National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)

Founded in 1956, The National Radio Astronomy Observatory provides radio telescope facilities for the international scientific community. It offers formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, media and the general public. The observatory is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the terms of a cooperative agreement between the NSF and Associated Universities (AUI), which is a science management corporation. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory maintains Robert C. Byrd Green Bank, Very Large Array and Very Long Baseline Array telescopes. Its technology center performs research and development that yields required instrumentation and processing advances. The observatory maintains the Green Bank Science Center, which coordinates interactive exhibitions, programs and activities related to science and technology. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory also organizes field trips and group tours.