Learning Resources

Essential Radio Astronomy

 Essential Radio Astronomy (ERA) is a one-semester course available on-line that is intended for astronomy graduate students and advanced undergraduates with backgrounds in astronomy, physics, or engineering. The goal of ERA is to foster the community of researchers using radio astronomy by attracting and training the most talented university students.

Synthesis Imaging Workshop

 The NRAO Synthesis Imaging Workshop comprises a series of lectures on aperture synthesis theory and techniques at a level appropriate for graduate students in astrophysics. Basic lectures on synthesis imaging, and advanced lectures on more specialized techniques, are included. Practical tutorials demonstrating data collection, calibration and imaging of ALMA and VLA data are also part of the workshop syllabus. The 2018 and 2026 lecture series are available on-line (2018) and here (2026).

The Synthesis Imaging Workshop occurs bi-annually, in even-numbered years, in Socorro. See the 21st Synthesis Imaging Workshop (2026) website for the most recent workshop, learning resources, and links to previous workshops.

Workshops and Community Day Events

 Lectures and tutorials presented at various NAASC community outreach events and VLA/VLBA community days and data reduction workshops.

Connect with NRAO

The NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory and NSF Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NSF NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NSF NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NSF 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. NSF NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The U.S. National Science Foundation (U.S. 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.