The next-generation Very Large Array: Engine of Discovery

This talk will briefly describe the plans, status, and science enabled by the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA), a versatile interferometric array envisaged to operate as a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, starting in the 2030s. Building on the superb observing conditions and existing infrastructure of the Very Large Array site, the ngVLA will deliver an order of magnitude improvement in sensitivity and angular resolution at frequencies spanning 1.2–116 GHz. The ngVLA will also expand U.S. Very Long Baseline Interferometry capabilities, replacing current Very Long Baseline Array antennas and infrastructure with ngVLA technology and additional stations on 1000 kilometer baselines. The ngVLA will be optimized for observations in the spectral region between the superb submillimeter performance of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, and the future Square Kilometer Array performance at decimeter and longer wavelengths. The ngVLA will open a vast swath of discovery space and will unveil the formation of Solar System analogs on terrestrial scales; probe the initial conditions for planetary systems and life with astrochemistry; chart the assembly, structure, and evolution of galaxies; use pulsars in the Galactic Center as fundamental tests of gravity; and witness the formation and evolution of stellar and supermassive black holes in this multi-messenger astronomy era.

Presented by: Eric J. Murphy, NRAO, ngVLA Project Scientist

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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.

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