simons Foundation to support and expand their internships, mentorships and career development opportunities. The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory has provided administrative and leadership support in these efforts.
NRAO and GBO Saddened at Loss of Arecibo Telescope

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) are saddened by the announcement of the decommissioning of the Arecibo Telescope in Puerto Rico due to recent and devastating structural damage. See the National Science Foundation’s full release here.
The 305-meter Arecibo radio telescope has a long and distinguished history of landmark contributions to astronomy and planetary science and often has been a valued partner with NRAO telescopes and the Green Bank Telescope in research projects. Its loss will be a blow to science.
The staff and facilities of NRAO and GBO stand ready to assist in filling the gap that this loss will create, and offer our best wishes to our colleagues who are affected by this development.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can any NRAO facilities or the Green Bank Telescope replace the Arecibo Telescope?
While some instruments of the NRAO and GBO can perform some of the Arecibo Telescope’s functions, none will be a total replacement for its capabilities. The Arecibo Telescope is irreplaceable.
Does the NRAO or GBO support the NSF’s move to decommission the telescope?
We defer to the engineers’ reports evaluating the devastating damage done to the telescope’s infrastructure and threats to staff safety, as shared in the NSF’s release.
Will the NRAO or GBO be providing support to the staff displaced by this event?
We encourage AO staff displaced by this loss to consider any of our current open opportunities with the NRAO or GBO.
###
Media Contact:
Dave Finley, Public Information Officer
[email protected]
(505) 241-9210
###
This news article was originally published on the NRAO website on November 19, 2020.
Recent News
NRAO and Johns Hopkins University Launch ngVLA Partnership
This partnership leverages JHU’s strengths in data science, artificial intelligence, and astrophysics, aligning with their investments in the Data Science and AI Institute and their leadership in multi-messenger astronomy. By combining the NSF NRAO’s expertise in radio astronomy with JHU’s cutting-edge computational resources, the collaboration will tackle the immense data processing and analysis challenges posed by the ngVLA and future astronomical surveys.
NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory Collaborates with RIX Industries
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) is excited to announce a collaboration with RIX Industries to explore innovative cryogenic cooling solutions for the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).
Lighting the Way: Cenca Bridge Wins Simons Foundation Funding for Expanding Astronomy Opportunities
The internationally recognized nonprofit organization Cenca Bridge has won $1.5 million, to be received over 5 years, from the Simons Foundation to support and expand their internships, mentorships and career development opportunities. The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory has provided administrative and leadership support in these efforts.