VLA Outage Information

The electrical infrastructure of much of the VLA site dates back to the original construction of the array in the 1970s. It has been clear for some time that this old equipment needed replacement, and the NSF, this year, approved a major upgrade to the electrical infrastructure of the VLA site. The work began on June 11th, coinciding with the move of the VLA antennas from their A-configuration locations to their D-configuration locations. It was scheduled to conclude on June 29th, with power restored to the site on that day. Observing, under restricted conditions, was expected to be initiated roughly one week after this, after checking out the antennas, receivers, and correlator.

However, equipment delivery delays and problems after installation have extended this schedule. We now expect power to be available at the VLA site on August 27th. Due to this delay, we do not expect to be actually observing science projects with the VLA until August 31st.

We apologize for this delay. Questions should be addressed to the NRAO Helpdesk under the VLA Scheduling department.

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. 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.